ML13024A012

License Renewal Application, Part 2 of 8

ML13024A012
Person / Time
Site:	Sequoyah
Issue date:	01/07/2013
From:	Tennessee Valley Authority
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML13024A012 (68)

Text

APPENDIX EApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal StageSequoyah Nuclear Plant Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage ii INTRODUCTIONTennessee Valley Authority (TVA) submits this Environmental Report (ER) in conjunction with the application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to renew the operating licenses for Sequoyah Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2 (hereafter referred to as SQN or SQN Units 1 and 2) for 20 years beyond the end of the current license terms. In compliance with applicable NRC requirements, this ER analyzes potential environmental impacts associated with renewal of the SQN operating licenses (OLs). This ER is designed to assist the NRC staff with the preparation of the SQN-specific supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) required for license renewal.The SQN ER is provided in accordance with 10 CFR 54.23, which requires license renewal applicants to submit a supplement to the ER that complies with the requirements of Subpart A of 10 CFR Part 51. This report also addresses the more detailed requirements of NRC environmental regulations in 10 CFR 51.45 and 10 CFR 51.53(c), as well as the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 USC 4321 et seq. For major federal actions, NEPA requires federal agencies to prepare a detailed statement that evaluates environmental impacts, alternatives to the proposed action, and irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources associated with implementation of the proposed action.TVA used Supplement 1 to Regulatory Guide 4.2, "Preparation of Supplemental Environmental Reports for Applications to Renew Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses," as guidance on the format and content of this ER. In addition, TVA utilized the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants (NUREG-1437) and Appendix B to 10CFR Part 51 in preparation of this report. Although not yet regulatory requirements, TVA also considered the proposed amendment to 10 CFR Part 51 during the development of this ER for purposes of completeness but not in order to satisfy governing regulatory requirements. The level of information provided on the various topics and issues in this ER are commensurate with the environmental significance of the particular topic or issue.Based upon the evaluations discussed in this ER, TVA concludes that the environmental impacts associated with renewal of the SQN OLs are SMALL. No plant refurbishment activities have been identified as necessary to support the continued operation of SQN beyond the end of the existing OLs term. Ongoing plant operational and maintenance activities will be performed during the license renewal period, but no significant environmental impacts associated with such activities are expected because established programs and procedures are in place to ensure that proper environmental monitoring continues to be conducted throughout the renewal term as discussed in Chapter 9.

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stageiii ACRONYMS , A BBREVIATIONS AND S YMBOLS§sectionºCdegree Celsius

ºFdegree Fahrenheit

µmmicrometers AADTannual average daily traffic ACHPAdvisory Council on Historic Preservation ACRESassessment, cleanup and redevelopment exchange system AFSAir Facility System (EPA)

AFWauxiliary feedwater ALARA as low as reasonably achievable APEarea of potential effect B&WBabcock and Wilcox BFNBrowns Ferry Nuclear Plant bgsbelow ground surface BLEUblended low-enriched uranium BMPbest management practice BPbefore present BTAbest technology available.

BtuBritish thermal unit Btu/kWhBritish thermal unit per kilowatt-hour BWRboiling water reactor CAAClean Air Act CCScarbon capture and storage CCS/AFWcomponent cooling water system/auxiliary feedwaterCCWcondenser circulating water CDCU.S. Centers for Disease Control Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage ivCDCTcask decontamination collector tankCECCCentral Emergency Control Center CEQCouncil on Environmental Quality Ceq/kWhcarbon equivalents per kilowatt hour CERCLAComprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability ActCFRCode of Federal Regulations cfscubic feet per second CHCAPCBChattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau CHCRPAChattanooga-Hamilton C ounty Regional Planning Agencycmcentimeter COcarbon monoxide

CO 2carbon dioxideCRPconservation reserve program CSPconcentrating solar power CSXCSX Transportation, Inc.

CVCSchemical and volume control system CWAClean Water Act DAWdry active waste dBaA-weighted decibel DOdissolved oxygen DOEU.S. Department of Energy DSEISdraft supplemental environmental impact statement Eeast EAenvironmental assessment EABexclusion area boundary EDTVA Energy Delivery A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage vEDREnvironmental Data ResourcesEDSenvironmental data station EEDRenergy efficiency and demand response EEREOffice of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE)

EFEnhanced Fujita (tornado scale ranging from 0 to 5) e.g.for example (Latin exempli gratia

)EISenvironmental impact statement ENEeast-northeast EOExecutive OrderEPAU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyEPCRAEmergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act EPRIElectric Power Research Institute EPTEphemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera EqAequivalent adult ERenvironmental report ERCWessential raw cooling water ESAEndangered Species Act ESEeast-southeast ESRIEnvironmental Systems Research Institute et seq.and following (Latin et sequens

)FAAFederal Aviation Administration FDCTfloor drain collector tank FFujita (tornado scale ranging from 0 to 5)

FEISfinal environmental impact statement FESfinal environmental statement FONSIfinding of no significant impact A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage vifpsfeet per secondFRPflood risk profile FSEISfinal supplemental environmental impact statementftfoot (feet)

FYfiscal year ggram gpdgallons per day GEISGeneric Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear PlantsGHGgreenhouse gas GISgeographic information system GPIGroundwater Protection Initiative gpmgallons per minute GWhgigawatt hour GWPSgaseous waste processing system hahectares HCThigh crud tank HEUhighly enriched uranium HIChigh integrity container HiRMHiwassee River mile HMTAHazardous Materials Transportation Act HPAhabitat protection area HSDThot shower drain tank HUChydrologic unit code HVACheating, ventilation and air conditioning HWSFhazardous waste storage facility I-24Interstate 24 A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage viiI-59Interstate 59I-75Interstate 75 i.e.that is (Latin id est)IAAOInternational Association of Assessing Officers IGCCintegrated-gasification combined cycle INPOInstitute of Nuclear Power Operations IPEindividual plant examination IPEEEindividual plant examination of external eventsIPSintake pumping stationIRPIntegrated Resource PlanISFSIindependent spent fuel storage installation kgkilogram kVkilovolt kWkilowatt kWhkilowatt hour

kWh/m 2/daykilowatt hour per square meter per day LEUlow enriched uranium LIDARaerial light detection and ranging LLRWlow-level radioactive waste LOCAloss-of-coolant accident LOSlevel of service LRAlicense renewal application LWPSliquid waste processing system mmeter m 2 square meter m 3cubic meter A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage viiimAmilliamperesMACCS2Melcor Accident Consequence Code System, Version 2 MACRmaximum averted cost-risk MGDmillions of gallons per day MMBtumillion Btu MOXmixed oxide mphmiles per hour mradmillirad mremmilliremmslabove mean sea levelMSAmetropolitan statistical area MWmegawatt MWD/MTUmegawatt-day per metric ton uranium MWemegawatts electric Nnorth NAnot applicable NAAQSNational Ambient Air Quality Standards NAICSNorth American Industry Classification System NASSNational Agricultural Statistics Service NCDCNational Climatic Data CenterNEnortheast NEINuclear Energy Institute NEPANational Environmental Policy Act NERCNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation NESCNational Electrical Safety Code NHPANational Historic Preservation Act A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage ixNNEnorth-northeastNNWnorth-northwest

NO xnitrogen oxidesNPDESnational pollutant discharge elimination system NPSNational Park Service NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission NRELNational Renewable Energy Laboratory NRHPNational Register of Historic Places NRINationwide Rivers InventoryNRROffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationNRWTnon-reclaimable waste tank NTneutralization tank NUREGU.S. Nuclear Regulato ry Commission RegulationNWnorthwest NWINational Wetland Inventory NW&SRNational Wild and Scenic Rivers NWRnational wildlife refuge ODCMoffsite dose calculation manual OLoperating license OSHAOccupational Health and Safety Administration OTECocean thermal energy conversion PCBpolychlorinated biphenyls pCi/Lpicocuries per liter PFproduction foregone

PM 2.5particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 microns PM 10particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of up to10 microns A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage x PM f total filterable particulatesPOTWpublicly owned treatment works PRAprobabilistic risk assessment PSDprevention of significant deterioration PVphotovoltaic PWRpressurized water reactor RBIreservoir benthic index RCDTreactor coolant drain tank RCPreactor coolant pumpRCRAResource Conservation and Recovery ActRCWraw cooling water REMPradiological environmental monitoring program RFAIreservoir fish assemblage index RODrecord of decision ROIregion of interest ROWright-of-way Ssouth SAMAsevere accident mitigation alternative SCPCsuper-critical pulverized coal SEsoutheast SEISsupplemental environmental impact statement SERCSoutheast Electric Reliability Corporation SMZstreamside management zone

