ML19330B901
| ML19330B901 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/31/1980 |
| From: | David Harmon NRC OFFICE OF STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19330B902 | List: |
| References | |
| RTR-REGGD-3.046, TASK-FP-818-4, TASK-OS REGGD-03.XXX, REGGD-3.XXX, NUDOCS 8008070177 | |
| Download: ML19330B901 (42) | |
Text
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0FFICE OF STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT Division 3 E
DRAFT REGULATORY GUIDE AND VALUE/ IMPACT STATEMENT Task FP 818-4
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STANDARD FORMAT AND CONTENT OF LICENSE 4 APPLICATIONS, INCLUDINGENVIRONMENTALREPORTS,FORINSITl(yRANIUM4SOLUTIONEXTRACTION g QO T
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This regulatory guide and the associated value/ impact statement are being issued in draft form to involve i
the public in the early stages of the development of a regulatory position in this area. They have not received complete staff review and do not represent an official NRC staff position.
Public comments are being solicited on both drafts, the guide (including any implementation schedule) and the value/ impact statement. Comments on the value/ impact statement should be accompanied by supporting data. Comments on both drafts should be sent to the Secretary of the Commission, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555, Attention: Docketing and Service Branch, by SEP 3 0 1980 Requests for single copies of draf t guides (which may be reproduced) or for placement on an automatic distribution list for single copies of future draf t guides in specific divisions should be made in writing to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555, Attention: Director.
Divisfon of Technical information and Document Control.
08070/77
I IABLE DE CONIENIS page INIR0DUCIION.............................
v Chapter 1 PROPOSED ACIIVIIIES.....................
1 Chapter 2 SIIE CHARACIERISIICS....................
2 2.1 Site Location and Layout..................
2 2.2 Uses of Adjacent Lands and Waters..............
2 2.3 Population Distribution...................
3 2.4 Regional Historic, Archeological, Architectural, Scenic, Cultural, and Natural Landmarks..........
4
- 2. 5 Meteorology.........................
5 2.6 Hydrology..........................
6 2.6.1 Ground Water.....................
7 2.6.2 Surface Water.....................
7 2.7 Geology...........................
8 2.8 Seismology,.........................
8
- 2. 9 Ecology...........................
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2.10 Background Radiological Characteristics......
10 2.11 Background Nonradiological Characteristics..........
10 2.12 Other Environmental Eeatures.................
11 Chapter 3 DESCRIPIION OE PROPOSED EACILIIY...............
12 3.1 Solution Extraction Process and Equipment..........
12 3.2 Recovery Plant Equipment...................
13 3.3 Instrumentation.......................
13 Chapter 4 EEELVENI CONIROL SYSIEMS...................
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4.1 Gaseous...........................
14 4.2 Liquids and Solids......................
14 Chapter 5 OPERAIIONS..........................
15 5.1 Corporate Organization and Administrative Procedures.....
15 5.2 Management Control Program..................
15 5.3 Management Audit and Inspection Program...........
15 5.4 Qualifications...............
16 5.5 Iraining...........................
16 5.6 Security...........................
16 5.7 Radiation Safety Controls and Monitoring...........
16 iii 4
?
4 s
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
M 5.7.1 Effluent Control Techniques..............
17 5.7.2 External Radiation Exposure Monitoring Program.
17 5.7.3 Airborne Radiation Monitoring Program.........
17 5.7.4 Exposure Calculations.................
18 5.7.5 Bioassay Program...
18 5.7.6 Contamination Control Program...
18 5.7.7 Airborne Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Program.
18 5.7.8 Liquid Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Program.
19 Chapter 6 GROUND-WATER-QUALITY RESTORATION, SURFACE RECLAMATION, AND PLANT DECOMMISSIONING.................
20 Chapter 7 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS....................
22 7.1 Site Preparation and Construction.
22 7.2 Effects of Operations....................
23 7.3 Radiological Effects.....................
23 7.3.1 Exposure Pathways...................
24 7.3.2 Exposures from Water Pathways.............
24 7.3.3 Exposures from Air Pathways..............
24 7.3.4 Exposures from External Radiation...........
25 I
7.3.5 Total Human Exposures.................
25 7.3.6 Exposures to Flora and Fauna.............
25 7.a Nonradiological Effects...................
26 7.5 Effects of Accidents.....
26 7.5.1 Accidents Involving Radioactivity...........
26 7.5.2 Transportation Accidents...............
27 7.5.3 Other Accidents..............
27 7.6 Economic and Social Effects of Construction and Operation..
27 7.6.1 Benefits.......................
28 7.6.2 Costs.........................
29 7.6.3 Resources Committed...
30 Chapter 8 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION.............
31 Chapter 9 BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS....................
32 Chapter 10 ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVALS AND CONSULTATIONS..
33 Chapter 11 REFERENCES.
34 DRAFT VALUE/ IMPACT STATEMENT......................
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INTRODUCTION A Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) source material license is required under the provisions of Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 40, "00mestic Licensing of Source Material," to recover uranium by in situ solution extraction techniques (in situ leaching).
An applicant for a commercial-scale license or for the renewal or amendment of an existing license to receive, possess, and use source material is required to provide detailed information on the facil-ities, equipment, and procedures to be used and an environmental report that discusses the operation's impact on the health and safety of the public and on the environment.
This information is used by the Commission to determine whether the applicant's proposed activities will, among other things, result in undue risk to the health and safety of the public or adversely affect the environment.
General guidance for filing an application and an environmental report is provided in 40.31, " Applications for Specific Licenser," of 10 CFR Part 40 and in 10 CFR Part 51, " Licensing and Regulatory Policy and Procedures for Environmental Protection," respectively.
The purpose of this guide is to I
provide specific guidance on the format and content of an application, including an environments' report, for a commercial-scale in situ uranium solution extrac-tion facility license.
License applications for the research and development study of in situ uranium solution extraction are not addressed in this guide.
Applications for licenses authorizing such studies are treated in a similar but less comprehensive manner since such activities are not considered to be major Federal actions.
This guide is intended to provide instructive guidance.
It should not be considered as a substitute for a careful evaluation of a program proposed by an applicant.
Information not specifically discussed in this guide should be included in the application if it is a part of an applicant's proposed or existing health and safety or environmental protection program.
An incomplete application will result in processing delay and may result in the rejcetion of a license application.
Changes to existing licensed activities and conditions require the issuance of an appropriate license amendment.
An application for such an amendment should v
describe the proposed changes in detail, discuss the potential environmental and health and safety impacts, and conform to this Standard Format.
I Filing an Application The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (83 Stat. 852), implemented by Executive Order 11514 and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations of July 30, 1979 (44 FR 55978), requires all agencies of the Federal Government to prepare detailed environmental statements on proposals for !cgislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.
The principal objective of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is to build into the agency decisionmaking process an appropriate and careful consideration of the environmental impacts of the proposed actions.
