ML19077A322
| ML19077A322 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/18/2019 |
| From: | Jack Cushing NRC/NRO/DLSE/RENVB |
| To: | |
| Cushing J | |
| References | |
| Download: ML19077A322 (10) | |
Text
Preparation for Advanced Reactors Environmental Reviews, Including Integration of NEPA Processes Jack Cushing, Senior Project Manager, Division of Licensing, Siting, and Environmental Analysis, NRC 1
Agenda What is the NRC doing to prepare for advanced reactor environmental reviews?
What can industry and applicants do to help the NRC prepare?
Advanced reactor differences that may affect environmental reviews Resource areas Purpose and Need for an EIS Pre-application Suggestions for improving NRCs environmental process 2
What is the NRC Doing to Prepare for Advanced Reactor Environmental Reviews?
Engaging with potential applicants Identifying issues for non-light water reactors Planning to develop interim staff guidance for micro-reactors Implementing lessons learned from previous environmental reviews Guidance on integrating other environmental laws into NEPA process Impacts of FAST-41/Executive Order 13807 on environmental review processes 3
What Can the Industry and Applicants do to Help the NRC Prepare?
Pre-application discussions with NRC and other Federal and State Agencies (as per FAST-41/Executive Order 13807)
Continue to engage the NRC on advanced reactor issues Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) guidance on pre-application NEI 10-7 Provide suggestions to NRC on ways to improve the environmental review process 4
Different Types, Sizes, and Uses for Advanced Reactors Affect Environmental Review Different types of reactor designs and sizes will affect the radiological sections of the review (e.g., postulated accidents, fuel cycle impacts)
Size - Guidance currently exists for large light water (LLWR) and small modular reactors Staff will be developing guidance for micro-reactors Micro-reactors use less resources If a specific resource is not used, then there is no need to evaluate impact(s) to that resource Evaluations should be appropriately scaled to the significance of the impacts 5
6 Fuel Cycle/RadWaste/
Accidents Radiation Protection Terrestrial Ecology Atmospheric Sciences Air Quality/Meteorology Climate & Climate Change Demographics/
Socioeconomics/
Environmental Justice Transportation/
Land Use Historic/
Cultural Resources Hydrologic Sciences (Surface and Groundwater)/
Water Use and Competition Aquatic Ecology Water Quality Non-Rad Human Health and Waste Economics (Benefits Assessment/
Need for Power)
Resource Areas Evaluated in EIS Alternative Sites/
Alternative Energy Sources/
Alternative Design Technologies
Evaluate Resources Based on Significance
- 10 CFR 51.45 (b)(1) Impacts shall be discussed in proportion to their significance.
- If resource shown on previous slide is not used then no need to evaluate that resource
- For example, if no wetlands impacted then no need to evaluate impacts to wetlands 7
Purpose and Need for Large Reactor:
Could be different for an advanced reactor with different alternatives Purpose and Need Applicants Proposed Action (COLA)
Reasonable Alternatives for Review No Action Alternative Alternative Sites Alternative System Designs Alternative Energy Sources Alternatives not requiring new generation Restart retired units; plant life extension; conservation /DSM; imported power Alternatives requiring new generation Coal and natural gas power generation plants Other Energy Alternatives Wind, solar, biomass, hydropower, etc.
Combination of alternative energy sources Combination of natural gas, hydropower, solar and wind, conservation, and DSM programs Need for Project Benefit 8
Pre-application is Important!
- Each project and site will be different - pre-application interactions with NRC can facilitate mutual understanding of these differences and potential impacts on EIS development
- EO 13807 requires coordination between the applicant and all federal agencies issuing permits
- Pre-application interactions will need to include these other agencies 9
Questions or Suggestions For Improving the NRCs Environmental Review Processes?
Jack Cushing, NRO/DLSE Ph: (301) 415-1424 Email: Jack.Cushing@nrc.gov 10