SO xsulfur oxidesSPCCspill prevention, control, and countermeasure SPDsurplus plutonium disposition A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xiSQNSequoyah Nuclear PlantSR 29State Road 29 SR 153State Road 153 SR 312State Road 312, Birchwood Pike SR 319State Road 319, Hixson Pike SRSTspent resin storage tank SSEsouth-southeast SSWsouth-southwest SWsouthwestSWPPPstormwater pollution prevention planTDCTtritiated drain collector tank TDECTennessee Department of Environment and Conservation TDOTTennessee Department of Transportation THCTennessee Historical CommissionTMDLtotal maximum daily load TPBARtritium-producing burnable absorber rod TRMTennessee River mile TVATennessee Valley Authority TWRATennessee Wildlife Resources Agency US 27U.S. Highway 27 USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers USCU.S. Code USCBU.S. Census Bureau USDAU.S. Department of Agriculture USDOTU.S. Department of Transportation USFWSU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xiiUSGSU.S. Geological SurveyWwest WAWwet active waste WBNWatts Bar Nuclear Plant WinMACCSMELCOR Accident Consequence Code System, Windows interfaceWNWwest-northwest WSWwest-southwest WPAWorks Progress Administration A CRONYMS , ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS (C ONTINUED)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xiii TABLE OF CONTENTS1.0PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11.1Environmental Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11.2Licensee and Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-22.0SITE AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTERFACES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12.1Location and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22.1.1Vicinity and Regional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22.1.2Station Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-42.1.3Federal, Native American, State, and Local Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-52.2Aquatic and Riparian Ecological Communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-222.2.1Physical and Chemical Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-222.2.1.1Hydrologic Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22 2.2.1.2Tennessee River Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-24 2.2.1.3Ecological and Riparian Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-242.2.1.4Tennessee River Restoration Efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-252.2.1.5Water Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-25 2.2.1.6TVA Ecological Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-262.2.1.7Fish Consumption Advisories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-272.2.2Plankton Communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27 2.2.3Macroinvertebrate Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-292.2.4Vascular Aquatic Plants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-342.2.5Fish Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-352.3Groundwater Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-672.3.1Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 72.3.1.1Regional Geology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-67 2.3.1.2Site Geology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-672.3.2Regional Groundwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-682.3.3Local Groundwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-68 2.3.4Groundwater Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-692.3.5Groundwater Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-702.3.6Site Groundwater Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-712.4Critical and Important Terrestrial Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-772.4.1Site Ecology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-772.4.1.1Wetlands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-78 2.4.1.2Common Wildlife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-792.4.1.3Terrestrial Monitoring Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-822.4.1.4Site Management Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-822.4.2Transmission Line Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-822.4.2.1Transmission Line Management Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-832.4.3State-Listed Critical or Important Habitats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-83 2.4.4Federally Listed Critical or Important Habitats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-85 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xiv2.5Threatened or Endangered Species. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-932.5.1Federally Listed Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-932.5.2State-Protected Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-942.6Regional Demography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1032.6.1Regional Population. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1032.6.2Minority and Low-Income Populations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1062.6.2.1Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-106 2.6.2.2Minority Populations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1072.6.2.3Low-Income Populations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1092.7Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1412.8Land Use Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14 52.8.1Existing Land-Use Trend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1452.8.2Future Land-Use Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1462.9Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1492.10Social Services and Public Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1512.10.1Public Water Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1512.10.2Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1532.10.2.1Traffic Counts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1542.10.2.2Level of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1542.10.3Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1 542.10.4Transient Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1552.10.5Migrant Farm Labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1552.10.6Employment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1552.11Meteorology and Air Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1642.11.1Climate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

-1642.11.2Air Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

-1662.11.3Greenhouse Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1662.12Historic and Archaeological Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1692.12.1Prehistoric Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16 92.12.2Historic Era. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1752.12.3Cultural Resource Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1762.13Related Federal and Non-Federal Projects and Other Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1872.13.1SQN Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1872.13.2TVA Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1882.13.3Other Federal Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-189 2.13.4Non-Federal Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1893.0THE PROPOSED ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13.1Description of the Proposed Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13.2General Plant Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13.2.1Reactor and Containment Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xv3.2.1.1Reactor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13.2.1.2Containment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23.2.2Cooling and Auxiliary Water Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33.2.2.1Condenser Circulating Water System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3 3.2.2.2Diffuser Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-53.2.2.3Thermal Discharge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-63.2.2.4Essential Raw Cooling Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-63.2.3Radioactive Waste Treatment Processes (Gaseous, Liquid, and Solid) . . . . . . .3-73.2.3.1Liquid Waste Processing Systems and Effluent Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-83.2.3.1.1Shared Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8 3.2.3.1.2System Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-113.2.3.1.3Liquid Effluent Releases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-153.2.3.2Gaseous Waste Processing System and Effluent Controls . . . . . . . . . . . .3-163.2.3.2.1Auxiliary Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-163.2.3.2.2System Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-173.2.3.2.3Gaseous Effluent Releases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-173.2.3.3Solid Waste Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-183.2.3.3.1Wet Active Waste Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-193.2.3.3.2Dry Active Waste Processing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-203.2.3.3.3Miscellaneous Waste Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-203.2.3.4Radwaste Storage-License Renewal Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-203.2.3.5Spent Fuel Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-213.2.4Transportation of Radioactive Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21 3.2.5Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-213.2.6Groundwater Protection Monitoring Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-223.2.7Meteorological System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-233.2.7.1Instrument Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-233.2.7.2Data Acquisition System and Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-233.2.7.3Data Recording and Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24 3.2.7.4Equipment Servicing, Maintenance, and Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-243.2.8Nonradioactive Waste Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-243.2.8.1Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Wastes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24 3.2.8.2Wastewater Discharges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-263.2.8.3Potable Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-263.2.8.4Air Emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-26 3.2.8.5Nonradioactive Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-273.2.9Maintenance, Inspection, and Refueling Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-273.2.10Power Transmission Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-283.2.10.1In-Scope Transmission Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-283.2.10.2Vegetation Management Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-293.2.10.2.1Transmission Line Surveillance Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-29 3.2.10.2.2Right-of-Way Management Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-293.2.10.2.3Environmental Review Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-323.2.10.2.4Bird Collisions and Electrocutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-32 3.2.10.2.5Ozone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xvi3.3Refurbishment Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-433.4Programs and Activities for Managing the Effects of Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-433.5Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-434.0ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE PROPOSED ACTION. . . . . . . . . . .4-14.0.1Discussion of GEIS Categories for Environmental Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14.0.2Category 1 License Renewal Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14.0.3Category 2 License Renewal Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2 4.0.4"NA" License Renewal Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-34.0.5Proposed New or Expanded Category 2 Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-34.0.6Format of Category 2 Issue Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-54.1Water Use Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1 44.1.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-144.1.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14 4.1.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(A)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14 4.1.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-144.1.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-144.1.5.1Hydrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14 4.1.5.2Water Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-154.1.5.3Instream Ecological Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-154.1.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-164.2Entrainment of Fish and Shellfish in Early Life Stages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-184.2.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-184.2.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18 4.2.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(B]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-184.2.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-184.2.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-184.2.5.1Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-184.2.5.2Entrainment Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-204.2.5.3Category 1 Issue Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-224.2.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-234.3Impingement of Fish and Shellfish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-234.3.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-234.3.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-234.3.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(B)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-234.3.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-23 4.3.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-244.3.5.1Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-244.3.5.2Impingement Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-244.3.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-274.4Heat Shock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-314.4.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-31 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xvii4.4.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-314.4.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(B)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-314.4.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-314.4.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-314.4.5.1Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-324.4.5.2Thermal Discharge Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-344.4.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-354.5Groundwater Use Conflicts (Plants Using > 100 gpm of Groundwater). . . . . . . . . . . .4-354.5.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-354.5.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-36 4.5.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(C)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-364.5.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-364.5.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-364.6Groundwater Use Conflicts (Plants Using Cooling Towers Withdrawing Make-Up Water from a Small River) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-364.6.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-364.6.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-36 4.6.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(A)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-374.6.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-374.6.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-374.6.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-384.7Groundwater Use Conflicts (Plants Using Ranney Wells) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-384.7.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-384.7.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-394.7.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(C)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-394.7.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-39 4.7.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-394.8Degradation of Groundwater Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-394.8.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-394.8.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-394.8.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(D)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-394.8.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-40 4.8.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-404.9Impacts of Refurbishment on Terrestrial Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-404.9.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-404.9.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-404.9.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(E)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-404.9.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-40 4.9.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-414.10Threatened or Endangered Species. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-424.10.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-424.10.2Finding from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-42 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xviii4.10.3Requirement of 10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(E) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-424.10.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-434.10.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-434.10.5.1Refurbishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-43 4.10.5.2License Renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-434.10.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-444.11Impacts of Refurbishment on Air Quality (Nonattainment Areas). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-444.11.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-444.11.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-444.11.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(F)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-44 4.11.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-454.11.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-454.12Microbiological Organisms-Public Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-454.12.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-454.12.2Finding from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-454.12.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(G)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-46 4.12.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-46 4.12.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-464.12.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-474.13Electromagnetic Fields-Acute Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-474.13.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-474.13.2Findings from Table B-1, Subpart A, Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-474.13.3Requirements [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(H)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-48 4.13.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-484.13.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-484.13.5.1Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-484.13.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-504.14Housing Impacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

-514.14.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-514.14.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-514.14.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(I)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-514.14.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-51 4.14.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-524.14.5.1Refurbishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-524.14.5.2License Renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-524.14.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-524.15Public Utilities; Public Water Supply Availability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-534.15.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-534.15.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-534.15.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(I)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-534.15.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-53 4.15.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-53 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xix4.15.5.1Refurbishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-534.15.5.2License Renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-544.15.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-544.16Education Impacts from Refurbishment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-544.16.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-544.16.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-544.16.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(I)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-54 4.16.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-544.16.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-554.17Offsite Land Use (Refurbishment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-554.17.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-554.17.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-554.17.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(I)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-55 4.17.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-554.17.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-554.18Offsite Land Use (License Renewal Term). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-554.18.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-554.18.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-564.18.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(I)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-564.18.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-56 4.18.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-574.18.5.1Population-Driven Land-Use Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-574.18.5.2Tax-Driven Land-Use Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-57 4.18.5.3Land Value Land-Use Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-574.18.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-584.19Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-594.19.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-594.19.2Findings from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-594.19.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(J)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-59 4.19.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-594.19.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-594.19.5.1Refurbishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-59 4.19.5.2License Renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-594.19.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-604.20Historic and Archaeological Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-614.20.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-614.20.2Finding from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-614.20.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(K)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-61 4.20.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-614.20.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-614.20.5.1Refurbishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-61 4.20.5.2License Renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-61 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xx4.20.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-634.21Severe Accident Mitigation Alternatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-634.21.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-634.21.2Finding from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-63 4.21.3Requirement [10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(L)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-634.21.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-634.21.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-634.21.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-674.22Environmental Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-674.22.1Description of Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-674.22.2Finding from Table B-1, Appendix B to Subpart A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-674.22.3Requirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-684.22.4Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-68 4.22.5Analysis of Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-684.22.6Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-694.23Cumulative Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6 94.23.1Cumulative Impacts on Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-704.23.1.1Surface Water Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-704.23.1.2Groundwater Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-714.23.2Cumulative Impacts on Aquatic Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-72 4.23.3Cumulative Impacts on Terrestrial Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-734.23.4Cumulative Socioeconomic Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-744.23.5Cumulative Impacts on Air Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-75 4.23.6Cumulative Impacts on Human Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-764.23.7Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-785.0ASSESSMENT OF NEW AND SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1 5.1New and Significant Information Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15.1.1Clean Water Act Section 316(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-36.0

