Regulatory Guide 3.8
| ML13350A257 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/30/1973 |
| From: | US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| RG-3.008 | |
| Download: ML13350A257 (15) | |
.Si U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
REGULATORY
DIRECTORATE
OF REGULATORY
STANDARDS GUIDE REGULATORY
GUIDE 3.8 PREPARATION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL
REPORTS FOR URANIUM MILLS APRIL 1973 USAEC REGULATORY
GUIDES Copies of published guldes may be obtainert by request indicating the divisions desired to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington.
D.C. 20345, Regulatory Guides are Issued to describe and make available to the public Attention:
Director of Regulatory Standards.
Comments and suggestions fot methods acceptable to the AEC Regulatory staff of Implementing specific parts of Improvements in these guides ore encouraged and should be tent to the Secretary the Commbsion's regulations, to delineate techniques used by the staff In of the Commission.
US. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington.
D.C, 20545.evaluating specific problems or postulated accidents, or to provide guidance to Attention:
Chief. Public Proceedings Staff, applicants.
Regulatory Guides are not substitutes for regulations and compliance with them It not required.
Methods and solutions different from those tat out in The guides are issued in the following ten broad divisions:
the guides will be accepltable It they provide a basis for the findings requisite to the issuance or continuance of a permit or license by theCommission.
1. Power Reactors 6. Products 2. Research and Test Reactors
7. Transportation
3. Fuels end Materials Facilities
8. Occupational Health Published guidies will be revised periodically, as appropriate, ti accommodate
4. Environmental and Siting 9. Antilrust Review comments and to reflect new information or experience.
5. Materials and Plant Protection
10. General TABLE OF CONTENTS /Pog
e. INTRODUJCTION
.. ...................
.3.8-1 National Environmental Goals .........
............................. -I Applicant's Environmental Reports ....... ...............................
-1 Preparation ol linviron ental Reports ...... ..............................
-2 S7AND..IARI)
"-VARIA T ..lND CONT7/:A'T
REPORTS I"OR URANIUM MVILLS 1.0 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
... .......................................
3.8-2 2.0 THE SITE ......................................................
3.8-2 2.1 Site Location and Layout ...... .................................
-2 2.2 Regional Demography, and Land Use ..... .........................
.-2 2.3 Regional Historic.
Scenic, Cultural, and Natural Landmarks
............
-3 2.4 Geolo ........ .............................................
-3 2.5 Seism ology .............
..............................
.3 2.6 Hydrology
..............................................
3 2.6.1 Groundwater
..... ......................................
-3 2.6.2 Surface Water .. ...............................
...... -3 2.7 Meteorology
...... ...........................................
-4 2.8 Ecolo,. ..................................................
4 2.9 Background Radiological Characteristics
..... .......................
..4 2.10 Other Environmental Features ...... ...............................
-4 3.0 THE MILL AND MINE ............................................
3.8-4 3.1 External Appearance of Mill .................................
4 3.2 M ill C ircuit ... .. .. .. ...... .... ..... ... .. ... ... .. .. .. .... 4 3.3 Sources of Mill Wastes and Effluents
............................
5 3.4 Controls of Mill Wastes and Effluents
...... ..........................
-5 3.5 Sanitary and Other Mill Waste Systems ..... ........................
-5 3.6 Mining Activities
....... ........................................
-5 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS OF SITE PREPARATION, MILL CONSTRUCTION.
AND MINE OPENING ..........................
3.8-5 4.1 Site Preparation and Plant Construction
.........................
.5 4.2 Resources Committed
..........................................
.6 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS OF MILL AND MINE OPERATION
..........
3.8-6 5.1 Radiological Impact on Biota Other Than Man ......................
6 5.1.1 Exposure Pathways ...... ..................................
.6 5.1.2 Radioactivity in Environment
.... ............................
.6 5.1.3 Dose Rate Estim ates ...................................
7 5.2 Radiological Impact on Man. ...... ................................
-7 5.2.1* Exposure Pathways .........................................
-7 5.2.2 Liquid Elfluents
.....................................
-7 5.2;3 Gaseous Effluents
....................................
-7 5.2.4 Expostre Pathways ...................................
-7 5.2.5 Summary o1 Annual Radialion Doses ...........
I... .......-7 ii
5.. l 1,ctis ,i 'hcm icul Dischargce
............................
.. ..s 5.4 fl'ect. uof Sanitary and Other Waste Discharges
....................
-7 5 .5 O ther E ffects ............................................5 .61 Co 111110 lt LI ............ ..........................(1.0 1:I'I-LUENT
AND ENVIRONMENTAL
MEASUREMENTS
AND MONITORING
PR O G R A M S .. .... ................
..................
........6.1 Applicant's Preoperational Environmental Programs .............
I... -.(.1 .I Surface W aters .... ..............
............
...... .. .6.1.2 ;rou zdw at r ........................................
S 6.1.2.1 Physical and Chemical Parm eers ....................
-6.1 .2.2 Models -..6. 1.3 Air ....... .........................................
.... .0.1.3.1 N leleorology
..................................
J)6.1.3.2 M odels .......................................
6.1.4 Land .................................................
..9 6.1.4.1 Geology and Soils .9 6.1.4.2 Land Use and Demographic Survecv ..... ................
..9 6.1.4.3 Ecological Parameters
............................
6.1.5 Radiological Surveys ..................................
-9 6.2 Applicant's Proposed Operational Monitoring Programs .. ................
.9 6.2..1 Radiological Monitoring
.... ...............................
.-9 6.2.1.1 Mill Effluent Monitoring System ..... ...................
.6.2.1.2 Environmental Radiological Monitoring
.... ...............
.10 6.2.2 Chemical Effluent Monitoring
.............................
-10 6.2.3 Meteorological Monitoring
..............................
.10 6.2.4 Ecological Monitoring
.................................
.-10 6.3 Related Environmental Measurement and Monitoring Programs ..........
-10 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTS
.........................
3.8.10 7.1 M ill A ccidents ... ..........
...... .. ..............
.. .. .... -10 7.2 Transportation Accidents
...................................
.10 7.3 Other Accidents
.. .......................................
.-10 8.0 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS OF MILL CONSTRUCTION
AND OPERATION
.. ..............................................
.. 3 .8I- I 8.1 Benefits .. ..... .. .. .... .. .... .. .. .. .. .. ..... ... .. .. .... -II 8.2 Costs ... .. .. .. .. .. ...... .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .... .. .. -Il 9.0 RECLAMATION
AND RESTORATION
... ..........................
3.8-12 10.0 ALTERNATIVES
TO THE PROPOSED ACTION .......................
3.8.12 11.0 BENEFIT-COST
ANALYSIS ..... .................................
3.8-12 12.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
APPROVALS
AND CONSULTATIONS
...............
3.K.12 13.0 REFERENCE .S .................................................
