ML19302D485
| ML19302D485 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/15/2019 |
| From: | Jack Cushing, Mallecia Sutton NRC/NMSS/DREFS/ENRB |
| To: | |
| Jack Cushing 415-1424 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML19302D485 (8) | |
Text
Exploratory Process for Developing an Advanced Reactor GEIS Jack Cushing And Mallecia Sutton NRC November 15, 2019
2 Exploratory Process
Background
On June 25, 2019, Senators Barrasso and Senator Braun sent a letter to NRC Chairman (ADAMS Accession No. ML19176A444) requesting that the NRC initiate a process to develop a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for the construction and operation of advanced reactors.
In response, the NRC staff are initiating an exploratory process to gather information needed to develop a GEIS for the construction and operation of advanced reactors.
3 Purpose for a GEIS
- A GEIS defines and assesses the scope and impact of the environmental effects of construction and operation of advanced reactors.
- Identifies and assesses impacts that are expected to be generic.
- Defines the number and scope of environmental impact issues that need to be addressed in site-specific EISs.
4 Benefits of a GEIS
- Facilitates the deployment of new reactor technologies.
- Reduces administrative costs to applicants by accelerating and streamlining the environmental review process for advanced nuclear reactors.
- Avoids duplication of effort across EISs and focuses the applicants and NRCs resources on important environmental issues.
5 General Information Needs Siting
- Where would the reactor be located?
In or near a city or rural area?
Brownfield or greenfield site?
In an existing structure?
Co-located with existing power plant or other industrial facilities?
6 General Information Needs
- What is the size/dimension/power output level of the advanced reactor?
- What type of reactor are you proposing?
Will the reactor be constructed/assembled onsite or manufactured elsewhere for delivery and installation?
How much land would be required to construct and operate the reactor?
How many months is the construction period?
How many years will the reactor be in operation?
7 General Information Needs
- How many years can the reactor operate without replacement?
- How many construction and operation workers? (peak and annual average)
- How much construction and waste material? (list types of material and number of deliveries by truck, rail, and/or barge)
- What radiological and non-radiological constituents will be emitted or released from the reactor during operations? (airborne and liquid)
- How does the reactor refuel (and how often)?
8 Summary Report At the conclusion of exploratory process, NRC staff will assess the information collected, prepare a summary report by February 15, 2020, of the findings of the exploratory process and make a recommendation on whether to proceed with developing a GEIS.