10 CFR Part 51 sets forth the NRC licensing and regulatory policies and proce-dures for the preparation and processing of environmental impact statements and related documents in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
The provisions of paragraph 40.31(f) of 10 CFR Part 40 and of 10 CFR Part 51 require the submittal of both a license application (Form NRC-2) and a separate environmental report for activities requiring an NRC source material license, l
which include commercial-scale in situ uranium solution extraction operations.
In view of the nature of an in situ uranium solution extraction operation, where a major consideration of both an applicant's submittal and the staff's review is the assessment of environmental impacts of the proposed activity, it appears reasonable that an application and environmental report for a commercial-scale in situ uranium solution extraction license should consist of a single document (hereinafter.*eferred to as the application) containing the information discussed herein.
An application for a new commercial-scale license should be filed at least 12 months prior to planned construction for the proposed operation.
An applica-tion for a renewal of an existing license should be filed at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the existing license.
An application for an amendment to an existing license should be filed with sufficient lead time to permit a detailed assessment by the NRC staff and issuance of the required authorization before the proposed modification is scheduled to be implemented.
All applica-tions must be accompanied by a remittance in the full amount of the fee specified l
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in 9170.31 of 10 CFR Part 170, " Fees for Facilities and Materials Licenses and Othe. Regulatory Services Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, As Amended."'
Applications may be filed with the Director, Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C.
20555 or may be filed in person at the Commission's Offices at 1717 H Street NW.,
Washington, D.C., or 7915 Eastern Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland.
Section 51.40 of 10 CFR Part 51 requires an applicant for a license authorizing in situ uranium solution extraction to submit to the Director of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards 15 copies of the application described above.
The applicant is also required to retain an additional 85 copies of the application for distribution to Federal, State, and local authorities in accordance with written instructions issued by the Director of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards.
Commercial-scale in situ uranium solution extraction licenses are generally issued for 5 year periods and are renewable over the life of the project.
License renewal applications are processed in a manner similar to that used for new applications.
Operational experience, site-specific generated data, and proposed continuing activities are the primary factors considered by the NRC staff in processing renewal applications.
Presentation of Information The applicant should strive for clear, concise presentation of the informa-tion in the license application.
Erb subject should be treated in sufficient depth and with sufficient documentation
- to permit the Commission to independently evaluate the information presented.
Tables, line drawings, and photographs should be used wherever they contribute to the clarity and brevity of the application.
The number of significant figures stated in numerical data should a
Documentation as used in this guide means presentation of information, support-ing data, and statements and includes (1) references to published information, (2) citations from the applicant's experience, and (3) references to unpublished information developed by the applicant or the applicant's consultants.
State-ments not supported by documentation may be acceptable provided the applicant identifies them as such or as expressions of belief or judgment.
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reflect the accuracy of the data.
Descriptive and narrative passages should be brief and concise.
In cases whera test results to support conclusions are presented, the procedures, techniques, and equipment used to obtain the test data should be included.
Information previously submitted to the Commission may be incorporated into the application by reference.
Each reference should be clear and specific, i.e., the reference should indicate by document, date, page, and paragraph the information the applicant wishes to reference and how such information is pertinent.
Pertinent published information relating to a proposed site or facility and its surroundings should be referenced.
Where published information or assumptions may be essential to evaluate specific aspects of the proposed activities, they should be included in summary or verbatim form or as an appendix to the application.
An in situ uranium solution extraction operation may also be the site for other licensed activities.
A separate license will be required for a commercial-scale in situ uranium solution extraction project at mill sites.
Amendment of an existing license to include an in situ solution extraction activity will not be considered.
In preparing an application relating to in situ uranium solution extraction, the applicant should consider the cumulative or synergistic l
effects of directly associated activities.
All pages of the application should be numbered and dated.
Contents of an Application The application should contain the information specified in items 1 through 8 of Form NRC-2.
The information required in items 9 through 14 of Form NRC-2 should be incorporated into the various items identified in the chapters of this Standard Format that primarily address processing and environmental con-siderations.
The following environmental concerns must also be fully addressed in these chapters:
1.
The environmantal impact of the proposed action, 2.
Any adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided if the proposal were implemented, 3.
Alternativas to the proposed action, viii
4.
Ihe relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and I
5.
Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources involved in the proposed action it it were implemented.
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1.
PROPOSED ACIIVIIIES Ihis chapter of the application should summarize the overall proposed activities for which a license is requested in sufficient detail to permit the reviewer to obtain a basic understanding of the proposed activities and potential environmental impact.
Review of the chapters that follow can then be accomplished with better perspective and with recognition of their relative importance to the overall operations.
Ihe following subjects should be addressed:
the corporate entities involved; the location of the proposed activities; ore-body locations and U 0 content; proposed solution extraction method and recovery process; 38 operating plans, design throughput, anticipated annual U 03 8 production; estimated schedulesforconstruction,startup,anddurationofoperation;plansforproject waste management and disposal; plans for ground water quality restoration, decommissioning, and land reclamation; and surety arrangements covering eventual facility decommissioning, ground-water quality restoration, and site reclamation.
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2.
SIIE CHARACIERISTICS Ihis chapter should present the basic relevant information concerning those physical, biological, human, and social characteristics of the environs that might be affected by the proposed operations.
To the extent possible, the information presented should reflect observations and measurements made over a sufficient period of time to allow defensible conclusions to be reached.
2.1 Site Location and Layout Provide a map showing the site and its location with respect to State, county, and other political subdivisions.
On detailed maps, show the location of the proposed in situ uranium solution extraction operations; exclusion area boundaries and fences; applicant's property; adjacent properties, including water bodies, wooded areas, and farms; nearby settlements; and transportation links (railroads, highways, waterways).
indicate total acreage owned or leased by the applicant and that part occupied or modified by the proposed activity.
Also indicate other existing and proposed uses of applicant's property and the acreage devoted to these uses.
A contour map of the site should be supplied with elevation contours of an interval stitable to show significant variations
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of the site environs and drainage gradients.
Eor clarity, this infor ation should be supplied on separate maps.
2.2 Uses of Adjacent Lands and Waters Indicate, within an 8-km (5-mi) radius, the nature and extent of present and projected land use (e.g., agriculture, sanctuaries, hunting, grazing, industry, recreation, roads) and any recent trends of changes in population or industrial patterns.
Identify any other nuclear fuel cycle facilities located or proposed within an 80-km (50-mi) radius of the site.
Provide in tabular form for each of the 22-1/2-degree sectors centered on each of the 16 compass points, i.e., north, north-northeast, etc., the distances (to a distance of 8 km (5 mi)) from the center of the site to the following:
1.
Nearest residence.
2.
Nearest site boundary.
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Identify the location, nature, and amounts of present and projected surface and ground-water use (e.g., water supplies, irrigation, reservoirs, recreation, and transportation) within 8 km (5 mi) of the site and the present and projected population associated with each use point, where appropriate.
Data on both present and projected future water use(s) should be summarized and tabulated; users should be located on maps of legible scale.
Tabulations should include:
1.
Location:
Include symbols shown on maps identifying the location of water users.
Provide map coordinates if appropriate.
2.
Distances from proposed uranium solution extraction well fields.