2 iii INTRODUCTION
0 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
GOALS l'lior ti the iss uan ce ol' .aI!Ili ,illi.!Ilm lium, milling tl.t\i i l.. te U..S. ..A tom~ic Filler'.e'
('iml ,I Iissi off i I. TeLqlitld it, :ts:vs- IIl i It)ellt Iia l ellViii'ri,, iinital t'l'¢cts of lIte proposed :clivities in ordel to :a elle Iha'.il Ist l 'i it thle liceise will hI, consistent
., h the .itait ';al icnii lt _ al-sas I set I'orth by tile ii inal Hiv ' r, in11t1citl Policy tit 'f 10(P) 4 PuhIic Law'11 1* 1I ll li ttle tit obtain itil'ot im ;lliol esselllial tot this ,1 ("ite"Cii ii tcrqluii ea;ih appli,:.ail
'ti r :1 Ii ieWhi, M b llif :I !e I'm OI(If tile potenitial
- n,,tV etllIal itIIl`pacit
0l, Ile piltcused mill andI tielated st I';.I vite..Thle t:ltltolIal goals as ex)l'essed by" lil National Environmental Policy Act (NITAI are :is it is tile conltinuliitg reslpittsillililv )I" tihe i:tdie;al G u1t 4'e L 'lt. 1 It'l Use .a1l practlic:al ie,;ItS.,', )i iýIetlI w IithI of IleI ese ttial ctIsideraItions of I tiatiolt al p, lic>. tit improve and coordinate Federal plans.I'LIICInIonis.
into raril s. :aind i,, ll t) lhe end that 1t1 Nal~~wl ii1:i.\-(I ) fillfill ftil res-itlisllilitict.l, each ct.icrattion as trtlsce k, tife environment
1. fr succecdinl
,,lleral olns:-( 7 ) :IssLlre I'for all Atnteri,:ais s:l "c.hle:al1hf,11.
lIr')(I ,.'tiv;. .mid .,esthetically an~d culturally , allaihl the Wivest ramge ol' hencticial t1 , , Ih1 thle L'irlnltllillt.ll Withitlti de ral:datiotn.
risk 1,, hteatlt t'i ..llI. ,rit titl;t,. undesira
l. ble and itivintended
,' 'I I .":,. I teI I ccu:,: '4lprcserve:
imptlortant hist oric.:11 it iatur:,l apIlecls Ill'I' tr national heritage and maintIaiinl.
s.\herever possible.
- ant environment which supprts idive'rsity .mli vatiety 1I" individual choice: 'i5 ) achllcve a halance hetvween;1'PIlJ:iticn mid iesotrce use which will permit high'0taritards A' livine :rtad a wide ,harine 14 lilfe's amenities";IlldL(i) elnhance the quality of renewableand appromch the 11taxitlttl attainable recyclitg of di: phletalbl resnirces.'" APPLICANT'S
ENVIRONMENTAL
REPORTS:\ppcndix I). entitled -"Interinm Statement oF Generatl PIdic :and l'rocedurc:
lniplemcntalion of the National t i-lvir-mniattl Policy Act of 1960I (Ptubhlic Law , l-l 1)).'" ehu ('onuullission's regulaflion
10 CtR Part SO0, specilties iii pj-ragr:iplhls A. i and 14. thal each appli-camt hr Ia license ,tlhori/ing ,uraniumn milling subhmit wilhl tis licetise application tw\o hundred copies of' a separate doctmillelit entiteied "Applicanut's Einvirornmenlal
3,8-1 lRepo * ('it iiucl ioll Pelil:lit Siage. " which (li eilsses Ilie Iollowinu ciiuvilo~lillicl~l~al col~lsidcrlaliolls:
'"(a) I Ile o1\irntttlieiltal impact l l' t lhe prololl.,,ed
- lcl ionl."-(h a:ll advesv en'it'illltelltial eflecls which caninot be avoided shult ld the proposal he impjlleentled.
1'(10 alternatives it) tile prloptsed act:ilo."(di tihe irclalionship hetweeni local Nliirilet-nrti iuses (It it* 's anld tile IlnaillTulailllC.
alid¢l~h~l~C~i~eil f t~lglcri~lplolduivi\ily., alid"lcl lily irickersiblel
- miti hi clrie\,
- i!le conlilltlllltets iof rft.titOrces vwiich \o'ildll intvolv'ed in ile proposcd aciliti slittild it li: iliplcl meltl ed.'" The discussiot of allerlialives It the actlion in the Eniviiuintueitlal Repoli tuitl lie stifliciently comiplele to aid (te ('oinumissionl ill dC\vehloing alnd explorinig.
purstiatit ito ecliot I 02( )[D It fthe Nationtlal i't.viri e tlif-leltal oItolicy Act. ":aplpIopriate alteratii ve. .s.. it aut proiposal which involves unresolved conflicts coitcertiittu
- tllernalive uses of available rem.,,u:es." The Envir t 1:ll Report must :ilso include ai cost-belnetil anallsi. which 0I<Stite:ls
- an1d halaltteS
filt: ell\virnlllltuntl elffIecls of the facility and lihe alteniatives available for reducine or aviiidili:
adlverse cttvirotitninetal effects, ias well as lhe envtiron mtieittl.
economic.technical.
- tid olher '-encl'ils of the facility.
The cos-henlefit alnal'sis shall. to lth fullest extent practicable.
quanlil' the various l'aclors considered.
To Ihe extentr that sich f'actors caitIit[ be tqtiantifled, tilhe\shall he di sci ssed inl qualhiative termis. The E.n\virotimenal Reporti should conlain stlfl'icit.il dala to aid the ('otitiissimn iln its development of ain independent analysis Covering tile factors speci flied.The EnnvirotimenitAl Report must further include a discussion of' the status olf l'ompliatice of thle fIacility with applicable environmental qiuality siand:ards and requirements which have been itmposed by Federal.State. and regional agencies having tespuonsibility for environmental protection.
Ili addition, ihe environmental impact ol the facility shall be fully discussed with resp'ect to miatters covered by such standards and requirements irrespective of' whether a cerlificaioti f'rotu the appropriate aulhority has been obtained (including, bill not limited Il. tiny permil or certification obtained pursuant to sectlion 401 of' Ilie Federal Water Pollution Control Act,. as amended).
Such discussion shall be reflected in Itle cost-benefli analysis section oif this report. While compliance with AEC standard!.
and criteria pertaining to radiological el'fects will he necessary to meet the licensing requirements olf the Atomic Energy Act. the cost.heneili analysis shall.For the purposes of' tile National Elnvironniental Policy Act. consider tle radiological eflfects logether with Itother environmenlal effects ofi tile facilily.
'II PREPARATION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL
REPORTS Appendix i) of 10 CFR Part 50 provides general inftormation concerning lie content of' an applicant's E'nvironmental Report. To provide specific and detailed g.idance, the following "Standard FIormat and Content of Environmental Reports for Uiranium Mills" has been prepared.If any topics in this guide relate In informatioir not available at the litile the environmental report is prepared.
the applicant should indicate when the il'ormniation will he available.
If any topics are not relevant to the particular mill under consideration, the applicant should idenlii tv them.Descriptive and/ol narrative text as well as tahle,,.charts, graphs. etc. should be used itt the Report. Ea,:h subject should be treated in sufficient depth to permit thie Commission to evaluate independently the extent of the environmental impact. lit cases where test results are needed to support cotnclusions.
test data. procedures.
techniques.
and equipment used to perform t-'sts should be included.
Tables. line drawings.
and photographs should be ussd wherever contrihutory rto the clarity ot tite Report. Descriptive and ntarrative passages should lie brief and concise.Plerlinent plblishcd inlornmaliti rulating it Ihe sii.the mill. and its sitrrunditrgs shotuld lie reftererc.cd.
Where published in'ormnlation or aSS ptrIt.ll IIl, aI t.essential to evalualte specific ettvitonlti.intal eff'ects ol tIhe proposed activilies.
they ,,lhrthlt
1e Inchideil ill slirnrar or ve.'rhalhn I'ar tt itt the Ltrvirrllrlrr ltal Reportl r a ati appendix to the replrt.Some ofl' lte irtl'tbratinam to he included ill the Etnvironmenittal ReporI illtai have alr'ady been r pr eI reptd by the applicanti dhirinr prepiratoion of Ihe licente application for the propied mrill. [i such casc!,. In,~il-'rtnation (wrheither ill tie form of Ieyt. iables,. I tigires) should be incorporated ill !he !Iinviionrtnielal kLrwert whetc appropriate itt order to provide a complete d i,.t.ttent.
The site I'Or ilte mill *,ray a.lso he the site )I tine mine. Tite applicant, in pteparintt tie -nrvirotnrteial Report relating to such I mill. slrild crnsidel the ctumulative or svnereistic efects of rinirting at.lliv tli0.STAVNDA RD FORAil T AND COA'TIFT OF LNW IROA'A1IETA
I. RI:'POR 7.FOR UtRA NI U3A ML S 1.0 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
This section should discuss the proposed project to be conducted at the site. For example. stuch matters as ore reserves, anticipated quantity of ore to be mined and milled. mining method, plans for overbturden disposal.milling process, plans for tailings control. operating plans and schedules, expected longevity of the project, U 3 0 8 content of tlte ore. concentrate yield, and end use of the product should be discussed.