SUMMARY

OF LICENSE RENEWAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATING ACTIONS. . . . .6-1 6.1License Renewal Impacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16.2Mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16.2.1Requirement [10 CFR 51.45(c)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16.2.2TVA Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16.3Unavoidable Adverse Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-26.3.1Requirement [10 CFR 51.45(b)(2)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-26.3.2TVA Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-26.4Irreversible or Irretrievable Resource Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-36.4.1Requirement [10 CFR 51.45(b)(5)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-36.4.2TVA Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-36.5Short-Term Use Versus Long-Term Productivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxi6.5.1Requirement [10 CFR 51.45(b)(4)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-46.5.2TVA Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-47.0ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17.1Proposed Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-27.2No-Action Alternative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-27.2.1TVA Region of Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-27.2.2Decommissioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-27.3Alternatives Considered Reasonable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-37.4Alternatives Not Within the Range of Reasonable Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-87.4.1Wind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

-87.4.2Solar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-107.4.3Hydropower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-117.4.4Geothermal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12 7.4.5Biomass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12 7.4.6Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-147.4.7Tidal, Ocean Thermal, and Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-147.4.8Fuel Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1 57.4.9Repowering/Uprating Electrical Generating Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-167.4.10Energy Efficiency and Demand Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-167.4.11Delayed Retirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17 7.4.12Purchased Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-187.5Environmental Impacts of Reasonable Energy Alternatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-217.5.1Construct and Operate New Super-Critical Pulverized Coal Generating Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-217.5.1.1Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-217.5.1.2Air Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-22 7.5.1.3Groundwater Use and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-247.5.1.4Surface Water Use and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-257.5.1.5Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-25 7.5.1.6Human Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-267.5.1.7Socioeconomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-267.5.1.8Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-27 7.5.1.9Aesthetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-277.5.1.10Historic and Cultural Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-287.5.1.11Environmental Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-28 7.5.1.12Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-287.5.2Construct and Operate New Natural Gas-Fired Generating Capacity. . . . . . . . .7-297.5.2.1Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-29 7.5.2.2Air Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-307.5.2.3Groundwater Use and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-317.5.2.4Surface Water Use and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-31 7.5.2.5Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-32 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxii7.5.2.6Human Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-327.5.2.7Socioeconomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-337.5.2.8Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-337.5.2.9Aesthetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-34 7.5.2.10Historic and Cultural Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-347.5.2.11Environmental Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-357.5.2.12Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-357.5.3Construct and Operate New Nuclear Generating Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-357.5.3.1Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-357.5.3.2Air Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-36 7.5.3.3Groundwater Use and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-367.5.3.4Surface Water Use and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-377.5.3.5Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-37 7.5.3.6Human Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-397.5.3.7Socioeconomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-397.5.3.8Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-39 7.5.3.9Aesthetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-40 7.5.3.10Historic and Cultural Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-407.5.3.11Environmental Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-417.5.3.12Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-417.6Proposed Action vs. No Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-468.0COMPARISON OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-19.0STATUS OF COMPLIANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1 9.1Requirement [10 CFR 51.45(d)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-19.1.1Sequoyah Nuclear Plant Authorizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-19.1.2Status of Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1 9.1.3Federal, State, and Local Regulatory Standards: Discussion of Compliance. . .9-19.1.3.1Notice of Violations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-29.1.3.2Remediation Activities (Nonradiological) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-2 9.1.3.3Clean Water Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-29.1.3.3.1Water Quality (401) Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-29.1.3.3.2NPDES Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-2 9.1.3.3.3Biocide Corrosion Treatment Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-39.1.3.3.4Stormwater Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-39.1.3.3.5Sanitary Wastewaters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-3 9.1.3.3.6Spill, Prevention, Control and Countermeasures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-49.1.3.3.7Facility Response Plan [40 CFR Part 112]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-49.1.3.3.8Section 404 Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-49.1.3.4Safe Drinking Water Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-59.1.3.5Clean Air Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-59.1.3.5.1Air Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-5 9.1.3.5.2Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions [40 CFR Part 68] . . . . . . .9-59.1.3.5.3Stratospheric Ozone [40 CFR Part 82]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-5 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxiii9.1.3.6Atomic Energy Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-69.1.3.6.1Radioactive Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-69.1.3.6.2Liquid and Gaseous Effluent Monitoring Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-69.1.3.6.3Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-69.1.3.7NEI Industry Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-69.1.3.8Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-79.1.3.8.1Nonradioactive Wastes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-7 9.1.3.8.2Mixed Wastes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-79.1.3.8.3Underground Storage Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-79.1.3.9Tennessee Hazardous Waste Reduction Action of 1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-8 9.1.3.10Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-89.1.3.11Toxic Substances Control Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-89.1.3.12Hazardous Materials Transportation Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-8 9.1.3.13Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). . . . . .9-89.1.3.13.1Section 312 Reporting [40 CFR Part 370] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-89.1.3.13.2Section 313 Reporting [40 CFR Part 372] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-99.1.3.14Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-99.1.3.15Migratory Bird Treaty Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-99.1.3.16Endangered Species Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-9 9.1.3.17Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-99.1.3.18Coastal Zone Management Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-99.1.3.19Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. . . . . . . .9-10 9.1.3.20Marine Mammal Protection Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-109.1.3.21Farmland Protection Policy Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-109.1.3.22Floodplain Management (Executive Order 11988). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10 9.1.3.23National Historic Preservation Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-119.1.3.24Federal Aviation Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-119.1.3.25Occupational Safety and Health Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-11 9.1.3.26Soddy-Daisy Ordinances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-119.1.4Environmental Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-129.2Requirement [10 CFR 51.45(d)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-129.2.1Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-12

10.0REFERENCES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-1 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxiv L IST OF ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Transmission Line Corridor Environmental Review Process and Analysis Attachment B: Cultural Resources Correspondence Attachment C: SQN National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Attachment D: Threatened and Endangered Species Correspondence Attachment E: Severe Accident Mitigation Alternatives Analysis Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stagexxv L IST OF T ABLESTable 1.1-1License Renewal Envi ronmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3Table 2.1-1Federal, State, and Local Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7Table 2.2-1USGS Hydrologic Units and Surface Area for Region 06: Tennessee River Basin. . . . .2-44Table 2.2-2Tennessee River Dams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-46Table 2.2-3TDEC Final 303(d) List of Impaired Tributaries to Chickamauga Reservoir. . . . . . . . . . .2-47Table 2.2-4Ecological Health Indicators for Chickamauga Reservoir, 2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-50Table 2.2-5Seasonal Mean Hydraulic Entrainment and Entrainment Percentages of Total Fish Eggs and Larvae Passing SQN Entrained 1981 to 1985 and 2004. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-51Table 2.2-6Summary of RBI Scores in Chickamauga Reservoir, 1994-2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-52Table 2.2-7Comparison of Average Mean Density per Square Meter of Benthic Taxa Collected at Upstream and Downstream Sites Near SQN, Chickamauga Reservoir, Autumn 2008 and Autumn 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-53Table 2.2-8 Fish Species in the Vicinity of SQN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-55Table 2.2-9Summary of RFAI Scores in Chickamauga Reservoir, 1993-2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-58Table 2.2-10Total Fish Estimated Impinged by Year at SQN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-60Table 2.2-11 Recreational and Commercially Important Fish Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-61Table 2.3-1Registered Groundwater Withdrawal Locations in Hamilton County, Tennessee. . . . . . .2-72Table 2.4-1SQN Land Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-86 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxviTable 2.4-2SQN and Adjacent Areas Wildlife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-87Table 2.4-3SQN Vicinity and Transmission Line ROW Land Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-89Table 2.5-1Endangered, Threatened, and Other Species of Concern in the SQN Geographic Area.2-101Table 2.6-12010 Population of Cities and Towns Within the 50-Mile Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-111Table 2.6-2County-Level Permanent Population (32 Counties Totally or Partially Within the 50-Mile Region of SQN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-114Table 2.6-3Projected County Populations and Average Annual Growth Rates 2010-2041 (Counties Within a 20-Mile Radius of SQN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-116Table 2.6-4Minority Populations Evaluated Against Criterion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-118Table 2.6-5Minority Census Block Counts Within the 50-Mile Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-119Table 2.6-6Low Income Population Criteria Using Two Geographic Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-120Table 2.7-1TVA Estimated Tax Distributions, 2006-2010 ($). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-143Table 2.8-12005 Hamilton County Land Use by Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-148Table 2.9-1Hamilton County, Tennessee, Housing Statistics 2000 and 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-150Table 2.10-1Public Water Supply Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-157Table 2.10-2AADT Traffic Counts on Roads Near SQN, 2000-2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-158Table 2.10-3Level of Service Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15 9Table 2.10-4State Tourism Offices and Reported Visitor Numbers, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-160Table 2.10-5Estimated Transient Population in Hamilton County, 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-161 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxviiTable 2.10-6Top Employing NAICS Industry Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-162Table 2.10-7Chattanooga MSA and Tennessee Unemployment 2007-2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-163Table 2.12-1Cultural Resources on SQN and Within 0.5-Mile of SQN Boundary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-180Table 2.12-2Architectural Historic Properties Within a 10-Mile Radius of SQN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-181Table 3.2-1SQN Hazardous Waste Generation, 2007-2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-34Table 3.2-2NPDES Permitted Outfalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-35Table 3.2-3Air Permitted Emission Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-37Table 3.2-4SQN Transmission Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-38Table 3.5-1Employee Residence Information (January 2010) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-44Table 4.0-1Category 1 License Renewal Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6Table 4.0-2Category 2 License Renewal Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13Table 4.1-1Drainage Area and Average Flow Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-17Table 4.3-1Fish Species and Numbers Collected in Impingement Samples at SQN, 2005-2007 . . .4-28Table 4.3-2Total Fish Estimated Impinged by Year at SQN and Numbers Following EqA and PF Models, 2005-2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-29Table 4.3-3Percent Composition by Number and After EqA and PF Models Applied of Major Species of Fish Impinged at SQN 1980-1985 and 2005-2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-30Table 6.1-1Environmental Impacts Related to License Renewal at SQN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6Table 7.3-1Recommended Planning Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal StagexxviiiTable 7.5-1Super-Critical Pulverized Coal Alternative Emission Control Characteristics. . . . . . . . . .7-42Table 7.5-2Air Emissions From Super-Critical Pulverized Coal Alternative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-43Table 7.5-3Solid Waste From Super-Critical Pulverized Coal Alternative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-44Table 7.5-4Air Emissions From Natural Gas-Fired Alternative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-45Table 7.6-1Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Electricity Generation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-47Table 8.0-1Environmental Impacts Comparison Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2Table 8.0-2Environmental Impacts Comparison Detail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3Table 9.1-1SQN Authorizations-Current Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-13Table 9.1-2Reviews Related to Endangered Species and National Historic Preservation Acts. . . . .9-15Table 9.1-3SQN NPDES Permit Noncompliances 2007-2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-16 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxix L IST OF F IGURESFigure 2.1-1SQN Site Boundary and Aerial Site Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16Figure 2.1-2SQN Exclusion Area Boundary and Area Topography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17Figure 2.1-3SQN Site and 6-Mile Radius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18Figure 2.1-4SQN Site and 50-Mile Radius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19Figure 2.1-5Federal, State, and Local Lands Within a 6-Mile Radius of SQN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20Figure 2.1-6Federal, State, and Local Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-21Figure 2.2-1Tennessee River Watershed Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-63Figure 2.2-2TVA Dams and Reservoirs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-64Figure 2.2-3TVA Reservoir Water Release and System Flow Requirements (2010-August 2012) . .2-65Figure 2.2-4Impaired Waters Discharging to Chickamauga Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-66Figure 2.3-1Regional Geologic Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-73Figure 2.3-2Site Geologic Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