3.
Withdrawal Rate:
Provide present and projected withdrawal rate for each water use.
Eor ground-water uses, indicate depth of wells, ground-water elevations, flow rates, flow directions, and drawdown, and characterize the uses by aquifers.
4.
Return Rates:
Provide present and projected return rates if appro-priate.
5.
Type of Water Use:
Provide the type of water use for each location, e.g., municipal, industrial, irrigation, stock and game watering.
6.
Source and Projection of Water-Use Estimates:
Where use rates are anticipated to change over the life of the project and beyond, indicate projec-tions and the source of the projection information.
Sources for such projections may be available from users or planning agencies at different levels of government.
7.
Abandoned Wells:
Furnish a tabulation of all abandoned wells and drill holes giving the location, depth, type of use, condition of closing, plugging procedure used, and date of completion for each well or drill hole within the site area and within 8 km (5 mi) of the site to the extent that such information is available in public records and from reasonable inspection of the area.
For items 3 and 4 above, if seasonal use varies significantly, indicate monthly values.
2.3 Population Distribution Population data presented should be based on the most recent census data.
On a map of suitable scale that identifies places of significant population grouping such as cities and towns within an 80-km (50-mi) radius, concentric I
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circles should be drawn, with the site at the center point, at distances of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, and 80 km.
The circles should be divided into 22-1/2-degree sectors with each sector centered on one of the 16 compass points, q
i.e., north, north-northeast, northeast, etc.
A table appropriately keyed to the map should provide the current residential population within each area and for census years through the anticipated life of the operation.
The table should provide separate and cumulative population totals for each sector and annular ring.
Distance to the nearest residence should be noted for each sector.
The basis for population projections should be' described.
Descriptive material should include tables giving significant population and visitor statistics of neighboring schools, plants, hospitals, sports facil-ities, residential areas, parks, etc., within 8 km (5 mi) of the solution extraction operations.
The material should also include appropriate available food production data in kg/yr for vegetables (by type and totals), meat (all types), and milk and any available future predictions by local governmental, industrial, or institutional organizations.
2.4 Regional Historic, Archeological, Architectural, Scenic, Cultural, and Natural Landmarks l
The application should include a brief discussion of the historic, scenic, archeological, architectural, cultural, and natural significance, if any, of the proposed site and nearby areas with specific attention to the site and nearby areas listed in the National Registry of Natural Landmarks and properties included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Registry of Natural Landmarks appears in the Federal Register (37 FR 1496).
The National Register of Historic Places is published annually in the Federal Register; additions are published in the Federal Register on the first Tuesday of each month.
General guidance on the treatment of historic, archeological, architectural, and cultural features can be obtained from the National Park Service publication entitled " Preparation of Environmental Statements:
Guidelines for Discussion of Cultural (Historic, Archeological, Architectural) Resources," August 1973.*
" Copies may be obtained from Chief Historian, Room 1226, National Park Service, 18th and C Streets NW., Washington, D.C. 20240.
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The application should identify those properties included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places located within the
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area of the proposed project.
The applicant should also consult with the appro-priate State Historic Preservation Officer (SHP0) concerning the identification of properties included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
The application should contain evidence of contact with the Historic Preservation Officer for the State involved.
A copy of the SHP0's comments concerning the effect of the facility on historic, archeological, architectural, and cultural resources should be included in the application.
State whether new roads, pipelines, and utilities for the proposed activity will pass through or near any area or location of known historic, scenic, cultural, natural, archeological, or architectural significance.
2.5 Meteorology This section should provide a description of the meteorological diffusion characteristics of the site and its surrounding area.
The description should be based on data collected on site or at nurby local meteorological stations.
Sufficient data should be included to permit independent evaluations and
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assessments of atmospheric diffusion characteristics.
The following data concerning site meteorology from meteorological measurements taken on site and at nearby representative stations should be provided:
1.
Joint frequency data a.
National Weather Service (NWS) station data (1)
Locations of all NWS stations within an 80-km (50-mi) radius (2) Available joint frequency distribution data by wind direction, wind speed, and stability class (3-dimensional numerical array)
(3) Period of record by month and year (4) Height of data measurement b.
Onsite meteorological data (1)
Locations and heights of instrumentation (2) Description of instrumentation (3) Minimum of 1 full year of onsite joint frequency distribution data broken down by wind direction, wind speed, and stability 5
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class (3 dimensional array) with a joint data recovery of 90 percent or more 2.
Miscellaneous data q
a.
Annual average mixing depth heights b.
Description (general) of regional climatology, particularly including frequencies and durations of extreme wind speeds 3.
Total precipitation and evaporation by month This information should be fully documented and substantiated as being representative of expected long-term conditions at and near the site.
The joint wind speed-stability-direction frequencies should be presented in tabular form, giving the frequencies as fractions when using 5 year NWS summaries or as the number of occurrences when using only 1 or 2 years of onsite data.
The data should be presented for each of the 16 compass directions, and the stability categories should be established to conform as closely as possible with those of Pasquill.
In addition, the annual average inversion height should be provided from other nearby weather stations.
Guidance on acceptable ansite meteorological measurements and data format is presented in Regulatory Guide 1.23, "Onsite Meteorological Programs."
In addition, this section should provide a discussion of general clima-tology, existing levels of air pollution, the relationship of the meteorologi-cal data gathered on a regional basis to local data, the impact of the local terrain and large lakes and other bodies of water on meteorological conditions in the area, and the occurrence of severe weather in the area and its effects.
Data on diurnal and monthly averages of temperature and humidity should also be provided.
2.6 Hydrology The effects of construction and operation on adjacent surface waters and ground waters and the effective control and monitoring of subsurface process fluids are of prime ireportance.
The applicant should describe in quantitative terms the physical, chemical, biological, radiological, and hydrological char-acteristics, the typical seasonal ranges and averages, and the historical extremes for surface-water bodies and aquifers associated with the proposed project. Water quality data should include measurements made at and in close proximity (within 200-400 feet) of the proposed in situ uranium solution extraction areas (well fields).
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2.6.1 Ground Water The hydrology of both regional and local ground-water systems should be described.
The description of the ground-water setting should include identifica-tion of the average thickness, lateral extent, general flow direction, average yield, and average potentiometric pressure of the regional or affected aquifers.
Within the local ground-water systems, all aquifers that may be affected by the proposed in situ uranium solution extraction operations should be identified.
The hydrologic properties of the local aquifers, including aquifer thickness, distribution of potentiometric levels, flow gradients, flow direction, flow velocity, directional permeabilities, transmissivities, storage coefficients, and porosities should be described in detail.
The confining beds between the ore zone (s) and other aquifers, including continuity of vertical permeabilities, horizontal oermeabilities, and other data sufficient for evaluation of the confining properties of the beds, should also be discussed.
A description of soil types and near-surface material, including hydrologic properties, should be presented in sufficient detail to permit evaluations of the effects of surface activities related to the proposed uranium extraction operations.