2.0 THE SITE This section should present dte basic, relevant information concerning those physical, biological, and human characteristics of the area environment that might be affected by the construction and operation of a mine and mill on the designated site. To the extent possible, the information presented should reflect observations and measurements made over a period of years.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 location olf the plant perimeter;
exclusion area boundaty:
applicant's property.
abutting and adjacent properties, including water bodies, wooded areas, and farms: nearby settlements;
industrial plants. parks. and other public facilities, and transportation links (railroads.
hiediways.
waterways).
Indicate total acreage uwned by the applicant and that part occupied or mrodified hb the mine and mill. Indicate other existinge and proposed rises of applicant's property and the acreage devoted it rllese uses. Describe any plans lbr site ttniiificationns.
such tas a visitors'
center, etc. A contotur map oIif the site shtold also be supplied.2.2 Regional Demography and Land Uses Two maps indicating nearby inhabiled locationýs and the locations and areas or ltowns and cities should ht-provided, One map should cover :itt area slhowing all inhabited locations which might reasotnably he aftecled bh the proposed activities.
The pntattent arnd trantsient populations within t hese areas should be tablkitled I'm the last year in which affected populationts were 1tro influenced by the proposed activities phils censuts yeats through the anticipated life of the project. The other more detailed map should include the sanie itnfortration for an area whose boundary represents those points where individuals, if presentt.
might be exposed to radioactive materials ill excess of lroc percenitt if'nau r lal background.
Descriptive material should incride tables givin.e significant population and visitor slat r-;tics ti neighboring schools, plantls, hIspitals
.splorl,t residential areas, parks. etc., willtirt 5 miles of1r IhL' plaur.Indicate mite nature and extenr ot pes.laim ulce (agricult tire. livestock raising. da iliesi .rt,,idence-.
industries.
recreatioh.
tralspo'rrliollr.
etc. l.3.8-2 Note whether any other nuclear fuel cyce facilities ate located within a 50-mile radius of the site.Thic deikree of detail it ble provided will generally ,,teliend oin the distance troth the pla:wn.. Nearby :;tcivities Ieeni.'illvv withiin 5 miles (I tie f leiti11 should he tlc::-ribeti in greater detlil t hall lhose ait i lerlt disall,,ec's.
2.3 Regional Historic.
Scenic.Cultural.
and Natural LUndinarks e:' valed ; I'0 ilhier Ihieil historic.
scenic.ctlii;mal.
if, :,liaoral .ignilicaice may be a.lctied.
The l'.;;,ottiilz.i;til laReport should ilclulde a b ei.. discutssion Il [t ic lh¢ llln ~ic, so.ellic.
cut l~ll,]: .:1111. lil m att',l sign Iil t.'U l ..e.it :l.\,. of III site ;tr1ll lcatl ' b , us vithh specilic;ticill .ot0l i 1 I ile sites 311d I aleas listed in the Nati llil!Ruist('r o! Ifisutric Ilaccs and Ihe .Vati 'ual Registry (q/Natiral Latlhnarks.
The I 972 cumulative revision of" tihe ,V,,10on1l oi" Ilistoric Places" is in the F.ederal Reegisier ,I March, 15. 11)72.37 F.R. 5428: additions are ptiblish,.d in the telhral Register on the Iirst Tuesday of e:!,. ittmlih. The National Rcgistr y i l Natural/.dhdrk al Jpeats in the I"'t/h-rat Rt.wistcr If1* January 2'1. I "72. Also. the applicant should discuss its consitistIatiti'
with th[e approplrite State Liaison Of'licer fotr lisitoric Preservation ctmceriuinu- proIilriies under cmnsideraiion tfir nominuiion to ti le :.a iiJ'hal R(egiýster o.i" Iliirri, laccs. 'Te tinvionmentuil Rzeptort should O conltail evidence oft" cootact with the Historic Preservat ioun; 11fficer for the stale intvolved and a copV Of his coillnllnens concerning the effect oi't l] tindertaking on hisrtoric.
arc!,aeologieal.
and cultitral resources.
State i.iaisil Officers are listed iii the l'ederal Register of March 15. I1072 and stipplemenicd in Decemheir
1972.In additioln, indicate whetier or inot the site has any richacoltlmicat sigaiticatiee and explain how conclusiotns were reached. If such sipLil icance or value is present.describe ikluiw, Ito ensutre its preservation.
State whether new roads. pipeluies.
an1d Utilities coi with the proposed proiect will pass thIrouglh oIr lie'tr atV area or location tito knowI historic.
scenic.,tIIl :il. tat oral. or signilicance.
2.4 Geology I)csclihe Ile latjor geological aspects of tie site and its environs.
The discussiot should note the stratigiaphhy,.
sirtteture.
antd tectonic history. Comtment on recional cotinuity.
fatilltng.
dip. and strikes of w:iler.hacriig tirntatiius that will he affected.
An inventory of ecmonmically ittiporlani minerals, in addition ti Oile uraniuim ore. shloid be inchlded when nitting operatiotns mc planhunedl.
Ally cflecl It.at iplanned operau ions mitlt have otn the I'ulture availahilily ol other mineral resources should he nooled.0 ~Detailed geolhogiical data :a1 building siles atnd in Ilie vicinity )t' ta1iliiIIgs pinds oIr olhel eff'llellt irpotindcniels.
saniiary hindfills.
an;d sewaige dislpos~al l'acilities should lie itlchided.
These ilata should include strike and dip and lateral and vertical distribution of pernieclhle layers. shales. and clays. nud data on any a'tult .tracttre.
or joint pa:ttllr which Iniay exist.l.ocatlotis of l',:il otl crops wltese seepage from landlills.
tiittl~Otlditeitts, uald sewage facililics is likely hto occuitr sh4oulld lie tIoted.The localioin oit' grolllidw.!tel wilt I' rc.'pecl (t tailings potds. liquid isnpmiintnnth s,. smiltal land Ills..and sewvauge dislosal facilities is imlioitlm M ft lhe assessi.ellt of possible rtj1..dwater con'tamin;iiation. "he discussiot should include u steituIe.
t ICeI i.cel lillU tile hvdraidic l'rtiqPties (leimteabilit'
anid loiosityl yi, [hli loaleriauls hleiweet tlih. croiuitd ' and illie above tacilities.
2.5 Seismology Discuss the seismicivy (including historyl of' the regiotn. Where possible.
associ:e seisnliC even; ts wili lectonic 'featlres idenillied in the LeoItev discussion.
Furnish a reciotal earthquake epicenter niap shiowing, site lucation.2.6 Hydrology l Ie effects Oh pl3t COts.,tt octiOtl aind oit ground and sutrfatce w atier sources are ofi prime impo;tance.
The informaituion indicated in the followimg secticns should Ihe presetted in s ufticient delail to allow art ii.dependent review it) le made of tfie effects of construction aitd opCratiOu otl boilth resources.
2.6.1 Groundwater Descrilie
[lhe Itydrul om of t he region that affects file local groumdwater aqtltifers.
foruations.
sources. and sinks. Describe the recharge potential of the immediate plant area. including vertical and hori/ontal permeabilities of' the natural and modi lied terrain, as well as that of tailing areas. Describe the presentu and projected regional use: tabulate existing private users wit hin the area influenced
1y the proposed activities and all local and regional public users (auniounis.
waler levels.locations.
and drawdown):
indicaie gradients and seasonal varialiions ill grotitdwatel levels beneath the sile.2.6.2 Surface Water Describe the location.
size. shape. and other hydrologic characteristics of water bodies in the environs ohI' the site.Include a description ott' upstreanm and dowustreanm river control structures and downistream water supplly users (inucluding location.
amiott. and purpose. i.e..doimestic.
agrictilitural.
etc.). atid plrov'ide a topographic miap showing tlie niujor hydrologic features.
