ML22249A225

EPA Comments_Columbia Fuels Feis 2022

ML22249A225
Person / Time
Site:	Westinghouse
Issue date:	09/06/2022
From:	Kajumba N US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
To:	Diaz-Toro D Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
Jean Trefethen
References
Download: ML22249A225 (2)

Text

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4 SAM NUNN ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER 61 FORSYTH STREET, SW ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960 Diana Diaz-Toro Project 23 Manager TWFN-7-A60M U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555-0001.

RE: EPA Comments on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the License Renewal of the Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility, Richland County, South Carolina, CEQ #20220110

Dear Ms. Diaz-Toro:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the License Renewal of the Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility, Richland County, South Carolina, in accordance with Section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) prepared the FEIS to evaluate the environmental effects associated with Westinghouse Electric Company, LLCs (WEC) proposed renewal of the Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility (CFFF) operating license for an additional 40 years. The CFFF has been operating since 1969 producing low-enriched uranium fuel assemblies for nuclear power reactors.

The FEIS considered three alternatives: no action alternative, license renewal for 20 years alternative, and license renewal for 40 years alternative. Under the no-action alternative, the NRC would deny the WECs request to renew CFFFs SNM-5 1107 license for an additional 40 years. The WEC would continue to operate the CFFF under its current operating license until it expires on September 30, 2027.

While the FEIS evaluated a 20-year license renewal period, NRCs recommended action is the continued operation of the CFFF for an additional 40 years.

The EPA provided comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on November 19, 2021. The comment letter identified environmental concerns regarding water resources, air quality, climate, environmental justice and tribal issues that should be addressed in the FEIS and the Safety Evaluation Report. On January 27, 2022, February 4, 2022, and April 19, 2022, the EPA and the TVA met to discuss the EPAs comments. Based on the EPAs review of the FEIS, the NRC addressed the EPAs concerns. The EPA acknowledges the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmetal Control has ongoing compliance activities that will further address surface and groundwater issues. In addition, the NRC plans to address the EPAs remaining comments in the upcoming Safety Evaluation Report.

The EPA appreciates the opportunity to review the FEIS. If you have any questions regarding our comments, please contact Mr. Larry Long of the NEPA Section at (404) 562-9460, or by e-mail at long.larry@epa.gov.

Sincerely, NTALE Digitally signed by NTALE KAJUMBA KAJUMBA Date: 2022.09.06 11:14:46 -04'00' Ntale Kajumba Acting Director Strategic Programs Office