Con-clusions concerning the hydrologic characteristics of site aquifers, confining I
layers, and soil type should be based on well borings, pump tests, soil surveys, and results of other appropriate investigations.
Descriptions of local ground-water well uses, including well location, depth, screened intervals, yield, static water level, and preoperational water quantity e 3d, should be presented in the application.
The descriptions should be in sufficient detail to fully define the use of g,ound water in the project environs.
The preoperational water quality of all aquifers that might be affected by the proposed operations, as well as the changes expected in quality due to the solution extraction activities, should be described.
Data from pump tests, water quality measurements, and other tests should be furnished to substantiate hydrologic interpretations.
2.6 2 Surface Water Describe tht location, size, shape, and hydrologic characteristics and uses of surface-water bodies in the environs of the site.
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Include a description of upstream and downstream river control structures, and provide a topographic map showing the major hydrologic features.
Water quality analysis and flow rates from U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations in nearby environs should be obtained and included.
2.7 Geology A description of the geology of the site and establishment of the continuity of the geologic environs represented in the rocks at the site should be included in the application.
The discussion should note local and regional stratigraphy, structure, and tectonic history.
Comments should be made as appropriate on dips, faultino. fracturing, and continuity of geologic environments within the site and nr.arby regions.
Structural maps, cross sections, and geologic columns of the site and its environs should be included.
Conclusions concerning the geology should be based on well borings, geophysical surveys, remote-sensing measurements, and the results of other appropriate investigations.
Geologic logs, geophysical logs, and other data should be furnished in an appendix.
Proprietary data should be so designated and kept separate from the remainder of the application.
An inventory of economically important minerals and energy-related deposits, in addition to the uranium ore, should be included in the discussion.
Any unique minerals (including those that might be affected by fluid movement associated with the proposed project such as bentonites) or paleontological deposits of particular scientific interest should also be identified.
Any effect that planned operations might have on the future availability of other mineral resources should be noted.
2.8 Seismology Discuss the seismicity (including its history) of the region.
Where possible,, associate seismic events with tectonic features identified in the geology discussion.
Furnish a regional earthquake epicenter map showing site location.
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2.9 Ecology In this section, the applicant should describe the flora and fauna in the vicinity of the site, their habitats, and their distribution.
This inventory should identify species that may require specific attention because of their importance to the community.
A species is "important" (for the purposes of this guide) if a specific causal link can be identified between the facility and the species and if one or more of the following criteria applies:
(1) the species is commercially or recreationally valuable, (2) the species is threatened or endangered,* (3) the species affects the well-being of some important species within criterion (1) or (2), or (4) the species is critical to the structure and function of the ecological system or is a biological indicator of radio-nuclides or chemical pollutants in the environment.
The inventory should establish the identity of the majority of the terrestrial and aquatic organisms on or near the site and their relative (qualitative) abundance.
The applicant should identify the "important" species from this list and discuss in detail their quantitative abundance.
This discussion should include species that migrate through the area or use it for breeding grounds.
Special attention should be given to the relative importance of the proposed site environs to the total regional area for the living resources (potential or exploited).
The applicant should provide data on the count and distribution of important domestic fauna, in particular, cattle, sheep, and other meat animals that may be involved in the exposure of man to radionuclides.
Important game animals should receive similar treatment.
A map showing the distribution of the principal plant communities should be provided.
The discussion of species-environment relationships should include descrip-tions of area usage (e.g., habitat, breeding) for important species; life histories of important regional animals and aquatic organisms, their normal seasonal popula-tion fluctuations, and their habitat requirements; and identification of food A In the writing and reviewing of environmental reports, specific consideration should be given to possible impact on any species (or its habitat) that has been determined to be endangered or threatened with endangerment by the Secretary of the Interior and the Setretary of Commerce.
New terminology defining
" endangered or threatened with endangerment" has been issued in Public Law 93-205, 87 Stat. 884.
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chains and other interspecies relationships, particularly when these are con-tributory to predictions or evaluations of the impact of the facility on the regional biota.
Any definable preexisting environmental stresses from sources such as pollutants, as well as pertinent ecological conditions suggestive of such stresses, should be identified.
The status of ecological succession should be described.
Discussion should include the histories of any infestations, epidemics, or catastrophes (caused by natural phenomena) that have had a significant impact on regional biota.
The information should be presented in two separate subsections:
" Terrestrial Ecology" and " Aquatic Ecology." The sources of information should be identified.
As part of this identification, a list of pertinent published material dealing with the ecology of the region should be presented.
All ecological or biological studies of the site or its environs currently in progress or planned should be referenced and described.
2.10 Background Radiological Characteristics Report regional radiological data, including both natural background radia-tion levels and results of measurements of concentrations of radioactive materials I
occurring in important biota, in soil and rocks, in air, and in regional surface water and loc.al ground waters that could be affected by the proposed activities.
These data, whether determined during the applicant's preoperational surveillance program or obtained from other sources, should be referenced.
2.11 Background Nonradiological Characteristics Regional nonradiological characteristics, particularly those that are related to expected site-related effluents, should be reported.
Data should include such parameters as heavy metals and other potentially toxic substances in surface and subsurface waters, atmospheric pollutants, dusts, etc., that could affect water or air quality.
Other regional sources of these same ma!.erials should be noted along with a discussion of the possible incremental contribution to the existing levels found at the site.
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2.12 Other Environmental Features Some relevant information on the environs may not clearly fall within the scope of the preceding topics.
Additional information may be required with respect to some environmental features in order to reflect the value of the site and site environs to important segments of the population.
Such information should be included here.
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3.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED FACILITY The in situ uranium solution extraction operation should be described in this chapter.
Since environmental effects are of primary concern, the combined effects of extraction effluents and related systems that interact with the environment should be described in sufficient detail to permit an independent evaluation by the NRC of the. proposed project.
3.1 Solution Extraction Process and Equipment The entire in situ solution extraction process should be described in suffi-cient detail to permit evaluation of all operations and processes involved.
This description would include data about the ore bodies, the feasibility of processing defined well-field areas, procedures to ensure that well installations will not re: ult in hydraulic communication between production zones and overlying or underlying aquifers, how wells and ponds will be completed, injection /
production rates and pressures, proposed operating plans and schedules, details
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of the proposed uranium recovery facility and its operation, plant material balances and flow rates, and major constituents of the gaseous, liquid, and solid wastes and effluents that will be generated in the process.
The following should also be provided:
1.
A map or maps showing the proposed sequence and schedules for the in situ uranium solution extraction well-field areas and well-field ground-water quality restoration operations.
2.
A flow diagram of the process and/or circuit.
3.
A material balance diagram.
4.
A description of any chemical recycle systems.
5.
A water balance diagram for the entire system.
6.
A map or maps showing the proposed sequence and schedules for land reclamation of the well-field areas.
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3.2 Recovery Plant Equipment A physical description and operating characteristics for the proposed major items of process equipment should be provided.
A diagram of the proposed plant layout, indicating areas and points where dusts, fumes, or gases would be generated, should be included.