Assuming failure of any sitc dams or sulid process waste piles tiller severe Ilood.produciutg corlitios. and describe any i.ituriotus effecls 1to dowist reanti residetlls tromr flood waters or coilt anitiliants i; lie waeste. Where potential tbr harnm exists fruni such assumed failure. tile applicant should describe thie flood. foundation.
ult(I seismic criteria used in the design of such facilities and discuss their ability to safely pass or retain a probable maximum flood (PMF). as defined by the Corps of l:,gincers.
2.7 Meteorology Present tile following data on site nielctorohlogy: (I diurnal and monthly averages and extrenmes of" tempera lure and humidity:
(2) monthly wind characteristics iincluding speeds. directions, frequencies and joint wind speed. stability category, wind direction frequencies:
(3) data on precipitation:
(4) frequency of occLrrence and effects of storms.(In thie second item. the joint wind speed-stabiliiy.direction frequencies should he presented in tabular forni, giving the frequencies as fractions when using 5-year National Weather Service summaries or as number of occurrences when using only one or two years of onsite data. The data should be presented for each of the 16 cardinal ,.ompass directions.
and the stability categories should he established to conform as closely as possible with those of Pasquill.)
2.8 Ecology In this section the applicant should identify the important flora and fauna in the region of the site (which may reasonably be expected to be affected by the proposed activities), their habitats and distribution.
as well as the relationship between species and their environments.
A species. whether animal or plant. is"important" (I) if it is commercially ar recreationally valuable, (2) if it is rare or endangered.
(3) if it affects the well-being of some important species within criteria (I) and (2) above, or (4) if it is critical to the structure and function of the ecological system. A "rare or endangered" species is any species officially designated as such by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.In cataloging the local organisms.
the applicant should identify and discuss the abundance of the important terrestrial vertebrates and aquatic organisms.
The discussion should include species that migrate through the area or use it for breeding grounds. The applicant should provide data on the count and distribution of important domestic fauna, particularly those that may be involved in the radiological exposure of man via the food chain route. A map that shows the distribution of the principal plant communities should be provided.Thie discussion of species-environment relationships should include descriptions of area usage (e.g.. habitat.breeding, etc.): it should include life histories of important regional animals and aquatic organisms.
their normal scasonal population fluctuations:
and it should include identification of food chains and other interspecies relationships, particularly when these are corntributoz i to pnedictimns or "31h1atiOns "l the ,nMn;:L1 of planrined activities on the r.e.i nal hiola.stesses I ll .so "C-s Stich ."a pollltarils.
as '.ell as any ecoilo ical Comt , Il IIt) IIS ,u I iv. I t, t o l h such 5st rl es.l)escrib ic ;th ,"alw., t)l ecot-h--ical ,iicce.siot)n. )s,',ss the llistric,,s
- tr. if ; iw, t, l piilet ics, to cal:stlophes (cautsed I,\- n alral licn.-t cn.ar thfiat livc had t sig~iilicatn i 11 :JP 't 411) 1,'gLonl lj ,l~'Flit , MMII N )) .l .oirma.t ittt'n hut d lie idemlitilied, A'.par of this ideiriac-ti,,.
prei'vt halist ldatiu "liililished mnaierial dealimu with ihe ,.lolv 1 h1_ icgmlor, Lo ;cale and describe any ccohgic::l oi hiolocical sltudies ut' lie site oi its etnviron, nim" in1 Prur!e's..
2.9 Back ground Radiological Characteristics Regional radiological datz:. iricludingb holh iuaiia:d background ra:tiation levels and results of niastuemcnents of any concentrations of radioaclive matelrials occurring in important biot:a. il. soil and rocks. a:id in regional surface and local ground watcrs should he reportetl.
This data, whelher determined during tile applicant's preoperational surveillance program (see Section t. .1.5)or obtained from other sources, should he referenced.
2.10 Other Environmental Features For certain sites. 3onie relevant information on the mill environs may not clearly fall within mile scope ol' the preceding topics. Additional inforniation may be required with respect to some etivironmiental keantties in order to reflect the value of lite site and site environs it)important segments of tife population.
Such information should be included here.3.0 THE MILL AND MINE The operating mill and mine are to he described in this section. Since the environmental effects are of primary concern for this report. the mill arid mine effluents and related systems that interact with the environment should be described in particular detail.3.1 External Appearance of Mill The building layout and plant perimeter.
exclhsioa boundary, and plant profile should be shown to scale hy line drawings or other illustrative techniques.
The architectural design and efforts to make tile structures and grounds aesthetically pleasing should he noted.3.2 Mill Circuit The entire mill process and/or circuit should lie quantitatively and qualitatively described in sufficient depth to permit confirmation of the quantities and constituents of' all gaseous. liquid, and solid wastes anrd I 3.8-4
0 c.,0 tier i s ienrleraed itI II h% I Ui'ess. A flow diagram of (lie process aind/or circuit should also be itIcluded.
3.3 Sources of Mill Wastes and Effluents (.leadly idemi'cilv ih locatiot of release poinis "or all gaseous. liquitid., and solid wasIts and ef'lIetItS (including bulk storace It ICitllo S .i.e., piles ot I ( a1: dLor tailings, etc.1 spect'il'tie qulantitics.
ioncentrations.
and tile physical and chemic:al characteristics of" all nmaterials released.
anvrziee arid mIaxirnnrti iele:asw rates shouild le included plus all perrtineut supporting informtation such as :ssimptittions and com1iputaltional methods ti.red. Tile quanilitics ati(d co.licent rat i. ts or tinotradio acIive matierlals teleased into the environs should be cotmpared with State arid othcr applicable
3.4 Controls of Mill Wastes and Effluents Provide a deos-ription of mill waste and effluent ont'rotl S:..stems and eqiUipment for nininitniig to as low:is practic:ibh, tile quanltities of materials released into Ihe t nvi rI ment. I dent it,\ the operat inig efficiency f1!ctors I"r such systems and equiipMent ill relation to curremin hbet methods I'Mr ,:mtrolliti itilline wastes and eflluents and describe the olixrating practices to be prsue(.d dtizr.Q the lifet of" tile proposed mill.T:wr va'ste retenliin svstcms. a desigm analysis of tile integrity N' the proposed systenmtsI
should be pro vidid. This shioul d incitide: I. Draw.ings showing tire layout in plan: typical ctltsS sections of all embanknients showing proposed design and. it' applicahlc.
- aticipated lultire cxtentsiols:
and tithc" prrtiltenl design hetails. n-mbanknieni design shmild include intornimation
--it heihlits.
top width, side s.ltLýI.,.
Irehoatrd. ct and protectitotn of embankminei strfaocs as well as foundation design.2. flhe results of soil tests. ecologic exploration.
nature of fotundation materials stability investigations, as well as charractetistics of fill material and a description of tihe corist r tt ion met hods and specifications.