-74Figure 2.3-3Regional Aquifers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-75Figure 2.3-4Registered Water Wells Within a 2-Mile Radius of SQN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-76 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal StagexxxFigure 2.4-1SQN Land Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-90Figure 2.4-2SQN National Wetlands Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-91Figure 2.4-3National Wetlands Inventory Within the Vicinity of SQN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-92Figure 2.6-1Black or African American Populations, Combined State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-121Figure 2.6-2American Indian and Alaska Native Populations, Combined State Method. . . . . . . . . . .2-122Figure 2.6-3Asian Populations, Combined State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-123Figure 2.6-4Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Populations, Combined State Method. . . . .2-124Figure 2.6-5Some Other Race, Combined State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-125Figure 2.6-6Two or More Races, Combined State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-126Figure 2.6-7Hispanic or Latino Populations, Combined State Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-127Figure 2.6-8Aggregate of All Minority Races, Combined State Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-128Figure 2.6-9Aggregate of All Minority Races and Hispanic or Latino, Combined State Method . . . . .2-129Figure 2.6-10Black or African American, Individual State Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-130Figure 2.6-11American Indian and Alaska Native, Individual State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-131Figure 2.6-12Asian, Individual State Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-132 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxxiFigure 2.6-13Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, Individual State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-133Figure 2.6-14Some Other Race, Individual State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-134Figure 2.6-15Two or More Races, Individual State Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-135Figure 2.6-16Hispanic or Latino, Individual State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-136Figure 2.6-17Aggregate of All Minority Races, Individual State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-137Figure 2.6-18Aggregate of All Minority Races and Hispanic or Latino, Individual State Method. . . . . .2-138Figure 2.6-19Low-Income Population Groups, Combined State Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-139Figure 2.6-20Low Income Population Groups, Individual State Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-140Figure 2.7-1TVA Power Service Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-144Figure 2.11-1PSD Class I Air Quality Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-168Figure 2.12-1SQN Site with Area of Potential Effect Shown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-182Figure 2.12-210-Mile Vicinity for SQN Site with Associated Historical Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-183Figure 2.12-3Oblique Aerial Photograph Taken During SQN Plant Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-184Figure 2.12-4Oblique Aerial Photograph Taken During SQN Plant Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-185Figure 2.12-5Oblique Aerial Photograph Taken During SQN Plant Construction ca. 1969. . . . . . . . . .2-186 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage xxxiiFigure 3.2-1SQN Cooling Water Intake Structure Flow Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-39Figure 3.2-2ERCW Intake Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-40Figure 3.2-3SQN Monitoring Wells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-41Figure 3.2-4SQN In-Scope Transmission Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-42Figure 7.4-1Peak Load Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1 9Figure 7.4-2Energy Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-20 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-11.0 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTIONFor license renewal, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has adopted the following definition of purpose and need, stated in Section 1.3 of NUREG-1437, Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Power Plants (GEIS): "The purpose and need for the proposed action (renewal of an operating license) is to provide an option that allows for power generation capability beyond the term of a current nuclear power plant operating license to meet future system generating needs, as such needs may be determined by State, utility, and, where authorized, Federal (other than USNRC) decision makers."The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 authorizes the NRC to issue commercial nuclear power plant operating licenses (OLs) for up to 40 years. The 40-year length of the original license period was imposed for economic and antitrust reasons rather than the technical limitations of the nuclear power plant. NRC regulations [10 CFR 50.51] allow for the renewal of these OLs for periods up to an additional 20 years, depending on the outcome of an assessment determining whether the nuclear power plant can continue to operate safely and protect the environment during the 20-year period of extended operation. Additionally, 10 CFR 54.17(c) states, "[A]n application for a renewed license may not be submitted to the Commission earlier than 20 years before the expiration of the operating license currently in effect."The proposed action is to renew the OLs for Sequoyah Nuclear Plant (SQN) Units 1 and 2, which would preserve the option for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to continue operating SQN to provide base load (1) power throughout the 20-year period of extended operation and to continue use of an existing asset. The OLs expiration dates are September 17, 2020, for Unit 1 (Facility OL DPR-077) and September 15, 2021, for Unit 2 (Facility OL DPR-079). The requested renewals would allow SQN to operate until midnight on September 17, 2040, for Unit 1 and until midnight on September 15, 2041, for Unit 2.1.1Environmental Report NRC regulation 10 CFR 51.53(c) requires that an applicant for license renewal submit with its application an environmental report (ER) (Appendix E of the application) entitled, "Applicant's Environmental Report-Operating License Renewal Stage." The requirements governing information to be included in an ER are codified at 10 CFR 51.45 and 51.53(c), and Table B-1 in Part 51 Appendix B lists the specific issues to be addressed in an ER. The GEIS developed by NRC discusses each of the environmental issues of concern for nuclear plant license renewal (NRC 1996). The specifics of each of the regulatory requirements and the concerns documented in the GEIS are presented by environmental issue in Chapter 4.NRC has proposed amendments to 10 CFR Part 51 regarding what information is to be included in an ER (74 FR 38117

NRC 2012). The proposed amendments include combining related environmental issues, reassignment of issue categories, identification of new Category 1 and 2 1.Base load is the minimum amount of electric power over a given period of time at a steady rate. The minimum continuous load or demand in a power system over a given period of time is usually not temperature sensitive.

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-2issues, and the expansion of existing issues. NRC discusses this amended compilation of environmental issues of concern for nuclear plant license renewal in the draft GEIS published in 2009 (NRC 2009a). Although not yet regulatory requirements, TVA has also included in this ER, for purposes of completeness, but not in order to satisfy governing regulatory requirements, those Category 2 issues, either new or with expanded scope, currently in the proposed amendment to 10 CFR Part 51 (74 FR 38117

NRC 2012). TVA developed Table 1.1-1 as a crosswalk matrix showing relationships between the 1996 GEIS issues (those required by current regulations) and the proposed 2009 GEIS issues. The matrix identifies where the issue is addressed within the ER, to provide assurance that each issue is addressed as appropriate and guide the reviewer to the specific location in the ER. This appendix to the TVA license renewal application (LRA) fulfills the requirements of 10 CFR Part 51 for information to be included and proactively addresses those new or expanded Category 2 issues that NRC included in its proposed amendment to 10 CFR Part 51. Moreover, TVA also addressed the proposed new Category 1 issues set forth in the proposed amendments to the GEIS in its new and significant process as discussed in Chapter 5. 1.2Licensee and OwnershipTVA is a federal agency and the owner and operator of SQN Unit 1 (Facility OL DPR-77) and Unit 2 (Facility OL DPR-79). For the purposes of this ER, TVA is considered the applicant. TVA also owns and operates the transmission lines constructed for purposes of connecting SQN to the electric power grid.