The diagram should also show the locations of all ventilation, filtration, confinement, and dust collection systems, as well as the location of the radiation monitoring equipment identified in Chapters 4, " Effluent Control Systems," and 5, " Operations."
3.3 Instrumentation A description of proposed process instrumentation and control systems relevant to safety and radiation safety sampling and monitoring instrumenta-tion, including their minimum specifications and operating characteristics, should be provided.
Sufficient information should be included to permit an evaluation of the interrelationship between instrumentation systems and the operations or processes to be controlled or monitored.
13
4 4.
EFFLUENT CONTROL SYSTEMS 4.1 Gaseous Provide a description of all proposed ventilation, filtration, and confine-ment systems that are to be used during operations to control the release of radioactive materials to the atmosphere.
Include an analysis of equipment as designed and operated to prevent radiation exposures to employees and to limit such exposures to as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA).
Also include a physical description of discharge stacks, types and estimated composition and flow rates of atmospheric effluents, and proposed methods for controlling such release levels ALARA.
4.2 Liquids and Solids To the extent that information is not provided in Section 3.1, provide a realistic estimate of the quantities and composition of all waste residues expected, I
along with proposed procedures for their management. Where retention systems such as levees, dikes, and ponds are to be used to prevent the release of liquid or solid wastes containing radioactive material to offsite areas, provide.the information specified in Regulatory Guide 3.11, " Design, Construction, and Inspection of Embankment Retention Systems for Uranium Mills." Also provide descriptions and design details for all temporary and permanent surface-water diversion facilities.
Describe contingency plans to mitigate any environmental impact in the event that leakage occurs from impoundments containing potentially harmful materials.
I 14
5.
OPERATIONS Compliance with the statements, representations, and procedures provided in this chapter will normally be made a specific condition of the NRC source material license.
Thus, the following should be considered as specific commit-ments on the part of the applicant for conducting operations and radiological protection programs.
In addition, the bases for all programs addressed in this chapter, as well as the demonstration of their adequacy, should be provided.
5.1 Corporate Organization and Administrative Procedures Provide a detailed description of the applicant's proposed organization, including authority and responsibility of each level of management and supervi-sion with regard to development, review, approval, implementation, and adherence to operating procedures, radiation safety programs, routine and nonroutine l
maintenance activities, and changes in any of the above.
5.2 Management Control Program Describe the proposed management control program and administrative proce-dures to ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with written operating procedures that will be approved and reviewed at specified frequencies by the radiation safety staff.
This program should provide a method for ensuring that any nonroutine work or maintenance activity not covered by an effective operating procedure will be conducted in accordance with a special work permit reviewed and approved by the radiation scfety staff.
5.3 Management Audit and Inspection Program Describe the proposed management audit and internal inspection program, including frequencies and types and scoper of reviews and inspections, action levels, and corrective action measures with regard to the foregoing activities.
Also identify by management position the person responsible for etc.h phase of the audit and inspection program.
15
+
5.4 Qualifications i
Provide a description of the minimum qualifications and experience required for personnel holding positions in the applicant's proposed organization who will be assigned the respr>nsibility for developing, conducting, and administering the radiation safety program.
Also provide in an appendix the qualifications of the persons currently proposed for these positions.
5.5 Training Provide a description of the proposed employee radiological protection training program, including the content of the initial training or indoctrination, testing, on-the-job training, and extent and frequency of retraining.
In an appendix, provide a copy of the proposed written radiological safety instructions to be provided to employees.
These instructions should include provisions for personal hygiene (including washing), for contamination surveying prior to eating or leaving the operating area, for wearing personnel monitoring devices and respirators, for good housekeeping requirements, for cleaning up spills within the site boundary, and for eme r cy action in the event of accidents.
5.6 Security j
Provide a description of the proposed method for preventing unauthorized entry into the controlled area.
5.7 Radiation Safety Controls and Monitoring Paragraph 20.1(c) of 10 CFR Part 20 states that "... persons engaged in activities under licenses issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 should, in addition to complying with the requirementa set forth in this part, make every reasonable effort to maintain radiation exposures, and releases of radioactive materials in effluents to unrestricted areas, as low as is reasonably achievable."
Regulatory Gu,ide 8.10, " Operating Philosophy for Maintaining Occupational Radiation Exposures As Low As Is Reasonably Achievable," provides the NRC staff position on this important subject.
License 16
applicants should give consideration to the ALARA philosophy, as described in g
Regulatory Guide 8.10, in the development of plans for work with licensed radio-F active materials.
Ihe following descriptive material should be provided:
5.7.1 Effluent Control lechniques Describe the proposed systems and procedures designed to minimize in plant and environmental emissions at each step of the process where releases might Include descriptions of the contingency plans to be implemented in the occur.
event of equipment failures or spills.
- 5. 7. 2 External Radiation Exposure Monitoring Program Describe the proposed methods, instrumentation, and equipment for deter-mining exposures of employees to external radiation during routine and nonrou-tine operations, maintenance, and cleanup attivities.
Also describe the type of surveys to be conducted, criteria for determining survey locations, frequency of surveys, action levels, management audits, and corrective action requirements.
Eor personnel monitoring devices such as film badges, indicate the number and I
category of personnel involved in the program and the sensitivity and range of the devices.
Eor survey instruments, provide instrumer, sensitivities, ranges, calibration methods (in an appendix), and frequency of calibration.
5.1.3 Airborne Radiation Monitoring Program Describe the proposed sampling program to determine concentrations of airborne radioactive materials (including radon) during routine and nonroutine operations, maintenance, and cleanup activities.
In the description of the sampling program, include:
1.
Ihe criteria for determining sampling locations with respect to process operations and personnel occupancy; and 2.
Ihe frequency of sampling, type of analyses, sensitivity of overall sampling and analyses, action levels, management audits, corrective action requirements, and instrementation calibration frequency.
Procedures for sample analyses and instrument calibration should be included in an appendix.
17
5.7.4 Exposure Calculations
)
Describe the proposed procedure, in conformance with g20.103 of 10 CER Part 20, to determine the intake of radioactive materials by personnel in work areas where airborne radioactive materials could exist.
Include those exposures incurred during nonroutine operations, maintenance, and cleanup activities as well as during routine activities.
5.7.5 Bioassay Program Describe the proposed bioassay program to confirm the results derived from the programs identified in Sections 5.7.3 and 5 7.4.
Indicate the number and category of personnel involved in the program, the types and frequencies of bioassays performed, and action level criteria to be applied to bioassay results.
5.1. 6 Contamination Control Program Describe the proposed occupational radiation survey program to determine that employees (plus their workclothes or coveralls, etc.) entering clean areas (lunchrooms, offices, etc.) or leaving the site are not contaminated with radio-active materials.
Ihe description should include proposed housekeeping and cleanup requirements and specifications in process areas to control contamination; trequency ot surveys of clean areas; survey methods; and minimum sensitivity, range, and calibration frequency of survey equipment.
Provide proposed contamina-tion criteria or action levels for clean areas and for the release of materials, equipment, and workclothes to clean areas or from the site.
Procedures for instrumert calibration should be included in an appendix.