3,5 Sanitary and Other Mill Waste Systems D)csciihvue an- other notradioactive solid or liquid vatsl mat erial.. such as sanitary.
laundry. and chemical altrahl ory wastes thfat may bc wcncrated during mill op'ration.
kc,cribe the manner in which they will be ita ted and controlled and describe procedures for l)escritlc
- ay tolher gaseoUs effluenots (i.e., from diesel eneines. heating pluanis. incinerators)
created during mill operation:
estimatt tile frequency of release mird describe how the\, w.ill be treated before release to 3.6 Mining Activit..This [punlimo of tire report should contain a tirotugh desc ipl ion of the interrelated mining activities Inclluding:
I. loIxpgraIhiical maps shIIwitig itcatiotis and areas to be mined and haulage and access roads-2. A descripition of' the tining niehod(s)
ti) he eniployed;
.A descrii li ittn of rIt' I II ethldis) for accurtiilatiiig amid storing wastcs iii -,t to ittimtitttize aesthetic atnd othei effects: 4. Idenlificatiol of11 a.! t' eflluenits associated with mining activities tlhmilave dusts. bulk storage locatlions.
etc.J. includilln leleaise ra:les and concetitratioris aitd I cir physicl. and ciheomical characteristics:
5. A descrilt ion of i0let tlhls tl titit) iiite antd ctm rol releases of eftluents into t lie environs: 0. Anl other inftormation that might be helpful ill assessirng tire envirtirtueotal e't'tecs coInected with the mining project.4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS OF SITE PREPARATION, MILL CONSTRUCTION, AND MINE OPENING The ctnstLrctiotiof
,.i 0 ira'ittll11 mill and related mille openitilg will inevitably a'ffcct thie eltvironmettll" some tit [lie effects wil\ Ibe." dvelse. I'ff'ects are considered adverse i t'environhirt-eital change or stress causes a ia.uable or otherwi.e iiiipo.rimit bitiic poptpla-tios or natural nesotti Ce ti t he less safC, less hCahlliv.
less abutndant.
less productive.
less aesthetically or cult hrally pleasing:
or if' the change om stress reduces tihe diversity arid variety of individunal choice. dhe staindard of Iivint .or the extent of sharing of life's amenities.
or if" the chatnce or stress tends to lower thie qtuality of renewable resotrces or to inmpair thi: reclcyin of depletable res, .1 ices.I n the a ppl ica itt's dicussion of' adverse environmental effects. it should be made clear which of these are considered tttavoidable and subject to later amelioration and which are recarded as unavoidable and irreversible.
Those effects that represent arn irretrievable commitment of resources should receive detailed cotnsideration in Section 4.2. (In the context of this discussion.
"'irretrievable committmeit of resources" alludes to natural SOLurCes and means a peiaianelnt impairment of thesc. e.g.. loss wildlife habitat: destruction of nesting. breeding.
or nuosing areas: interference with migratory roultes: loss (i1 valuable or aesthetically ireasured natural area.s: as wyell as.expenditure of directly utilized resources.)
4.1 Site Preparation and Plant Construction"lhe applicant should organize the discussion in terms iof thle effects of site preparation (including mine opening) and maill constructiont ott (a) land rise and (h)water use. The applicant should consider contsequences to bolh hltatim andi wildlife populations anid indicate which are inavoidable.
reversible.
etc. according to tihe calegorization set forth earlier in this section.I n the land use discussion.
describe low conmtruction activilics may disturb the existing terrain 3.8.5 and wildlife habitats.
Consider the effects of such activities as creating building material supply areas: building temporary or permanent roads, bridges, service lines" disposing of trash, excavating, and land filling.Provide information bearing on such questions as: How much land wvill be torn up? F or how long'? Will there he dust or smoke problems?
What explosives will be used?Where and how often'! Indicate proximity of human populations and identify undesirable imoacts on their environment arising from noise, from inconvenience due to the movement of men, material.
machines.
including activities associated with any provision of housing.transportation.
and educational facilities for workers and their families.
Describe any expected chang:!s in accessibility of historical and archaeological sites in the region. Discuss measures designed to mitigate or reverse undesirable effects, such as erosion control, dust stabilization.
landscape resntoa ion, control of truck traffic, and restoration of affected animal habitat.The discussion should also include any effects of site preparation and mill construction activities whose consequences may be beneficial to the region.The discussion of water use should describe the impact of site preparation and construction activities on area water sources. Such activities would include mine dewatering, diversion of streams. placement of fill material in the water. etc. The applicant should describe the effects of these activities on fish and wildlife resources, water quality, water supply. aesthetics, and so on as applicable.
Measures to mitigate undesirable effects, such as pollution control and other procedures for habitat improvement, should be described.
4.2 Resources Committed Discuss any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources (loss of land. destruction of biota, etc.) that are expected should site preparation and mill construction proceed. Such losses should be evaluated in terms of their relative and long-term net, as well as absolute, impacts. (See Section 5.6 of tlis guide for more detailed consideration.)
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS OF MILL AND MINE OPERATION This section describes the interaction of the mill and mine (discussed in Section 3) and the environment (discussed in Section 2). To the extent possible.
material presented in Sections 2 and 3 does not need to be repeated.
Measures planned to reduce any undesirable effects of the total project on the environment should be described in detail.In the discussion of environmental effects, as in Section 4. effects that are considered unavoidable but either inherently lemnporary or subject to later amelioration should be clearly distinguished from those regarded as unavoidable and irreversible.
Those effects that represent an irret-rievable commitment of resources should receive detailed consideration in Section 5.6.The impacts uL operalion
01t titc prulOxsCd act0iviv should be, to rite fu!!est extent practicable.
quantified and systemattcally presented.
In tlte discussion of each impact. the applicant should make clear whether the supporting evidence is based on theoretical.
laboratory.
on-site, or field studies wuidertaken on *Iiis or on previous occasions.
The sourcc of each impact lie plant subsystem, waste effluent and the population or resource affecced should be made clear in each cise. fhie impacts should be distinguished in terms nf t heir effects (it surface water bodies. groitodwa er. air. larid. land rise.ecological systems. and impnrtant plants :nd anintials.
Finally. Ithe applicanl should discuss ihe relationship between Ical short-term uses of mran's environnmclf and Ith: r-ll- airlteoCll;t'l uld elhaldcClte"rI[
OLf long-term productivil,.
Thi,: al'plicai:
should assess the action for cumulative arid prorccted long-ternt effects from the point of view that each gcoeratiol is Inusree ol tle environment for each succeeding gene-ration.
5.1 Radiological Impact on Biota Other Than Man In this section the applicant should consider lhe impact oit biota other than rieal-, altrihut;ihle to the release of radioactive materials from tie facility.
The biota to be considered are those species oJ local flora and local and migratory fauna defined as "'impottal'" il Section 2.8. Since the region may conrain tinry important species, the applicant need :onusi'Jel only those important species whose terrestrial and/or amquaic habitats provide the highest potentiai totadiatior exposure.5.1.1 Exposure Pathways The various possible pathways for iadiatiom exposure of the imlx)rtant locAl Ilora and local and migratory fauna should be identified and described in textual arid flow-chart form:,t. The pallhways should include the important routes of radio:m:ctide translocation (including food chains leading to important species) to organisms or sites.5.1.2 Radioactivity in Environment In Sections 3.3 and 3.(1. the radionuclide concentrations in the liquid and gaseous effluerrs the proposed activities are listed. [it this seclitm. the applicant should consider how these effluents arc quantitatively distributed in tile enIvironrIoert.
Specifically.
estimates should he p .vided fior tIe radionuclide concentrations in any water souorces.
Otl land areas. and on vegetation (on a per unit area hasisi iii the environs.
If there are other conmpoenits of tlie physical environment that Itiay become corn anilrted and thus cause the exposure of living organisms to radiation.
they should be identified and their radioactivity burden estimated.
In addiltion.
inItornIalt int concerning any cumulative buildup of' radioutrclitls iii the environment should be presented anrd discussed.
A sumnmary of data. assumptio'ns, and models used in 3.8-6 II determininig radioactiivit concent:rattios and burdens should be provided.P 5 .1.3 Dse RMite Estimates From consitderationS
tit' ,e exposure ilihwayvs and the distribuIttiton ot radioactivity released into (lie ell'ir<lo s. lilt: a.lppliý:.n1lf sholt~ d estilliale the 1)1:13/4iln~lllln radionuclidC
CMIC1nitratiotis that imia%- be present in inporiati local flora and local and uitgraloy faulna.Values oft bioaccuttiiulation factorsI used ill preparing the estimates should be based oin site.specific data if available:
otherwise, values from the literature iliay be utsed. The applicant shoulld tabulile and reference the values o1 bi'laccumul:tioi n lfactors used ill lie cadl.iilat.ioji.