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-3Table 1.1-1License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where ConsideredSurface Water Quality, Hydrology, and Use Impacts of refurbishment on surface water qualitySurface water use and quality (both continuing operations and

refurbishment)111996: No2009: Yes ER Section 3.3Impacts of refurbishment on surface water use11996: No2009: Yes ER Section 3.3Altered current patterns at intake and discharge structures Altered current patterns at intake and discharge structures11YesER Sections 2.2 and 3.2 Altered salinity gradients Altered salinity gradients11NoER Section 4.0 and Table 4.0-1 Altered thermal stratification of lakes Altered thermal stratification of lakes11YesER Section 2.2Temperature effects on sediment transport capacityTemperature effects on sediment transport capacity11YesER Table 4.0-1Scouring caused by discharged cooling waterScouring caused by discharged cooling water11YesER Section 2.2 and Table 4.0-1Discharge of chlorine or other biocidesDischarge of biocides, sanitary wastes, and minor chemical spills11YesER Section 3.2Discharge of sanitary wastes and minor chemical spills1YesER Section 3.2Discharge of metals in waste waterDischarge of metals in cooling system effluent11YesER Sections 2.2 and 3.2Water use conflicts (plants with once-through cooling systems)Water use conflicts (plants with once-through cooling systems)11YesER Sections 2.2 , 2.10.1, and 3.2 Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-4Water use conflicts (plants with cooling ponds or cooling towers using makeup water from a small river with low flow)Water use conflicts (plants with cooling ponds or cooling towers using makeup water from a river with low flow)22YesER Sections 2.2 , 2.10.1 , 3.2, and 4.1Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhereEffects of dredging on water qualityNo category1YesER Sections 2.2 , 2.5, and 3.2Aquatic EcologyRefurbishmentRefurbishment impacts on aquatic

resources11NoER Sections 2.2 and 3.3Accumulation of contaminants in sediments or biotaEffects of nonradiological contaminants on aquatic organisms11YesER Sections 2.2 and 3.2.8.2EutrophicationEffects of cooling water discharge on dissolved oxygen, gas supersaturation, and eutrophication11YesER Section 2.2 Gas supersaturation (gas bubble disease)1YesER Section 2.2Low dissolved oxygen in the discharge1YesER Section 2.2Entrainment of fish and shellfish in early life stages Impingement and entrainment of aquatic organisms22YesER Section 4.2Impingement of fish and shellfish 2YesER Section 4.3Entrainment of phytoplankton and zooplankton Entrainment of phytoplankton and zooplankton11YesER Sections 2.2 and 4.2Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-5Heat shock (for plants with once-through and cooling pond heat dissipation systems)Thermal impacts on aquatic organisms (plants with once-through cooling systems or cooling ponds)22YesER Sections 2.2 and 4.4 for once-through cooling dischargeCold shockInfrequently reported thermal impacts (all plants) 11YesER Sections 2.2 and 4.4 for once-through cooling dischargeThermal plume barrier to migrating

fish1YesER Sections 2.2 and 4.4 for once-through cooling discharge; Distribution of aquatic organisms1YesER Section 4.4 for once-through cooling dischargePremature emergence of aquatic insects1YesER Section 4.4 for once-through cooling dischargeStimulation of nuisance organisms (e.g., shipworms)1YesER Table 4.0-1Losses from predation, parasitism, and disease among organisms exposed to sub-lethal stressesLosses from predation, parasitism, and disease among organisms exposed to sub-lethal stresses11YesER Section 2.2Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhere.Exposure of aquatic organisms to radionuclidesNo category1YesER Section 3.2.5Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-6Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhere.Effects of dredging on aquatic organismsNo category1YesER Sections 2.2 and 9.1Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhere.Impacts of transmission line right-of-way (ROW) management on aquatic resourcesNo category1YesER Section 3.2Aquatic Ecology (for plants with cooling tower-based heat dissipation systems)Entrainment of fish and shellfish in early life stages Impingement and entrainment of aquatic organisms (also, incorporates entrainment of phytoplankton and zooplankton, see above)11YesER Sections 2.2 , 2.5, and 4.2Impingement of fish and shellfish 1YesER Sections 2.2 , 2.5, and 4.3Heat shock for plants with cooling tower-based heat dissipation systemsThermal impacts on aquatic organisms (incorporates cold shock, thermal plume barrier to migrating fish, distribution of aquatic organisms, and premature emergence of aquatic insects)11YesER Sections 2.2 and 4.4Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-7Consumptive water use conflict impacts on riparian vegetation and associated

animal communities is combined with water use conflicts for water resources (plants with cooling towers on river with low flow)Water use conflicts with aquatic resources (plants with cooling ponds or cooling towers using makeup water from a river with low flow).No category2YesER Sections 2.2 , 3.2 , 4.0.5 , 4.1 , and 4.10Groundwater Use and QualityGroundwater use conflicts (potable and service water; plants that use < 100 gpm)Groundwater use conflicts (plants that withdraw < 100 gpm)11NoER Sections 2.3 , 3.2, and 4.0Groundwater use conflicts (potable, service water, and dewatering; plants that use > 100 gpm)Groundwater use conflicts (plants that withdraw > 100 gpm including those using

Ranney wells)22NoER Section 4.5Groundwater use conflicts (plants using

cooling towers

withdrawing makeup water from a small river)Groundwater use conflicts (plants with closed-cycle cooling systems that withdraw makeup

water from a river

)22YesER Section 4.6Groundwater use conflicts (Ranney

wells)See above (Groundwater use conflicts [plants that withdraw > 100 gpm including those using

Ranney wells])22NoER Section 4.7Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-8Groundwater quality degradation (Ranney

wells)Groundwater quality degradation resulting from water withdrawals11NoER Sections 2.3 and 3.2Groundwater quality degradation (saltwater intrusion)1NoER Sections 2.3 and 3.2Groundwater quality degradation (cooling ponds in salt marshes)Groundwater quality degradation (cooling ponds in salt marshes)11NoER Sections 2.3 and 3.2Groundwater quality degradation (cooling ponds at inland sites)Groundwater quality degradation (cooling ponds at inland sites)22NoER Sections 2.3 , 3.2, and 4.8Impacts of refurbishment on groundwater use and

qualityGroundwater contamination and use (non-cooling system impacts)111996: No2009: YesER Sections 2.3 , 3.2, and 9.1.3Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhereRadionuclides released to groundwaterNo category2YesER Sections 2.3 , 3.2, and 9.1.3Terrestrial ResourcesRefurbishment impacts to terrestrial

resourcesImpacts of refurbishment and continued plant operations on terrestrial ecosystems.221996: No2009: Yes ER Sections 2.4 , 3.2, and 4.9Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 1-9 Cooling tower impacts on crops and ornamental vegetation Cooling tower impacts on vegetation11YesER Sections 2.4 , 3.2, and 4.0 Cooling tower impacts on native plants1YesER Sections 2.4 , 3.2, and 4.0Bird collisions with cooling towersBird collisions with cooling towers and

transmission lines11YesER Sections 2.4 , 2.5 , 3.2, and 4.0Cooling pond impacts on terrestrial

resourcesCooling system impacts on terrestrial

resources (plants with once-through cooling systems or cooling ponds)111996: No2009: YesER Sections 2.4 , 3.2, and 4.0Power line ROW management (cutting and herbicide

application)Transmission line ROW management impacts on terrestrial

resources11YesER Sections 2.4 , 2.5 , 3.2, and 4.0Bird collisions with power linesSee above (Bird collisions with cooling towers and

transmission lines)11YesER Sections 2.4 , 2.5 , 3.2, and 4.0.Impacts of electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna (plants, agricultural crops, honeybees, wildlife, and livestock)Impacts of electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna (plants, agricultural crops, honeybees, wildlife, and livestock)11YesER Sections 2.4 , 2.5 , 3.2, and 4.0Floodplains and wetlands on power line ROWSee above (transmission line ROW management impacts on terrestrial

resources)11YesER Sections 2.4 , 3.2, and 4.0Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage1-10Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhere Exposure of terrestrial organisms to radionuclidesNo category1YesER Sections 2.4 , 3.2 , 4.0, and 9.1.3Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhereWater use conflicts with terrestrial resources (plants with cooling ponds or cooling towers using makeup water from a river with low flow)No category2YesER Sections 2.2.1 , 2.4 , 4.1 , and 4.9Threatened or Endangered Species (for all plants)Threatened or endangered speciesThreatened, endangered, and protected species and essential fish habitat22YesER Sections 2.2 , 2.5, and 4.10 Air QualityAir quality during refurbishment (nonattainment and maintenance areas)Air quality impacts (all plants)211996: No2009: Yes ER Sections 2.11 and 4.11Air quality effects of transmission linesAir quality effects of transmission lines11YesER Sections 3.2 and 4.0Land UseSee Socioeconomics (Offsite land use

[refurbishment])Offsite land use (refurbishment and continued operations)21NoER Sections 3.3 and 4.17See Socioeconomics (Offsite land use

[license renewal

term])2YesER Sections 2.8 and 4.18Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage1-11Onsite land useOnsite land use (refurbishment and continued operations)11YesER Sections 2.4 and 4.0Power line ROW land-use impactsOffsite land use in transmission line