- 5. 7. 7 Airborne Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Program
- Describe in detail the proposed efflueni monitoring program, including methods and procedures for measuring concentrations and quantities of airborne A
40 CER Chapter 1, Part 190, and Regulatory Guide 4.14, " Radiological Effluent and Environmental Monitoring at Uranium Mills," should be reviewed in connection with this section.
18 l
radioactive materials released to the environs.
Ihe description of the proposed environmental monitoring program should include the technical basis used to determine environmental concentrations.
Eor both effluent and environmental monitoring, the frequency of sampling and analysis, the types and sensitivity of analysis, action levels and corrective action reauirements, and the minimum number and criteria for locating effluent and environmental monitoring stations should be provided.
Proposed locations should be indicated on a layout of the site and surrounding area.
- 5. 7. 8 Liquid Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Program
- Describe the liquid effluent monitoring program to determine if process effluents are in hydrologic communication with subterranean or surface-water supplies.
Ihis description should include the technical basis, the minimum number of monitoring stations, the criteria for locating sampling stations, the frequency of sampling, and action levels and corrective action requirements.
Provide the ' procedures for sample analyses of natural uranium, radium-226, and thorium-230 in an appendix.
^40 CER Chapter 1, Part 190, and Regulatory Guide 4.14, " Radiological Effluent and Environmental Monitoring at Uranium Mills," should be reviewed in connection with this section.
i 19 L
6.
GROUND-WAIER-QUALIIY RESIORAI;ON, SUREACE RECLAMAIION, AND PLANI DECOMMISSIONING Ihe applicant should describe in detail proposed plans for ground-water-quality restoration, surface reclamation, and plant decommissioning.
Detailed discussions should be provided for the following:
1.
Plans and schedule (s) for ground water quality restoration, including a.
An estimate of the quantities and concentrations of those chemic that may persist in leached-out well-field production zones after termination of in situ extraction operations and prior to restoration activities; b.
A description of proposed methods and techniques to be used to achieve ground-water quality restoration, including identification of in situ chemical reactions that may hinder or enhance restoration.
Ihe applicant shoul provide an analysis of the methods and techniques to be used to achieve restora tion in terms of fluids to be used during restoration and the hydraulic and geochemical properties of the receiving stratum; A description of the expected postreclamation conditions and c.
quality of restored ground waters, compared with the preoperational land and water quality characteristics; d.
An assessment of the proposed water quality restoration operatic with respect to adversely affecting ground waters outside production zones; anc Ihe procedures to be used for plugging, sealing, capping, and e.
abandoning of all wells associated with the in situ solution extraction operations.
2.
Plans and schedule (s) for reclaiming disturbed lands, including; A contour map showing the approximate postreclamation surface a.
contours for affected lands and immediate surrounding area (s);
b.
Procedures for the reclamation of any temporary diversion ditcht and impoundments; Procedures for reestablishing any surface drainage that may be c.
disrupted by the solution extraction operations; d.
Procedures for mitigating or contro))ing the effects of any subsidence; and 20
Procedures for ground surface preparation, depth of topsoil e.
}
rGplacement and revegetation plans, erosion control and water conservation practices, and proposed postoperational land use.
3.
Procedures for removing and disposing of structures used in conjunction with the in situ solution extraction operations, including procedures for managing all toxic and radioactive materials.
In the discussion pertaining to the disposal of wastes produced by in situ solution extraction operations, procedures for complying with criterion 1 (i.e., removal and disposal of byproduct material at an existing uranium mill tailings disposal site) of proposed Appendix A to 10 CER Part 40 (44 ER 50015) should be included.
4.
Procedures for conducting postreclamation and decommissioning radio-logical surveys to ensure that sufficient potential radioactive contamination has been removed from the site to permit its release for unrestricted use, include plans for postoperational ground-water monitoring, if appropriate, to ensure that restored water quality is stabilized.
5.
Einancial arrangements to be made to ensure that adequate funds will be available for the ground-water quality restoration, facility decommissioning, land reclamation, and radiological monitoring described above.
Such arrangements should be based on a financial assessment of estimated costs, which should also be described.
21
7.
ENVIRONMENTAL EEFECTS The construction of facilities and well drilling will inevitably affect the environment; some of the effects may be adverse and others beneficial.
Effects are considered adverse if environmental change or stress causes a valuable or otherwise important biotic population or natural resource to be less safe, less healthy, less abundant, less productive, less esthetic 11y or culturally pleasing; if the change or stress reduces the diversity and variety of individual choice, the standard of living, or the extent of sharing of life's amenities; or if the change or stress tends to lower the quality of renewable resources or to impair the recycling of depletable resources.
The applicant's discussion of adverse environmental effects should distinguish between those that are considered unavoidable and subject to later amelioration and those that are regarded as unavoidable and irreversible.
Those effects representing an irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources should receive detailed consideration.
(In the context of this discussion,
" irretrievable commitment of resources" refers to natural resources and means their permanent impairment, e.g., loss of wildlife habitat; destruction of nesting, breeding, or nursing areas; interference with migratory routes; loss I
of valuable or esthetically treasured natural areas; and expenditure of directly used resources.)
7.1 Site Preparation and Construction The applicant should organize the discussion in terms of the effects of site preparation and construction on both land use and water use.
The applicant should consider the consequences to both human and wildlife populations and indicate which are unavoidable, irreversible, etc., according to the categoriza-tion set forth above.
A description of how construction activities may disturb the existing terrain and wildlife habitats should be included in tha land-use discussion.
Consider the effects of such activities as building temporary or permanent roads, bridges, or service lines; disposing of trash; excavating; and land filling.
Provide information bearing on such questions as how much land will be disturbed, 22 m
for how long, will there be dust or smoke problems, and what explosives will be used, where, and how often.
Indicate proximity of human populations, and I
identify undesirable impacts on their environment arising from noise, disruption of stock grazing patterns, inconvenience due to the movement of men, material, and machines, including activities associated with any provision of housing, transportation, and educational facilities for workers and their families.
Describe any expected changes in accessibility of historic and archeological sites in the region.
Discuss measures designed to mitigate or reverse undesirable effects such as erosion control, dust stabilization, landscape restoration, control oi truck traffic, and restoration of affected habitats.
The discussion should also include any effects of site preparation and construction activities the consequences of which may be beneficial to the region.
The discussion of water use should describe the impact of site prepara-tion and construction activities on area water sources.
The applicant should describe the effects of these activities on fish and wildlife resources, water quality, water supply, esthetics, etc., as applicable.
Describe measures to mitigate undesirable effects such as pollution control and other procedures for habitat improvement.
7.2 Effects of Operations The impacts of operation of the proposed activity should be, to the fullest extent practicable, quantified and systematically presented in this section.
In the discussion of each impact, the applicant should make clear whether the supporting evidence is based on theoretical, laboratory, onsite, or field studies undertaken for this or for previous operations.
The source of each impact (the plant subsystem, waste effluent) and the population or resource affected should be made clear in each case.