5.2 Radiological Impact on Man Ill ihis sectio~n the applicant shiild consider tle tAkdiolotgical effects ti operations and transportation o1f tmatlioaci Rve iiiaterials oin mIan. Fstimates kt' the ladiolohic:l im 1pa cl ti inoaln via varhioIs exposure pathways sho1uld he prOVided.5.2.1 Exposure Pathw:ys The ic ivat io t ssible pathw ays lor radiation e\pAiqire W .n:t:lliuld lie identitfied and described ill ioxti~ial and Il ,.clhart firluat.P 5 .2.2 Liquid Effluents 1.stimlate the expected annual average c,,tcetll rations tol" raidioactive nuclides listed in Sections.. and 3.6) in receivintg water at lo,:ations where water is consumned (t othervise used by hi inian beines or whetv it is inhabited
1w biota of siglnificance to hulllllan food chains. Specify the dilution factors used in preparing the estitnates and tile locations where the dilution factors are applicable.)eterii ne the expected radionnuclide ctincentranions iii aquatic and terrestrial org.nisms sitnifica itt to hi uiman food chains. Use the bioa ccu mtam itui factors giivei in Section 5.1.3 or supply Shers as necessary.
Usint [he above inlformatit i and any ilther necessary supporting dat
a. calculate
[ie total body and.ipfitic:ait organ doses freni/year)
to individuals in the popitlailti (discItssed in Section 2.2) fromt all receiving-water-related exposure pathways, i.e.- all sources of' internal and external exposure (provide details atnd models of tile calculation as an appendix).
5.2.3 Gaseous Effluents Froin release rates of radioactive gases and meteorological data (Sections
3.3. 3.0. and 2.7).estitnale ttotal body and significantt organ doses (retn/year)
to: individuals exposed at (lie pomint of niaxin tiut grotntd-level concltniratiotns tiff :ite;individuals exposed at the site boundary inl life directiont ti' tlie prOvailintg wind: itndividuals exposed at tile site boulndaryv tnearest ito tle soturce.s if e, missiotn:
and itdividuals exposed at hie nearest residetnce in the direct ion of prevailincg wind. As.itune ann ual :,vetage conditionis.
Ideh il'y localitins ol pointis of release (slack. roof %"eill. etc.) used ill calculalitis.
ElsitillatC
deposilion of illvlettrilals oil loud crops atnd pasture glass. Est inat C ittal body do:ses (rein/year)
amid significant doses received bY Lthe I ort31mis via such potential pathways.Provide ait appendix describing the models used inl these calculations.
5.2.4 Exposure Pathways Provide ,'stim:aies of itdid'idu:il total thoses Iretii/year)
and popudlation WIdiscussed in Section 2.2)total doses (man~retti:'earl at could be received via all pathways.
Discuss any exposure patliway., if ihe', exist.involving radionuclides accumulated iii sed imnleis inl other comilponent.s of tile ei'iitt .5.2.5 Summary of Annual Radiation Doses The applicant should prreseti a table that suimnarit.es the estimated radiation dose to tile regiontal population front mill. or mine-related sources using values calculated in previous sections.
The tabulation should include (a) the total doses ( man-rein/year)
to the population (discussed in Sectiion 2.2) front all receiving-water-related pathways and (b) tile total doses (ilian-rei/vyear)
to the population attributable to gaseous e flu.nits.5.3 Effects of Chemical Discharges In this section. the specific cuncenlrations of nonradioactive wastes in eflluctits at the points of discharge should be compared with natural ambient concentrations without the discharge and also compared with applicable standards.
The projected effcots of the eflluenis for bothi acute and chronic exposure of the biota (including any long-term buildup in soils and seditients and in the biota) should be identified and discussed.
Dilution and mixing of discharges into the receiving cnvirons should he discussed in detail. atid estiniates of concentrations at variots distances from tile point of discharge should be provided.
The effects on terrestrial and aquatic environments from chemical wastes that contaminate Protundwater should be included.5.4 Effects of Sanitary and Other Waste Discharges Describe and discuss the environmental imtlpact associated with sanitary and olihe minill waste s\stetis discussed in Sectioni 3.5.3.s-7
5.5 Other Effects The applicant should discuss any effects of plant operation that do not clearly fall tinder any single topic of Sections 5.1 to 5.4. These may include changes in land and water use at the plant site. interaction of the plant with other neighboring plants. and disposal of solid and liquid wastes other than those discussed in Sections 5.3 through 5.5.5.6 Resources Committed Discuss any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources due to mill operation and continued mining activities.
This discussion should include both direct commitments, such as depletion of uranium resources, and irreversible environmental 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 assessmen.
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. however, in the case of a small local population, 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 assessmen:s 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 in terms of areas and distances from the site.6.0 EFFLUENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL
MEASUREMENTS
AND MONITORING
PROGRAMS The purposes of this section are to describe in detail the means by which the applicant collected the baseline data presented in other sections and to describe the applicant's plans and programs for monitoring the impacts of his proposed activities on the environment.
Section 6.1 is addressed to the measurement of preexisting characteristics of the site and the surrounding region. This program will establish a reference framework for assessing subsequent environmental effects attributable to the activity.
The applicant's attention is directed to two considerations pertinent to this section. First. the term "preexisting" refers to the characteristics of the site prior to any mining-related, activities.
A given characteristic or parameter may or may not require assessment prior to site disturbance and mill construction, depending on whether that particular characteristic may be altered at these stages. Second, in most instances this guide indicates the specific environmental'
effects to be evaluated;
consequently.
the parameters to be. tieasued will be apparent.
In sonie cases. it may he necessary for the applicant to establish a moniltoring program based (o his own identification of-potential or possible effects and to provide his underlying rationale for such.Accordingly.
the applicant shOuld carefully review the plans for measurement of preexisting condition, tio ensuie that these plans include all ifrcturs thdal ninst he subsequently monitored, as discussed in Section 6.2.Sampling design, fie q nency., nethuoddovy (including calibration and checks with standards).
and instrumentatiun for buth collection and an;alysis should be discussed as applicable.
6.1 Applicant's Preoperati onal Environmental Program, The programs for collection of environnmental data prior to operation should be described in suflticient detail to make it clear that the applicant has estab lished a thorough and co in plre hensive approach to environmental assessment.
The description of these programs should he confined principally to technical descriptions of instrumentation, scheduling.
technique.
and procedures.
Organizational aspects such as scheduling or validation are relevant only as they may bear upon technical program characteristics.
Where information fron the literature has been used by the applicant.
it should be concisely summarized and documented by reference to original data Where the availability of original sources that support important conclusions is limited, the applicant should provide either extensive quotations or referenices to accessible secondary sources. " In all cases, information derived from published results should he clearly dis'inguished from information derived I'Tom It he applicant's field measurements.
6.1.1 Surface Waters When a body of surface water may be affected by the proposed activities, the applicant should describe the programs by which the background condition of the water and the related ecology were determined.
in cases where a natural water body has already been suhiected to environmental stress from pollulant sources. the nature of this stress and its consequences should he evaluated.
The applicant should then estimate the potential quality of the affected water body.6.1.2 Groundwater In those cases in which the proposed activities mray potentially affect local groundwater.
the program leading to assessment of potential effects should he described.
6.1.2.1 Physical and Chemical Parameters The properties and configuration of the local aquifer will have been defined in sufficient detail (in 3.8-8 Section 2.6) to permit a reasonable projection of effects of proposed activities on tile groundwater.
Methods for obtaining informaion on groundwater levels and groundwater quality should be described.
6.1.2.2 Models Models may be uisezi to predict effects such as chzare iin groutrtdwa ter levels, dispersion of ctn:ainurants, and eventual transport through aquifers to surlface water ttodics. Thie nodels should be described and supporting evidence for their reliability and validity presented.
6.1.3. Air The applicant should describe the program for ubtaineig information on local air quality. if relevant.and local mnecetrology.
The description should show the basis fur predicting such effects as the dispersion of gaseous effluents as well as present the nrethndolovy for gadrhwring baseline data.6.1.3.1 Meteorolof, Tile applicant should identify sources of meteorological data relevant to such effects as the dispersion of gaseous effluents.