ROWs (refurbishment and continued operations)11YesER Sections 3.2 and 4.0 Human HealthRadiation exposures to the public (refurbishment and continued operations)Radiation exposures to the public (refurbishment and continued operations)11YesER Sections 3.2 , 3.3, and 4.0Occupational radiation exposures (refurbishment and continued operations)Radiation exposures to occupational

workers (refurbishment and continued operations)11YesER Sections 3.2 , 3.3, and 4.0Microbiological organisms (occupational health) Microbiological hazards to plant

workers11YesER Section 4.0Microbiological organisms (public health) (plants using lakes or canals, or

cooling towers or cooling ponds that discharge to a small river)Microbiological hazards to the public (plants with cooling ponds or canals or cooling towers that discharge to river)22YesER Section 4.12NoiseNoise impacts 11YesER Sections 2.1 and 9.1Electromagnetic fields, acute effects Electric shock hazards22YesER Section 4.13Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage1-12Electromagnetic fields, chronic effectsElectromagnetic fields, chronic effectsNo categoryNo categoryYesN&S reviewNot specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhereHuman health impact from chemicalsNo category1YesER Section 3.2Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewherePhysical occupational hazardsNo category1YesER Sections 4.0 and 9.1 SocioeconomicsHousing impacts Population and housing21YesER Sections 2.6 , 2.9 , 3.5, and 4.14Public services: public safety, social services, and tourism and recreationEmployment and income, recreation and tourism11YesER Sections 2.6 and 2.10Public services:

public utilitiesCommunity services and education21YesER Sections 2.10 and 4.15Public services: education (refurbishment)2YesER Sections 2.10 and 4.16Public services: education (license

renewal term)1YesER Section 2.10Offsite land use (refurbishment)See "Land Use" above 21YesER Sections 3.3 and 4.17Offsite land use (license renewal

term)See "Land Use" above21YesER Sections 2.8 and 4.18Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage1-13Public services: transportation (refurbishment and continued operations)Transportation (refurbishment and continued operations)21YesER Sections 2.10 and 4.19 Historic and archaeological

resourcesHistoric and cultural resources22YesER Sections 2.12 and 4.20Aesthetic impacts (refurbishment)Visual resources, aesthetic impacts11NoER Sections 2.1 , 3.3, and 4.0 Aesthetic impacts (license renewal

term)1YesER Sections 2.1 and 4.0 Aesthetic impacts of transmission lines (license renewal

term)Visual resources, aesthetic impacts11YesER Sections 2.1 and 4.0 Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhereTax revenuesNo category1YesER Sections 2.7 and 4.18Postulated AccidentsDesign basis accidentsDesign basis accidents11YesER Sections 3.2 and 4.0 Severe accidentsSevere accidents22YesER Section 4.21Uranium Fuel Cycle and Waste ManagementOffsite radiological impacts (individual effects from other than the disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste)Offsite radiological impacts (individual effects from other than the disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste)11YesER Section 4.0Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage1-14Offsite radiological impacts (collective effects)Offsite radiological impacts (collective effects from other than the disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste)11YesER Section 4.0Offsite radiological impacts (spent fuel and high-level waste disposal)Solid waste, offsite radiological impacts of spent fuel and

high-level waste disposal11YesER Sections 3.2 and 4.0 Nonradiological impacts of the uranium fuel cycle Nonradiological impacts of the uranium fuel cycle11YesER Section 4.0Low-level waste storage and disposalSolid waste, low-level waste storage and disposal11YesER Sections 3.2 and 4.0 Mixed waste storage and disposalSolid waste, mixed waste storage and disposal11YesER Sections 3.2 and 4.0 Onsite spent fuelSolid waste, onsite storage of spent fuel 11YesER Sections 3.2 and 4.0 Nonradiological wasteSolid waste, nonradiological waste storage and disposal 11YesER Sections 3.2 , 4.0, and 9.1TransportationTransportation11YesER Sections 3.1 and 4.0Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage1-15Termination of Nuclear Power Plant Operations and DecommissioningRadiation doses Termination of nuclear power plant operations and decommissioning11YesER Sections 4.0 and 7.1Waste management 1YesER Sections 4.0 and 7.1Air quality 1YesER Sections 4.0 and 7.1Water quality1YesER Sections 4.0 and 7.1Ecological resources 1YesER Sections 4.0 and 7.1Socioeconomic impacts 1YesER Sections 4.0 and 7.1Environmental JusticeEnvironmental justiceMinority and low-income populationsNo category2YesER Sections 2.6 and 4.22Geology and Soils (new topic in 2009)Not specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhereImpact of nuclear plants on geology and soilsNo category1YesER Sections 2.3 and 4.0 Cumulative ImpactsNot specifically identified as a separate category issue-addressed elsewhereCumulative impactsNo category2YesER Section 4.23Note: The review in ER Chapter 5 provides an evaluation of any new and significant information which might result in Category 1 impact conclusions different from those of the GEIS

.Table 1.1-1 (Continued)License Renewal Environmental Issues:Current 1996 GEIS/Proposed 2009 GEIS Crosswalk(2009 issue expansions in bold text; new 2009 issues underlined)1996 GEIS Issue2009 GEIS Issue1996 Category2009 CategoryApplicable to SQN Where Considered Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-12.0 SITE AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTERFACESThis chapter discusses the existing environment and environmental interfaces at the SQN site that would continue if license renewals were approved. The environmental descriptions provide sufficient detail to identify those environmental resources that have the potential to be affected by the continued operation of SQN Units 1 and 2.This ER draws from the original licensing documents and other documents addressing the regional, local, and site characteristics of the SQN site and its environment. Preparation of this ER included reviews and citations, where needed, of other documents, including the following:*1974 Final Environmental Statement, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2, and 1978 Update*1980 Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Low-Level Radwaste Management, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant*1988 Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact-Change in Expiration Dates of Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-77 and DPR-79, Tennessee Valley Authority, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2*1999 Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact-Low Level Radioactive Waste Transport and Storage Watts Bar and Sequoyah Nuclear Plants*1999 Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Production of Tritium in a Commercial Light Water Reactor (U.S. Department of Energy [DOE])*2000 Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact-Replacement of Steam Generators, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Unit 1*2000 Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact-Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation Sequoyah Nuclear Plant*2001 Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact-Leading Edge Flow Measurements System Installation*2002 Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact-Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Hamilton County, Tennessee*2004 Reservoir Operations Study, Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement

• 2009 Environmental Assessment for SQN Unit 2 Steam Generator Replacements and Finding of No Significant Impact for SQN Unit 2 Steam Generator Replacements

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-2*2011 Supplemental Environmental Assessment for SQN Unit 2 Steam Generator Replacements and Finding of No Significant Impact for SQN Unit 2 Steam Generator Replacements*2011 Environmental Impact Statement for the Tennessee Valley Authority Integrated Resource Plan*2011 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2 License Renewal, Hamilton County, Tennessee*2011 Reevaluation of Finding of No Significant Impact-Low Level Radioactive Waste Transport and Storage Watts Bar and Sequoyah Nuclear Plants2.1Location and FeaturesSQN is located near the geographical center of Hamilton County, Tennessee, on a peninsula on the western shore of Chickamauga Reservoir at Tennessee River Mile (TRM) 484.5, approximately 6 miles east of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, and approximately 31 miles south-southwest of TVA's Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (WBN) site. The SQN property boundary shown in Figure2.1-1 encompasses approximately 630 acres: 525 acres are associated with the SQN industrial site and 105 acres, known as the training peninsula, are associated with SQN's training center. The SQN site is owned, including mineral rights, by the United States and is in the custody of TVA. TVA maintains control of entrances and exits from the SQN site property. The coordinates of the plant site, based on the coordinates of the Unit 1 Reactor Building center, are as follows:*Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 35° 13' 35.65" N and 85° 05' 28.17" W*Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates: Zone 16, N 3,899,640.62 and E 673,718.242.1.1Vicinity and Regional FeaturesThe site is bounded by the Tennessee River on the south and east, and by land not owned by TVA on the north and west. The vicinity of the SQN site is defined as a 6-mile radius from the site center of the power block location and includes portions of Hamilton and Bradley counties in Tennessee. The nearest incorporated city is Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, approximately 6 miles west of the site. The Tennessee River bisects Hamilton County from northeast to southwest and accounts for 6percent of the total county area (CHCRPA 2005a). The SQN site is situated along the Tennessee River, and there are no residences, commercial operations, or public recreational areas within the SQN exclusion area boundary (EAB), as shown in Figure2.1-2. No public railroads or major highways cross the EAB. Two rural county roads, Igou Ferry and Stone Sage, cross the western boundary of SQN's property and run adjacent to it for a short distance before leaving the site (Figure2.1-1). Igou Ferry Road connects with Hixson Pike, which follows the Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-3western shore of Chickamauga Reservoir and joins State Road 153 (SR 153) just north of Chickamauga Dam. The plant access road crosses Igou Ferry Road at the EAB (Figure2.1-1) and eventually connects with U.S. Highway 27 (US 27) near Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. The SQN site is accessible by both river and road. SQN personnel access the site from either US 27 or State Road 319 (SR 319, also known as Hixson Pike), via the Sequoyah Access Road, as illustrated in Figure2.1-3. The Sequoyah Access Road runs eastward from US 27 and intersects with SR 319 near the site. Chickamauga Reservoir, on the Tennessee River, is a navigable waterway that is also used by commercial and recreational traffic. Through a series of locks and dams, commercial traffic can travel from Knoxville, Tennessee, more than 100 miles northeast of the site, to the mouth of the Tennessee River at the Ohio River. (TVA 2011a, Section 3.13.10.1)SQN has a private-use helipad, and the nearest airport is the Dallas Bay Sky Park, a general aviation airport approximately 5.5 miles west-southwest of the plant (Figure2.1-3). The Chattanooga Airport is a full-service commercial airport about 14.5 miles south-southwest of the plant. (TVA 2011a, Section 3.13.10.1)Two of the nation's largest rail networks serve the region: CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) and Norfolk Southern Corporation. CSX operates a rail line from Chattanooga to the Tyner area, where it serves several industries. The largest railroad presence in the region is Norfolk Southern Corporation, which is also the operator of the southwest to northeast line running near the SQN site through Soddy-Daisy (Figure2.1-3