The impacts should be distinguished in terms of their effects on surface-water bodies, ground water, air, land, land use, ecological systems, and important plants and animals, etc.
- 7. 3 Radiological Effects In this section, the applicant should consider the radiological effects of operations on man.
Estimates of the radiological impact on man via various exposure pathways should be provided.
23
7.3.1 Exposure Pathways The various possible pathways for radiation exposure of man should be identified and described in textual and flow-chart format.
Discuss any exposure pathways, if they exist, involving radionuclide accumulation in specific components of the environment.
7.3.2 Exposures from Water Pathways Estimate the expected annual average concentrations of radioactive nuclides in receiving water at locations where water is consumed or is otherwise used by human beings or where it is inhabited by biota of significance to human food chains.
Specify the dilution factors used in preparing the estimates and the l
locations wnere the dilution factors are applicable.
Consideration should be given to the absence of mixing and dilution because of factors such as channeling.
Estimate the expected radionuclide concentrations in aquatic and terrestrial organisms.significant to human food chains.
Use bioaccumulation factors as necessary.
Using the above information and any other necessary supporting data, calculate the total annual body and significant organ doses (in millirems) to individuals in the population from all receiving-water-related exposure pathways, i.e.,
all sources of internal and external exposure.
Provide an appendix describing details of the models and assumptions used in these calculations.
7.3.3 Exposures from Air Pathways From release rates of airborne radioactivity and meteorological data, estimate total annual body and significant organ doses (in millirems) to individuals exposed at the point of maximum ground-level concentrations off site, individuals exposed at the site boundary in the direction of the prevailing wind, individuals exposed at the site boundary nearest to the sources of emission, and individuals exposed at the nearest residence in the direction of prevailing wind.
Assume annual average meteorological conditions.
Identify locations of points of release (e.g., stack, roof vent) used in calculations.
/
(
24
Estimate deposition of radioactive materials on food crops and pasture grass.
Estimate total annual body doses (in millirems) and significant annual doses received by other organs via such potential pathways.
Provide an appendix describing the models used in these calculations.
7.3.4 Exposures from External Radiation The applicant should provide an estimate of the maximum annual external dose (in millirems) that would be received by an individual from direct radiation at the nearest site boundary.
7.3.5 Total Human Exposures The applicant should provide estimates of the maximum annual doses (in milli-rems) that could be received via all pathways described above by an individual at the site boundary and at the nearest residence.
The applicant should also present a table that summarizes the estimated radiation dose to the regional population (within 80 km) from the uranium g
recovery plant and well-field-related sources using values calculated in previous y
sections.
The tabulation should include (1) the total annual dose (man-rems) to the population from all water-related pathways and (2) the total annual dose (man-rems) to the population attributable to airborne effluents.
7.3.6 Exposures to Flora and Fauna From considerations of tha exposure pathways and the distribution of radio-activity released into the eavirons, the applicant should estimate the maximum radionuclide concentrations that may be present in imortant local flora and local and migratory fauna.
Values of bioaccumulation factors used in preparing the estimates should be based on site-specific data if available; otherwise, values from the literature may be used.
The applicant should tabulate and reference the values of bicaccumulation factors used in the calculations.
25
- 7. 4 Nonradiological Effects In this section, the specific concentrations of nonradioactive wastes in effluents at the points of discharge should be compared with natural ambient concentrations without the discharge and should also be compared with applicable standards.
The projected effects of the effluents for both acute and chronic exposure of the biota (including any long-term buildup in soils and sediments and in the biota) should be identified and discussed.
Dilution and mixing of discharges into the receiving environs should be discussed in detail, and estimates of concentrations at various distances from the point of discharge should be provided.
The effects on terrestrial and aquatic environments from chemical wastes that contaminate ground water should be included.
The applicant should also discuss any potential effects of the proposed operation that do not clearly fall under any specific topic delineated above.
These may include changes in land and water use at the project site; sanitary and other recovery plant waste systems; interaction of the facility with other existing or projected neighboring facilities; effects of ground-water withdrawal on ground-water resources in the vicinity of the well field (s) and recovery plant (s); effects of construction and operation of roads, transmission corridors, railroads, etc.; effects of changes in surface-water availability on biotic l
populations; and disposal of solid and liquid wastes other than those already discussed.
7.5 Effects of Accideny The applicant should discuss the environmental effects of possible acci-dents that may occur, whether or not those accidents may produce an impact on the site or its environs.
Analyses should be based on relevant experience and accident statistics from similar operating facilities.
Accidents due to both human causes and natural phenomena should be addressed.
7.5.1 Accidents Involving Radioactivity The applicant should provide realistic analyses of accidents involving radio-activity for a spectrum of accidents that might occur ranging in severity from
]
trivial (essentially no release of radioactivity to the environment) to large 26 i
o relcas:s.
Each class within the spectrum should be characterized by an occurrence rate or probability and its potential consequences, if any.
Examples of accidents resulting in large releases would be an undetected lixiviant excursion or the failure of a waste retention system resulting from an act of nature, faulty d: sign, or misoperation.
Examples of accidents resulting in small releases would be failure of a pumping circuit with ground surface lixiviant release or failure of the ventilation system serving the chemical makeup area.
An example of a trivial accident would be the malfunction of well-head equipment or the leakage of a vessel containing barren lixiviant solution.
Also describe measures to be taken to prevent accidents, and provide a discussion of proposed contingency plans to be implemented in the event that accidents occur.
7.5.2 Transportation Accidents The potential environmental effects from transportation accidents involving radioactive and other hazardous materials should be evaluated.
7.5.3 Other Accidents In addition to accidents that could release radioactivity to the environs,
)
there might be accidents that, although radioactive materials would not be involved, would have consequences that could affect the environment.
Such accidents as chemical explosions or fires, steam boiler failures, and leakage or rupture of vessels containing toxic materials could have significant environmental impacts.
These possible accidents and associated effects should be identified and evaluated.
7.6 Economic and Social Effects of Construction and Operation The purpose of this section is to provide guidance on the information needed to assess the economic and social effects of the proposed operations.
There are, of course, limitations on the extent to which the social and economic benefits and costs of a project can be evaluated.
The wide variety of benefits and costs are not only difficult to assess, but many are not amenable to quantification or even to estimation in commensurable units.
Some primary benefits such as the quantity of uranium recovered are, to a degree, measurable as are the capital costs and operating and maintenance costs of the proposed l
27
facility.
On th oth:r hand, numerous environm;ntal costs and their economic and social consequences are not readily quantified.
All potential significant social and economic benefits and costs should be addressed in the application and, to the extent possible, should be discussed in quantitative terms.
7.6.1 Benefits The primary benefits of the proposed facility are those inherent in the value of the uranium to be recovered and the kilowatt-hours of electricity the uranium represents.
{
There are other social and economic benefits that affect various political jurisdictions or interests to a greater or lesser degree.
Some of these reflect transfer payments or other values that may partially, if not fully, compensate for certain services as well as external or environmental costs, and this fact should be reflected in the designation of the benefit.
