ML23100A211

Meetings Summary: Public Meetings on Proposed Rule Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses – Environmental Review

ML23100A211
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Issue date:	06/16/2023
From:	Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
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Download: ML23100A211 (7)

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1 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Public Meeting Summary March 16, 2023

Title:

Public Meetings on Proposed Rule Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses -

Environmental Review Meeting Identifiers: 20230194 and 20230195 Date of Meetings: March 16, 2023 Time of Meetings: 2pm and 6pm (ET)

Location: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center 5701 Marinelli Road Rockville, MD 20852 Webinar (via Microsoft Teams)

Type of Meeting: Comment-Gathering Public Meeting Purpose of Meetings:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff discussed the proposed rule to amend its environmental protection regulations by updating the Commissions 2013 findings on the environmental effect of renewing the operating license of a nuclear power plant. The purpose of the meetings was to provide information and receive public comments on the proposed changes to NRC regulations, draft Revision 2 to NUREG-1437, Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants (LR GEIS), and associated guidance.

General Details:

The proposed rule titled Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses - Environmental Review would codify the revised findings of the LR GEIS in Part 51 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 51), Environmental Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions. The NRC relies on the findings and analyses in the LR GEIS to determine which resources areas require a power plant-specific review (e.g.,

historic and cultural resources, endangered species) and those that do not (e.g., land use, socioeconomics). Additionally, the NRC is issuing for public comment the draft revised LR GEIS and associated guidance contained in Draft Regulatory Guide-4027, Supplement 1, Revision 2, Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Plant License Renewal Applications, and Draft NUREG-1555, Supplement 1, Revision 2, Standard Review Plans for Environmental Reviews for Nuclear Power Plants, Supplement 1: Operating License Renewal. This proposed rule would further redefine the number and scope of the environmental issues that must be addressed by the NRC and applicants during license renewal environmental reviews. These changes are based primarily on the lessons learned and knowledge gained from initial license renewal and subsequent license renewal (SLR) reviews performed by the NRC since development of the 2013 LR GEIS. The changes also address Commission direction in Staff Requirements Memorandum (SRM)-SECY-22-0024, Rulemaking Plan for Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses - Environmental Review (RIN 3150-AK32, NRC-2018-0296),

by thoroughly evaluating SLR in this review and update. In addition, new scientific research, public comments, changes in environmental regulations and impacts methodology, and other

2 new information were considered in evaluating the significance of impacts associated with license renewal.

Rulemaking was initiated in April 2022, and the proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on March 3, 2023 (88 FR 13329) for a 60-day comment period that ends on May 2, 2023.

The NRC staff plans to deliver the final rule to the Commission in November 2023, and the estimated publication date of the final rule is April 2024.

The NRC staff also issued the following documents and for public comment in parallel with the proposed rule:

Document Title ADAMS Accession No.

Draft NUREG-1437, Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Power Plants, Volumes 1 & 2, Revision 2 ML23010A078 ML23010A086 Draft NUREG-1555, Supplement 1, Revision 2, Standard Review Plans for Environmental Reviews for Nuclear Power Plants, Supplement 1: Operating License Renewal ML22165A070 Draft Regulatory Guide DG-4027, Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Plant License Renewal Applications (also referenced as RG 4.2, Supplement 1)

ML22165A072 Draft Regulatory Analysis for the 10 CFR Part 51, Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Power Plants ML23010A074 The meeting consisted of an NRC presentation on the topics covered in the proposed rule, a questions and answers session where the public was invited to pose questions to the NRC to get any needed clarifications on the presentation, and a comment session where the public was invited to provide comments on the proposed rule and associated guidance documents.

The afternoon session was attended by approximately 78 people and the evening session by approximately 33 people, participating through webinar or in person, including NRC staff and members of the public.

Summary of Presentation:

Lance Rakovan of the NRC opened the meeting and introduced himself as the meeting facilitator. Mr. Rakovan discussed the purpose of the meeting and advised participants on the features of the teleconference platform, including how to ask questions and provide comments.

Mr. Rakovan then introduced Dr. Patricia Holahan of the NRC to give opening remarks.