Locations of observation stations.
instrumnentat ion, and frequency and duration of'measurements should be spieciflid both for the applicant's measuring aclivities and for activities of governmental agencies OT tiher organiz:ations on whose informat"ir the applicant intends to rely.6.1.3.2 Models Any models used by the applicant either to derive estimates of basic meleorological information or to estimate the effects of effluent systerns should he descrihetl and their validity ant! accuracy discussed.
6.1.4 Lind Data collection program., concerning the terrestrial environment of the proposed facility should be described and justified with regard to both scope and methIudol gy.Sources of infornmation should be identified and their ;tcctiracv assessed.
Methods used to forecast from data should be described.
6.1.4.3 Ecological Parameters In this section tile applicant should discuss tile program used to assess tihe ecological cliarattetistics of the site with primary reference to imnportant terrestrial biota.6.1.5 Radiological Surveys This section of tlte Environmental Report should discuss tile iet hods used to decruuine thle preoperational radiation levels at thi.t sitl- and environs and dhe concern ralions of anv radioactive materials occurring in important local and regiunal biua. as well as in required soil, rocks. and surface waters.The methods used should be tlrorougJ.v described and documented.
The discussion should include identification of sampling or collectiion sites. sampling methods, duration and frequency.
arid analytical procedures (inclu din-g preanalysis t reatment.instrumen tat ion, and minimum sensitivities)
as applicable.
6.2 Applicant's Proposed Operational Monitoring Programs The applicant should present thie proposed ope.rational monitoring prograrr for planned operations.
Review of this description will be f'acilitated if the applicant includes inaps of observation sites and tabular presentation of summary descriptors of such factors as frequer,'y.
type of sampling, method of collection.
analytic method. pre-tnalysis treatment, instrumentation.
and minimum sensilivities.
The program description should be explicit with respect to the parameter limits that are not to be exceeded under normal operating conditions and with regard to the actions planned in tile event the limits are exceeded.4 6.1.4.1 Geology and Soil%Geoloaical studies conducted in support of safety analywes should be. briefly summarized and reference made to the relevant safety reports for a more detailed presentation.
The applicant should describe the collection of data on any soil conditions that may be altered by planned operations.
The description should include identification of the sampling pattern and the justification for it, selection, the sampling method, holding periods and preanalysis treatment.
and analytic techniques.
6.1.4.2 Land Use and Demographic Surveys The applicant should describe his program for identifying the actual land use in the site environs and for acquiring demographic data for the region.6.2.1 Radiological Monitoring The applicant's operational monitoring program for radiological effects should be described both for the mine and mill efflutent-monitoring system and for the environmental monitoring program.6.2.1.1 Mill Effluent--Monitoring System Describe, in general. effluent-monitoring systems for radioactive liquid and gaseous effluents.
Discuss the sensitivity limits for detecting radioactivity corresponding to routinely expected release rates. List the effluent streams, if any, that will not be monitored and provide a brief rationale for the absence of monitoring.
3.8-9
6.2.1.2 Environmental Radiological Monitoring The operational surveillance program should be described in detail, with specific attention given !o the types of samples to be collected.
sampling locations and frequency.
fhe analyses to be performed co each sample, and the criteria for investigating increases of concentration of material detected in the environs.
The analytical sensitivity (detection threshold)
for each analysis and the schedule for reporting data collected from the surveillance program should he discussed.
6.2.2 Chemical Effluent Monitoring The proposed measurement program, including instrumentationt.
locations and frequencies.
and analytical techniques, should be fully described.
The description o f the program should include instrumentation sensitivity and reliability.
Monitoring procedures prescribed by local. State. or Federal agencies as conditions placed upon operation should be so identified.
The criteria for setting threshold levels for corrective action should be presented.
In the case of prescribed quantitative standards set by agencies.
the applicable regulation should be cited. In the case of quantitative limits set by the applicant to conform to qualitative standards or restrictions, the applicant's rationale should be presented.
In either case. the action to be taken if measurements exceed thresholds should be specified.
6.2.3 Meteorological Monitoring The applicant's program for monitoring meteorological phenomena should be described.
6.2.4 Ecological Monitoring In the preoperational surveillance program the applicant will have established methot' ilogy for determining the ecological characteristics of the region.In principle, this methr'dology should be appropriate for the subsequent monitoring program to be maintained during plant operation.
However. the applicant may choose to modify sonic aspects of his methodology in view of the requirement for protracted monitoring.
Such aspects may include frequency.
observation sites, and so forth. These should be described and justified.
Also, the applicant should, in this section. indicate, to the extent feasible, how changes in the physiological and behavioral characteristics of the observed biota will be ascribed to specific effects of plant operation, to natural variation, or to other causes.6.3 Related Environmental Measurement and Monitoring Programs When the applicant's site lies within a region fbr which environmental measurement and/or monitoring program:;
are caticd oui by p1i) U :I; AIther agenC'i1C5
110;directly supported by tile appiicanr.
these prograis should be identified and discussed.
Relevance of such independent findings to the proposed facility should h." described, and plans for exchange olfinfurriation should be presented.
Agencies responsible for the p !rgants should be identified.
and Io the extcnt poJsihle.
lie0 procedures and mcthlodolugics ci,, tloyed should lic briefly described.
7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTS The applicantI
should otfis Ii~S
il effects of possible accidents that occir withiu Ihic mill or during transpo.)rtatiol , ;:di i iefials.whether or not these accidents might, prIdtc 1 radiological impact onl the site andi/or its envitonis.
7.1 Mill Accidents The applicant should provide art operatinc accident analysis for a spectrurn ot accidents which tiight occur ranging in severity fromn trivial io vcrv serious.s.
liach cla,.s within the spectrum should he characterized by an occurrence rate or probability and Iheir potential environmental conselquettcs.
if any. Eixamples of serious accidents would be a fire and "or explo.sion in a solvent extraction circuit or tihe failure ot a w:lste retentioin system resulting from art act of" natunre or rnisoperati"ti.
Lxamples of intermediate accidents would be ;a failurc of the air cleaning systeoi serving the vellohcake arca during operation.
the rupture of a vessel coolt -ijnit)g mill solutions, or a failure of a w asIC distrihuti.n pipeline.An example of a trivial accident ,vohl le otdhe malfunction of mill process equipment.
7.2 Transportation Accidents The potential environtmental effect,, t ion a transportation accident involving radioactive materials should be evaluated.
Even though the prthbability of such an accident may he low and its cotseqtueitces smrrall the applicant should identify thle environmental effects that might result. Adequate docurnentation ,hould he presented to provide assurance thlit all satkt v requirements will be met prior to tramisprliat ,In radioactive materials.
7.3 Other Accidents In addition to accidents that can iell ,.radioactivity to the environs.
there may he accidenlt., that, although radioactive materials are not irv, dlved. do have consequences that affect the enviromnent.
Such accidents as chemical e xplosiorns or fires. st c-iin boiler failures, and leakage or rupture of vessels contaring toxic materials can have signiticant erivirnmmert ta impacts. These possible accidentis anld associah'd etfkct s should be identified and evaluated.
3.8-I0
0 8.0 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS OF MILL CONSTRUCTION
AND OPERATION The purpose of this section is to provide guidance otn the iniormnatjo ttieneded to :iso.s the cCon0it'tic and social effCcts ot" tle proptosed la,:iliiy.
Ttheic :Ire. of course. litilttatiolls oil dhe cxtcnl to whiil: all the social and e,,;ttontic benefits irAnd costs ofa iiraniumin millini proect caa be evahlated.
The wide variety of henletits and col.ts arc not uIily diflIicult to:assess. but mainyi are not :aineilna)lc to quanitification nor even Uo e: tmlilhat oll Ill ' t ttrte1 ,4rah tt[ni!s. Sone primtarv benel'its such as the (li:ttitmii, ot uranium recovercd are. to a d,.-ree. Tneasur;iblc a:s ire the capital',iSiS anid operiating alid ilaililielance costs o"f the prtoposad facility.