Some examples are:
Tax revenues to be received by local, State, and Federal governments.
o Temporary and permanent new jobs created and payroll (value-added o
concept).
Incremental increase in regional product.
o Enhancement of recreational values.
c
{
Environmental enhancement in support of the propagation or protection o
of wildlife and the improvement of wildlife habitats.
Creation and improvement of local roads, waterways, or other o
transportation facilities.
Increased knowledge of the environ. ment as a consequence of ecological o
research and evironmental monitoring activities associated with plant operation and technological improvements from the applicant's research programs.
The applicant should discuss significant benefits that may be realized from construction and operation of the proposed facility.
Where the benefits can be expressed in monetary terms, they should be discounted to present worth.
In each instance where a particular benefit is discussed, the applicant should indicate, to the extent practical, who is likely to be affected and for how long.
In the case of esthetic impacts that are difficult to quantify, the l
28
applicant should provide pict: rial drawings of structures or environmental modifications visible to the public.
7.6.2 Costs The economic and social costs resulting from the proposed operations are lik1 wise complex and need to be appraised.
The primary internal costs are (1) the capital costs of land acquisition and improvement, (2) the capital costs of facility construction, (3) other op; rating and maintenance costs, including license fees and taxes, (4) ground-water quality restoration, surface reclamation, and plant decommissioning; and (5) research and development costs, including postmonitoring associated with potential future improvements of operation and maintenance.
As in the case of benefits, the applicant should discount these costs to present worth.
There are also external costs.
Their effects on the interests of people need to be examined.
The applicant should supply, as applicable, an evalua-tion, including supporting data and rationale, regarding such external social and economic costs.
For each cost, the applicant should describe the probable number and location of the population group adversely affected, the estimated economic and social impact, and any special measures to be taken to alleviate th: impact.
Temporary external costs include shortages of i.ousing; inflationary rentals or prices; congestion of local streets and highways; noise and temporary esthetic c'isturbances; overloading of water supply and sewage treatment facilities; crowding of local schools, hospitals, or other public facilities; overtaxing of community services; and disruption of people's lives or of the local community caused by acquisition of land for the proposed site.
Long-term external costs include impairment of recreational values (e.g.,
reduced availability of desired species of wildlife and sport animals, restrictions on access to land or water areas preferred for recreational use); deterioration of esthetic and scenic values; restrictions on access to areas of scenic, historic, or cultural interest; degradation of areas having historic, cultural, natural, or archeological value; removal of land from present or contemplated alternative uses; reduction of regional products because of displacement of persons from the land proposed for the site; lost income from recreation or tourism that l
29
may b7 impair;d by environmental disturbances; lost income attributable to environmental degradation; decrease in real estate values in areas adjacent to the proposed facility; and increased costs to local governments for the services required by the permanently employed workers and their families.
In discussing the costs, the applicant should indicate to the extent practical who is likely to be affected and for how long.
7.6.3 Resources Committed Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources due to the operation should be discussed.
This discussion should include both direct commitments such as depletion of uranium resources and irreversible environ-i mental losses such as destruction of wildlife habitat.
In this discussion, the applicant should consider lost resources from the viewpoints of both relative impacts and long-term net effects.
As an example of relative impact assessment, the loss of a few animals of a given species could represent quite different degrees of significance, depending on the total population in the immediate region.
Such a loss in the case of a small local population, however, could be less serious if the same species were abundant in neighboring regions.
Similarly, the loss of a given area of highly desirable land should be evaluated in terms of the total amount of such land in the environs.
These relative assessments should accordingly include statements expressed in percentage terms in which the amount of expected resource loss is related to the total resource in the immediate region and in which the total in the immediate region is related to that in surrounding regions.
The latter should be specified l
in terms of areas and distances from the site.
30 l'
8.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION In this chapter, the applicant's choice of the particular extraction and recovery processes for the ore body must be supported through a comparative evaluation of available alternatives.
To the extent possible, the applicant should discuss realistic alternatives for the various processing stages.
The NRC will consider all those alternatives that may reduce or avoid significant adverse environmental, social, and economic effects expected to result from construction and operation of the proposed activity.
The NRC will not preselect the alternatives that should be considered by the applicant; rather, the applicant should make this determination for this specific case and should also make clear the bases and rationales for the choices in regard to number, availability, suitability, and factors limiting the range of alternatives that might avoid some or al) of the environmental effects identified in Chapter 7, " Environmental Effects."
In the discussion of waste management alternatives, consideration should be given to the following siting, design, and operational performance objectives developed by the staff in addition to the postreclamation performance objec-tives indicated in Chapter 6:
1.
Locate the liquid impoundment area (s) at sites remote from people in order to reduce potential exposures.
They should also be located at sites where disruption and dispersion by natural forces are eliminated or reduced to the maximum extent reasonably achievable.
2.
Design the impoundment area (s) so that seepage of toxic materials into the ground-water system would be eliminated or reduced to the maximum extent reasonably achievable.
31
9.
BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS l
In this chapter, the applicant's benefit cost statement should be summarized.
The presentation should be made in the form of a narrative with accompanying tables and charts.
It should clearly discuss the important benefits and costs of the proposed operations to justify the issuance of the license.
The applicant will have to develop criteria for assessing and comparing benefits and costs where these are expressed in nonmonetary or qualitative terms.
The rationales for the selection of process alternatives as well as subsystem alternatives should be presented.
In any case, the applicant should describe potential cumulative effects and should discuss in detail the tradeoffs that were made in order to warrant licensing of the proposed operation.
The rationale for omitting apparent benefits or costs from the applicant's analysis should be explained.
The applicant should key all the terms used in the benefit-cost analysis to the relevant sections of the application.
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32
I 10.
ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVALS AND CONSULTATIONS List all licenses, permits, and other approvals of construction and opera-tions required by Federal, State, local, and regional authorities for the protec-tion of the environment.* List those Federal and State approvals that have already been received, and indicate the status of pending approvals.
For general background, submit similar information regarding approvals, licenses, and contacts with local authorities.
Discuss the status of efforts to obtain a water quality certification under S:ction 401 and discharge permits under Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, if required.
If not already obtained, indicate when certification is expected.
If certification is not required, explain.
In view of the potential effects of the proposed operation on the economic development of the region in which it would be located, the applicant should also note the State, local, and regional planning authorities contacted or consulted.
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-95** identifies the State, metropolitan, and regional clearinghouse that should be contacted, as appropriate.
Cite meetings held with environmental and other citizen groups with references to specific instances of the applicant's compliance with citizen group recommendations.
- This list should be updated bimonthly when applications have been submitted but approvals have not as yet been received until final action is taken by the NRC.
u.Inquiries concerning this circular may be addressed to the Office of Management and Budget, Washington, D.C.
20503.
33
l 11.
REFERENCES The applicant should provide a bibliography of all sources used in preparing
{
the application.
References cited should be keyed to the specific sections and page numbers to which they apply.
The applicant should also list the names, together with their qualifications (expertise, experience, professional disciplines),
of the persons who were primarily responsible for preparing the application.
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.