). (CHCRPA 2005a

Norfolk Southern Corporation 2010) A railroad spur runs from the Norfolk Southern line to SQN just outside the EAB. Amtrak does not serve Chattanooga, and there is no local intercity passenger rail service (CHCRPA 2005a

). The major Hamilton County east-west road network on the east side of the river is anchored by Interstate 75 (I-75) and I-24, both of which pass through Chattanooga, as illustrated inFigure2.1-4. On the west side of the river, running north-south, US 27 becomes a major expressway in Hamilton County, feeding traffic from Chattanooga to Soddy-Daisy and northward into Rhea County. The 50-mile region from the site center encompasses all of, or portions of, the following counties in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee (Figure2.1-4

).*Alabama: DeKalb and Jackson*Georgia: Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield*North Carolina: Cherokee*Tennessee: Bledsoe, Bradley, Coffee, Cumberland, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, Roane, Sequatchie, Van Buren, Warren, and White Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-4The 2010 census data showing that all of the counties within the region have increased in population since the 2000 census, with the exception of one county in Alabama (Jackson) and one county in Tennessee (Grundy), are provided in Table 2.6-2. As shown in Table 2.6-1, three cities within a 50-mile radius of SQN have a population greater than 25,000: Chattanooga, Tennessee (18 miles), with a population of 167,674 in 2010; Cleveland, Tennessee (13 miles), with a population of 41,285 in 2010; and Dalton, Georgia (32 miles), with a population of 33,128 in 2010. One of the largest cities near SQN, Soddy-Daisy (6 miles) (Figure2.1-3), had a 2010 population of 12,714 residents. (USDOT 2008

USCB 2010a) The 2010 population counts for cities within the 50-mile region are listed in Table 2.6-1. Most of the cities and towns serve as small retail or service centers for the surrounding farms, although a number are developing an industrial base (TVA 2011p, Section 2.1.3.2; USCB 2010a

).The region consists mainly of forest and agricultural lands, with clusters of developed areas.

(MRLC 2006) Hamilton County, where SQN is located, has a well-developed land-use and zoning plan, with every parcel of land carrying a zoning designation (CHCRPA 2005a). Hamilton County is one of Tennessee's largest counties, with a 2010 estimated population of 336,463 residents (USCB 2010b). Based upon the number and size of parcels, zoning within the county is primarily agricultural (59.64 percent), followed by residential (30.51 percent), manufacturing/industrial (6.58 percent), commercial (2.20 percent), special zoning (0.64 percent), and office (0.12 percent). (CHCRPA 2009) Land use is discussed in greater detail in Section 2.8

.2.1.2Station Features The principal structures of SQN consist of two reactor buildings, a turbine building, an auxiliary building, a control building, a service and office building, a diesel generator building, an intake pumping station, essential raw cooling water (ERCW) pumping station, two natural draft cooling towers, 161-kilovolt (kV) and 500-kV switchyards, a condensing water discharge and diffuser system, and an independent spent fuel storage installation (ISFSI). (TVA 2011p, Section 1.2.3; TVA 1974a, Section 1.1) Figure2.1-1 shows the general features of the facility, the EAB, and protected area. Section 3.2 describes key features of the station, including reactor and containment systems, cooling and auxiliary water systems, radwaste systems, and transmission facilities. The protected area is completely enclosed by a security fence, with access to the area controlled at a security gate. A plant security system monitors the protected area, as well as the buildings within the station. Access to the site is by paved entrance roads from either US 27 or SR 319 (Hixson Pike), via the Sequoyah Access Road. The exclusion area, as defined by 10 CFR 100.3, surrounds the site, as shown in Figures 2.1-1 and 2.1-2. The nearest occupied residence lies 0.5miles beyond the site boundary to the north-northwest (SQN 2010a, Table G-1).The tallest structures on site are the two cooling towers at approximately 459 feet in height (TVA 1974b). Predominant visual features of SQN include the reactor containment buildings, powerhouse, cooling towers, and transmission lines and associated structures that can be seen at distances of 1 to 4 miles along the Tennessee River to the north and south. The towers are visible from Harrison Bay State Park located south of the plant. Motorists have broad horizontal Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-5views of the plant site from the east along State Road 312 (SR 312, also known as Birchwood Pike), which includes Skull Island Campground (Figure2.1-5). Recreationists on the water have similar views from the eastern side of the Tennessee River. However, these views become less dominant closer to the west side of the river near the plant site. Normally, at a range of 1to4miles, an observer may find plant features distinguishable; however, the details are obscure and tend to merge into larger patterns. Topography along the bank becomes very steep, and views are obscured by dense, mature hardwood and evergreen trees (Figures 2.1-1 and 2.1-2). Scenic resources and views are common, including both unique natural features and scenic variety (TVA 2009a).There are no noise ordinances imposed by federal, state, or local statutes that limit allowable sound levels at SQN. Given the industrial nature of the station, noise emissions from SQN are generally nothing more than an intermittent minor nuisance. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses 55 A-weighted decibels (dBA) as a threshold level to protect against excess noise during outdoor activities, this threshold does "not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation," but was intended to provide a basis for state and local governments establishing noise standards. Although surveys have not been conducted since the construction of SQN, when the greatest sources of noise would have occurred, current noise levels are considered minor and are not expected to change during the license renewal period, because no new sources of noise are being introduced (TVA 2011a). 2.1.3Federal, Native American, State, and Local Lands The SQN site is located on a peninsula on the western shore of Chickamauga Reservoir (Figure2.1-5). The reservoir is one of a series of highly controlled multiple-use reservoirs located on the Tennessee River whose primary uses are flood control, navigation, and the generation of electric power. Secondary uses include industrial and public water supply and waste disposal, commercial fishing, and recreation. (SQN 2009a)Within a 6-mile radius of SQN, there are four federal, one state, and 16 locally managed lands (Figure2.1-5 and Table 2.1-1). The federal lands within a 6-mile radius are all TVA-managed habitat protection areas (HPAs) and their approximate distances from SQN are as follows: Chigger Point (1 mile east), Soddy Creek (2 miles north-northwest), Ware Branch Bend (3 miles north), and Murphy Hill (5 miles north-northeast). These areas are located generally north and east of the site, adjacent to Chickamauga Reservoir. Harrison Bay State Recreation Park is the only state-managed land within a 6-mile radius of the site. It is located approximately 1.4 miles south of SQN and comprises 1,200 acres with approximately 40 miles of shoreline on Chickamauga Reservoir. Renowned for its boat docking facilities, this park also offers biking and hiking trails, recreational vehicle and tent campsites, lake fishing, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, meeting and picnic facilities, and ballparks. Originally developed as a TVA recreation demonstration area in the 1930s, the park is now part of the Tennessee State Parks system and is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). (TVA 2009a)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-6The majority of dedicated lands within a 6-mile radius are locally managed. These areas, 16 in total, are a collection of parks, campgrounds, marinas and piers, harbors, and one forest. Most of these lands are located near the town of Soddy-Daisy. The others are near the towns of Lakesite, Sale Creek, and Middle Valley (Table 2.1-1) (Figure2.1-5

). Within the 50-mi region, there is also a mixture of federal, state, and locally managed lands (Figure2.1-6). State and federal lands comprise approximately 88 and 37 areas, respectively (Table 2.1-1). Two federally controlled areas not listed on the table are the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Located within 30miles of the site, these expansive areas are located in multiple states. Numerous local lands lie within the 50-mile region. They are a collection of small, locally and county-maintained parks and recreational areas. Additionally, there are no Indian reservations or Native American controlled areas within the 50-mile region. (Figure2.1-6) There was one military installation, the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant. However, this facility, located in Hamilton County approximately 8 miles from the plant, is currently inactive and being used for recreation and industrial development. (American Trails 2010

TVA 2011p, Section 2.2)

Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-7Table 2.1-1Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty AlabamaRussell Cave National MonumentFederal45WSWBridgeportJacksonRaccoon Creek State Wildlife Management AreaState48WSW, SWStevensonJacksonCrow Creek State Wildlife Management AreaState50SW, WSWStevensonJacksonGeorgiaSand MountainFederal20SRingoldCatoosa Georgia Department of Transportation Area 105-001State26SECiscoMurrayLula Lake Land TrustState29SW, SSWChattanooga ValleyWalkerConasauga River Natural AreaState30SSESumacMurrayGeorgia Department of Transportation Area 155-001State31SSESpring PlaceWhitfieldCloudland Canyon State ParkState34SSETrentonDade and WalkerChief Vann House Historic SiteState35SSESpring PlaceMurrayFort Mountain State ParkState38SEChattsworthMurrayCohutta Wildlife Management AreaFederal40SEEtonMurray and GilmerCrockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management AreaState42SSWMount CarmelWalkerZahnd Natural AreaState44SSWRising FawnWalkerResaca Battlefield State Historic SiteState44SResacaGordonCoosawattee Wildlife Management AreaState44SSERamhurstMurray Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-8John's Mountain Wildlife Management AreaState45SSugar ValleyFloyd and WalkerJohns Mountain Wildlife Management AreaFederal47SSugar ValleyWalker, Whitfield, Floyd, and GordonNew Echota State Historic SiteState49SSEResacaGordonCoosawattee Wildlife Management Area (Caters Lake Site)Federal49SE, SSEOakmanMurray, Gilmer, and GordonCarters LakeFederal49SE,SSEOakmanMurray, Gilmer, and GordonChatahoochee National ForestFederal51S to ESECherry LogChattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Walker, Whitfield, Murray, Gilmer, Dawson, Fannin, Towns, Union, and Lumpkin North CarolinaNantahala National ForestFederal87E, ESEToptonCherokee, Graham, Clay, and MaconTennessee Chigger Point TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)1E, ESELakesiteHamiltonUniversity of Tennessee Friendship ForestFederal (TVA)1ENE, NE, NNE, NSoddy-DaisyHamiltonTable 2.1-1 (Continued)Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-9Skull Island CampgroundLocal1NESoddy-DaisyHamiltonHarbor Lights MarinaLocal2SWLakesiteHamiltonLakesite MarinaLocal2WSWLakesiteHamilton Lakesite ParkLocal2SWLakesiteHamiltonSoddy Creek TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)2NNWSoddy-DaisyHamiltonShady Grove HarborLocal3NNWSoddy-DaisyHamiltonWare Branch Bend TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)3NSoddy-DaisyHamiltonHarrison Bay State ParkState4S, SSW, SWLakesiteHamiltonPine Harbor MarinaLocal4NSoddy-DaisyHamiltonChester Frost ParkLocal4SWMiddle ValleyHamiltonHolly ParkLocal5NWSoddy-DaisyHamiltonPossum Creek CampgroundLocal5NSoddy-DaisyHamilton Murphy Hill TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)5NNESale CreekHamiltonMiddle Valley Recreation ParkLocal5WSWMiddle ValleyHamiltonSoddy-Daisy Lake Fishing PierLocal5NWSoddy-DaisyHamiltonScramble Alley ParkLocal6WNWSoddy-DaisyHamiltonNorth End BallparkLocal6NWSoddy-DaisyHamiltonSoddy-Daisy Roadside ParkLocal6NWSoddy-DaisyHamiltonPoe Branch WetlandState7WSoddy-DaisyHamiltonPossum Creek TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)7NSale CreekHamiltonEagle Roost TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)7NNESale CreekHamiltonTable 2.1-1 (Continued)Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage2-10Soddy Natural AreaState7NW, WNWSoddy-DaisyHamiltonFairview Slopes Protection Planning SiteFederal (TVA)8SWHarrisonHamiltonGrasshopper Creek TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)8NNESale CreekHamiltonThree B TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)8SSWHarrisonHamiltonBooker T. Washington State ParkState9SSWHarrisonHamiltonNorth Chickamauga Creek Oak Forest Potential

National Natural AreaFederal (TVA)10SWHixsonHamiltonPossum State ParkState10NW, NNWSale CreekHamiltonBig Ridge Registered State Natural AreaState11SWHixsonHamiltonBig Ridge TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)11SWHixsonHamiltonFalling Water FallsState11WSWWaldenHamiltonMiddle Clemons RockState13N, NNWSale CreekHamiltonNorth Chickamauga Creek Gorge Natural AreaState13 SW to WNWFairmountHamilton and SequatchieAudubon State ParkState13NSale CreekHamiltonBlythe Ferry State Wildlife AreaState13NNEGraysvilleMeigsNickajack Reservoir State Mussel SanctuaryState14SWRed BankHamiltonHiwassee Refuge State Wildlife Management AreaState14NE, NNEDaytonMeigs and RheaSugar Creek State Wildlife Observation AreaState14NEHopewellMeigsTable 2.1-1 (Continued)Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage2-11Amnicola Marsh State Wildlife RefugeState15SWChattanoogaHamilton Gilliland Glade/Oak Forest Potential National Natural

AreaFederal (TVA)15ESEEast ClevelandBradleyLedford Island Wildlife Management AreaState16ENECharlestonBradleyGraysville State ParkState16NGraysvilleHamilton and RheaJohnson Bottoms TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)17ENECharlestonBradleyWilliams Island State Archaeological AreaState18SW, WSWSignal MountainHamiltonRed Clay State ParkState18SSECohuttaBradleyChickamauga State Wildlife Management AreaState19E to NWDayton Hamilton, Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, and RheaRaccoon Mountain Pumped Storage State Wildlife Observation AreaState21SWLookout MountainMarion Charlotte Anne Finnell Neal Wildlife Management AreaState21ESEOcoeeBradleyPrentice Cooper State Forest & Wildlife Management AreaState21W, WSW, SWSignal MountainMarion and HamiltonTennessee River GorgeState22SW, WSWSignal MountainHamilton and MarionLaurel SnowState23NDaytonRheaHicks Gap State ParkState23SW, WSWLookout MountainMarionNancy Ward GravesiteState24EBentonPolkTable 2.1-1 (Continued)Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage2-12Dry Creek RavineState24WSWVictoriaMarionCummings CoveState26SWMorganvilleMarionChimneysState26WWhitwellMarion Butcher Bluff TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)27NEDecaturMeigsEaves Bluff TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)28NEDecaturMeigsYuchi Wildlife RefugeState28NE, NNEDecaturRheaMarion Bridge TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)29WSWJasperMarionSequatchie Cave State ParkState29WSWVictoriaMarionChickamauga Shoreline TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)30NE, NNEDecaturMeigsCumberland Trail State ParkState30WSW to NNESpring CityMarion, Hamilton, Rhea, Cumberland, Morgan, Campbell, and ClaiborneHarp WetlandState31NPikevilleBledsoeShellmound TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)31WSWNew HopeMarionHiwassee OcoeeState31EDelanoPolkLittle Cedar Mountain TVA Small Wild AreaFederal (TVA)31WSWJasperMarionPiney RiverState33N, NNESpring CityRhea Savage GulfState33WNWBeersheba SpringsGrundy and SequatchieNickajack Oak TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)33WSWNew HopeMarionTable 2.1-1 (Continued)Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage2-13Nickajack Cave State Wildlife Observation AreaState34WSWNew HopeMarionNickajack Cave TVA Habitat Protection AreaFederal (TVA)34WSWNew HopeMarionFall Creek FallsState35NNWSpencerBledsoe and Van BurenStinging Fork Falls State ParkState35NNESpring CityRheaGrundy LakesState35WTracy CityGrundyGuntersville Reservoir State Mussel SanctuaryState35WSWNew HopeMarionBledsoe State ForestState36N, NNWPikevilleCumberland Bledsoe, and Van BurenPiney FallsState36NNEGrandviewRheaSouth CumberlandState37WTracy CityGrundy and MarionBattle CreekState37WSWKimballMarionGrundy ForestState37WTracy CityGrundyDevil Step HollowState40NGrandviewCumberlandHubbard's Cave State ParkState40WNWBeersheba SpringsWarrenWilliam L. Davenport RefugeState41ESEDucktownPolkFourth Fractional Township Wildlife Management AreaState42ESEDucktownPolkWatts Bar State Wildlife Management AreaState42NNETen MileMeigsBig Mouth Cave Protection Planning SiteFederal (TVA)42WCoalmontGrundyDucktown Basin MuseumState42ESEDucktownPolkTable 2.1-1 (Continued)Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage2-14Bridgestone/Firestone Wildlife Management AreaState42N, NNWBon AirVan Buren and WhiteCentennial WildernessState43NNWBon AirVan Buren and WhitePlateau PropertiesState43NCrab OrchardCumberlandWhites CreekState44NNEWestelRheaGoose Pond Protection Planning SiteFederal (TVA)44WMonteagleGrundyTrussle Cave Protection Planning SiteFederal (TVA)44WMonteagleGrundyFranklin State ForestState44W, WSWSherwoodFranklin and MarionVirgin FallsState44NNWBon AirWhiteBone Cave State ParkState46NWQuebeckVan Buren Braswell State46WSherwoodFranklinCumberland MountainState47NCrossvilleCumberlandBluebell Island Registered State Natural AreaState47WMonteagleFranklinMr. and Mrs. Harry Lee Carter Natural AreaState47WSherwoodFranklinNatural Bridge State ParkState47WSewaneeFranklinOzone Falls State ParkState48NNEOzoneCumberland Hawkins CoveState49WCowanFranklinMt. Roosevelt Wildlife Management AreaState51NNERockwoodRoana, Cumberland, and MorganRock Island State ParkState51NWCampaignWarren and WhiteBear HollowState52WCowanFranklinTable 2.1-1 (Continued)Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage2-15Woods Reservoir ReservationState54WEstill SpringsCoffee and FranklinTellico LakeState56ENEVonoreMonroe and LoudonAEDC and Woods State Wildlife Management AreaState57WHillsboroCoffee and FranklinCherokee National ForestFederal110SE to ENEHartfordPolk and Monroe (CHCRPA 2005a

GAGIS 2009

National Atlas 2005

NPS 2010a; TDEC 2009; TNSP 2010; TSDS 2009; TVA 2011b; USDOT 2010

USGS 2009a

)a.Only locally operated lands within a 6-mile radius are included in the table. A complete record of local lands, and their geographic location, within a 50-mile radius was unavailable.b.Distances are approximate (rounded to nearest whole number) and based on SQN and land centroid data. Therefore, although the distances for some of the state and federal lands shown in this table are greater than 50miles, the nearest property boundary for these lands are within 50 miles.Table 2.1-1 (Continued)Federal, State, and Local (a) Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQNNameManagementDistance(b)Direction Nearest TownCounty Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-16Figure 2.1-1SQN Site Boundary and Aerial Site Layout Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-17Figure 2.1-2SQN Exclusion Area Boundary and Area Topography Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-18Figure 2.1-3SQN Site and 6-Mile Radius Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-19Figure 2.1-4SQN Site and 50-Mile Radius Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-20Figure 2.1-5Federal, State, and Local Lands Within a 6-Mile Radius of SQN Sequoyah Nuclear PlantApplicant's Environmental ReportOperating License Renewal Stage 2-21Figure 2.1-6Federal, State, and Local Lands Within a 50-Mile Radius of SQN