Ott the oth-r hand, numerous cnvironmeneital costs anid their .C-,onornic and r-,IIseqtnence,.
are not readily quatllilied.Benefits'rite pintary benefits of the proposed nuclear facility are those inherent in the va:lue of the uranium to be rcoOvered ard the kilowatt -hours of electricity which it represents.
There a:re otlter suocial and economic benefits which affect variuis political jurisdictions or interests To a greater or lesser degree. Some of these reflect transfer pavyments or othel values which may partially.
if riot fully, comupensate fur certain services as well as external or environmental costs. and this fact should he reflected in the desiention of the benefit. A li,l of examples follows:"" Tax revenues ito he received by local. State and Federal coverlnimients.
- Tenilxirary arid permanent new jobs created and payroll (value-added concept).l lncre mental increase in regional product." E-nhancetrient of recrealional values.* Einvironmental enhancement in support of the propagation or protection of wildlife and the improvement of wildlife habitats.* Creation and improvement of local roads.waterways, or other transportation facilities.
- Increased knowledge of tile environment as a consequenrice of ecological research and environrmenr~tal monitoring activities associated with plant operation, and technological imnprovemnents front the applicant', research progratim.
The applicant should discuss significant benefits thaiat may he realized fromn the construction and toperation of Itlie proposed mnill. Where Ihc benefits can be expressed in nmonetary terms. Iltey should he discounted to present worth. In each instance where a particular bencfit is discussed, the applicant should indicate, to t[ie extent practical.
who is likely to he affected and f'or lung. In the case of' aesthetic impacts which are difficul t to quantify.
the applic;ant should provide pictorial drawings of struectures or environmental modifications visihlc to the public (refer to Sect liot 3.1 ).8.2 Costs The ecollol,lic and social coiss resutlling
[loi it the proposed :nuclcar facility and its in iltiji. projeci aie likewise cottplex and teed1 to he appraised.
The primary internal costs art: (I) tie carpital costs of lanid acquisition and inpriverrentt
({'t the capital costs of facility construction:
(3) other inperalintit and niainteltance costs including license. fees antd taxes; (4)plant decontiinssiniing antdl tailints stablization cosls;and (5) research aind developmilent costs associ:i ted with potential future improvements of tle mill and its operatiion and maini cttance. As in tile case of betnefits.
tie applicanit should discount these costs to present worth.There are also external costs. Their effects ott the interests of people need to he examined.
Ilic applicant should supply, as applicable, ant evaluation plus supporting data and rationale regarding such external social and economic costs. For each cost. the applicant should describe the probable nunmber arid location of the population group adversely affected.
the estimated economic and social impact. and any special measures to be taken to alleviate the impact.Examples of temporary external costs: Shortages of housing; inflationary rentals or prices;congestion
()f local streets and highways:
noise and temporary aesthetic disturbances;
overloading of water supply and sewage treat nent facilities:
crowding of local schools. hospitals.
or other public facilities:
overtaxing of community services:
the disruption of' people's lives or the local comntunity caused by acquisition of land for the proposed site.Examples of long-term external costs: Impairment of recreational values (e.g.. redttced availability of desired species of wildlife artd sport animals, restrictions of access to land or water areas preferred for recreational use); deterioration of aesthetic and scenic values; restrictions on access to areas of scenic, historic, or cultural interest;
degradation of areas having historic, cultural, natural, or archaeological value: removal of land front present or contemplated alternative uses: reduction of' regional product due to displacement of persons from the land proposed for the site- lost income from recreation or totiri-n that rmay be impaired by environmental disturbances, lost income attributable to environmental degradation;
decrease in real estate values in areas adjacent to the proposed facility:
increased cost'; to local governments for the services required hy the permanently employed workers and their families.
It discussing the costs the applicant should indicate to the extent practical.
who is likely to he affecied and for how long.13.8-11
9.0 RECLAMATION
AND RESTORATION
Discuss in deplh plans For site reclamation and restoration including:
I Plains I'mr reclaiming and restoring laIds disturbed by mining activities.
2. A technical and financial feasibility as.essnient on methods and costs of stahilizing lailinigs relention-yslelU(s).
3. Financial arrangements it) he made (such as btonding atrrangenictils.
etc.) to insiure Ihfat ad,'quiate Ilands will be available for site reclamiation and i .tIoration when operations are concluded.
4. Provisions for acquiring owneishiip of1 ihe property (if not already owned) on which the tailings will be stored.S. Plans and methods fur providing long-iernm maini enance and control over the tailngs upon te[rnination of milling activilies.
10.0 ALTERNATIVES
TO THE PROPOSED'ACTION
In this section of the Environmental Report. the applicant's choice of a particular inill at a particular site must be supported throuth a comparative evaluation of available alternatives.
The AIEC will consider available alternatives that may reduce or avoid adverse environmental effects expected Jo result from construction and operation of the proposed milling and mining project. The AEC will not specify in advance which alternatives should be selected by the applicant for consideration;
rather. the applicant should make this selection and also make clear the basis and rationale for the choices in regard to number. availability.
suitability.
and factors limiting the range of alternatives that might avoid sonic or all of the environmental effects previously identified.
11.0 BENEFIT-COST
ANALYSIS In this section the applicant's benefit-cost statement will be presented.
The presentation should be made in the form of a narrative with accompanying tables and charts. The presentation should make clear what tile applicant considers to be the important benefits and costs of the proposed facility and why, in the judgment of the applicant.
the former outweigh the latter.The applicant will have to develop criteria for assessing and comparing benefits and costs where these are expressed in non-monetary or qualitative terms. The rationales for the selection among site-mill alternatives, as well as among subsystem alternatives, should be presented.
Ini any case. the applicant should carefully describe any aggregAliol of e'lbct s and discuss in &(klil the trade-offs that were inade in order to justitfy the proposed plant. If any ,of lite henetits or cosis aiC deleted fromn the applicant's
- aialsis.
the r;itioilale ftoi doing so should he cxplaittcd.
Thc applicatl should key all the terms used ill thie heic'fit-cost ataly'sis ito tile relevant secti ons of tlhe EnviroitItental Repoi I.12.0 ENVIRONMENTAL
APPROVALS AND CONSULTATIONS
list all liccl.sus,
- 111d 1tliet ovak (it'constructiont and operatiolls required 1,v FedeaIl.L
Slate.local, and regional authorilies It tIhe protectln ilof the environtienil.
List ttose F:ederal aind Stice aplprovals tha;it have already heecl rcci\vcd.
and indicale the siati.u ot matters regarding approvals
\el to lie For general backgtround.
submil simtilar infortmatloln regarding approvals.
licenses.
and contacts witi local authorities.
I)iscuss the slailts of efforts ito oblaittl a alet quality certificailon under Seclion 401 of the IFederal Water Pollution
('ontr)l Act. as aimcinded.
I niol alreadiv obtained, indicate when cerlificalion is expected.
Itf certificatiotl is not te(tiirned.
explain.In view of the effects of tile plainl o tlhe ecolitiimoic development of the repion in which it is located. tIht applicant shuuld also llitc ilte State. local. and lecionai planning atmthorities conlacled or consulted
(,1 11 Circular A-95 identifies tile State, metropolitan, and regional clearinghouse. (A listing of ipplicable clearinghouses may he obtained from tIe Al-)'.(Cite meetings held with environnietalil anld oth1t citizen groups witih reference given it) srecific illsl:tilces of the applicant's compliance with cilizerl irollfp recommendations.
13.0 REFERENCES
The applicant should provide a bibhlioigraplty
,, all sources used in preparation of tite IEivirotmiettlal Report. References cited should he keyed to the specific sections and page numhers to which they apply.'The binaccutmutilion factor is the equililbriin, rjtiti: (concentration in oraninml/(coneentration in water).2 Any reports of work (L-4.+ eciotoPicait surveys) slipporild by the applicant iiiat are (f significant valtum in assessing
0iv* environmental"t or tile proposed action shomuld he inchtdc'd as appendices or iptelneni'
to ihe E'nvitntnent:al Report.unless the reports are oltherwise pencrally available.
I 3.8.12