ML26021A021
| ML26021A021 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Robinson  |
| Issue date: | 01/15/2026 |
| From: | Johnson E State of SC, Dept of Archives and History |
| To: | Tanya Smith NRC/NMSS/DREFS/ETRB1 |
| References | |
| Download: ML26021A021 (0) | |
Text
January 15, 2026 Theodore Smith, Acting Chief Environmental Technical Review Branch 1 Division of Rulemaking, Environment, and Financial Support Office of Nuclear Material Safety Nuclear Regulatory Commission Via email:
Beau.Goldstein@nrc.gov Karen.Loomis@nrc.gov Re: Subsequent License Renewal for the H.B. Robinson Steam Electric Plant, Unit 2 Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)
Darlington County, South Carolina SHPO Project No. 24-EJ0100 Docket No. 50-261
Dear Theodore Smith:
Thank you for your letter of December 31, 2025 requesting comments on the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRC) preliminary determination of no adverse effect under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) for the Subsequent License Renewal (SLR) for an additional 20 years.
The NRC is complying with Section 106 of the NHPA and its implementing regulations, 36 CFR 800, through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Please note that consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is not a substitution for consultation with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, other Native American tribes, local governments, or the public.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has determined that the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the SLR is the Robinson site and its immediate environs that may be impacted by ongoing routine maintenance and operational activities during the SLR term.
Our office previously reviewed the Architectural Survey and National Register Evaluation of the Robinson Nuclear Plant, prepared by Terracon for Duke Energy Corporation in August 2025.
The survey documented one historic resource, the Robinson Nuclear Plant (SHPO Site No. 0943) and 18 secondary resources (SHPO Site Nos. 0943.01 - 0943.18). It recommended them eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C at the State Level of Significance as it retains much of its character defining features and retains significance as a ca.
1967-1971 nuclear power station. Our office concurred with this recommendation and these properties are therefore considered historic properties for the purposes of Section 106. We consider the period of significance to be from 1967-1971, and that the boundary of the eligible property is that shown on Figures 1 and 2 of the final report.
Our office concurs with a no adverse effect finding for ongoing routine maintenance and operational activities during the SLR term. The SEIS (page 3-39) states that no new construction or modifications are anticipated during the subsequent license renewal term and that facility operation and maintenance activities will be limited to previously disturbed areas and be similar to current operations.
However, if demolition or new construction projects are proposed with the potential for effects to the historic properties (SHPO Site No. 0943, and 0943.01 - 0943.18), or within the boundary of the eligible property shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the final report, then consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation should occur to evaluate effects of the proposed project on the historic properties. The SEIS (page 3-38) notes the applicants (Duke Energy Progress)
Environmental Requirements Review Checklist includes an activity checklist for cultural resources (Annex 9.6 of ADMP-EMP-EVS-00021) and a Cultural Resources Procedure that identifies a Subject Matter Expert responsible for Section 106 consultation.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments. Please refer to SHPO Project Number 24-EJ0100 in any future correspondence regarding this project. If you have any questions, please contact me at (803) 896-6168 or ejohnson@scdah.sc.gov.
Sincerely, Elizabeth M. Johnson Director, Historical Services, D-SHPO State Historic Preservation Office Cc: Matt.McKinney@duke-energy.com Mills.Dorn@terracon.com