Dr. Holahan discussed the purpose of the meeting and expressed the desire that the meeting will help the public better understand the proposed rule and encouraged public participation during the meeting. Dr. Holahan noted that comments offered during the meeting will be considered for development of the final rule and that formal comments made by the public should also be submitted in writing using the methods described in the proposed rule notice. Dr.

Holahan then introduced Ms. Jennifer Davis.

Ms. Davis discussed the agenda, background on the scoping activities and rulemaking plans that initiated the LR GEIS rulemaking. In addition, Ms. Davis discussed the (1) purpose of the LR GEIS and how it is codified in the regulations, (2) described the process the NRC follows to update the LR GEIS and Table B-1, (3) and summarized the proposed updates to Table B-1.

3 Ms. Davis then introduced Mr. Kevin Folk.

Mr. Folk explained the consolidation of the following issues:

Groundwater quality degradation (cooling ponds at inland sites) [Cat. 2] and Groundwater quality degradation (cooling ponds in salt marshes [Cat.1] to Category 2 Issue Groundwater quality degradation (plants with cooling ponds)

Impingement and entrainment of aquatic organisms (plants with once through cooling systems or cooling ponds) [Cat. 2] and Impingement component of Losses from predation, parasitism, and disease among organisms exposed to sublethal stresses

[Cat. 1] to Impingement mortality and entrainment of aquatic organisms (plants with oncethrough cooling systems or cooling ponds) [Cat. 2]

Impingement and entrainment of aquatic organisms (plants with cooling towers) [Cat. 1]

and Impingement component of Losses from predation, parasitism, and disease among organisms exposed to sublethal stresses [Cat. 1] to Impingement mortality and entrainment of aquatic organisms (plants with cooling towers) [Cat. 1]

Infrequently reported thermal impacts (all plants) [Cat. 1], Effects of cooling water discharge on dissolved oxygen, gas supersaturation, and eutrophication [Cat. 1], and Thermal effluent component of Losses from predation, parasitism, among organisms exposed to sublethal stresses [Cat. 1] to Infrequently reported effects of thermal effluents [Cat. 1]

In addition, Mr. Folk explained the subdivision of the Category 2 issue Threatened, endangered, and protected species, critical habitat and essential fish habitat into three new Category 2 issues. Mr. Folk explained the addition of the three issues: National Marine Sanctuaries Act:

sanctuary resources (Cat. 2), Greenhouse gas impacts on climate change (Cat. 1), and Climate change impacts on environmental resources (Cat. 2). Lastly, Mr. Folk explained the change of Severe accidents from Category 2 to Category 1. Mr. Folk then introduced Ms.

Yanely Malave.

Ms. Malave summarized the proposed amendments in the regulation and LR GEIS, explained the rulemaking main milestones, and how to access the supporting documents. Ms. Malave also described the different methods for submitting comments and the end date for the public comment period. Lastly, Ms. Malave identified the multiple points of contacts for the project.

Public Feedback and Questions:

Mr. Rakovan explained how to provide questions and comments in the room, via Teams webinar, and the phone. Members of the public asked clarifying questions on the presentation and provided comments on the proposed rule and LR GEIS. For a detailed description of the questions and comments, please review the meeting transcripts (ADAMS Accession No. ML23082A151 and ML23082A152).

Closing:

Dr. Holahan made brief closing remarks, including mentioning that participants in the public meeting can submit feedback to improve the structure of future public meetings through the NRC Public Meeting Feedback Form, thanked everyone for their time and attention, and ended the meeting.

4 Related Documents ADAMS Accession Numbers:

ML23072A467 - Notice of Public Meeting to Discuss the Proposed Rule -

Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses - Environmental Review (Afternoon Session)

ML23072A469 - Notice of Public Meeting to Discuss the Proposed Rule -

Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses - Environmental Review (Evening Session)

ML23069A013 - NRC Presentation for Proposed Rule - Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses - Environmental Review ML23082A151 - Official Transcript of March 16, 2023, Public Comments-Gathering Meeting on PR Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses -

Environmental Review (Afternoon Session)

ML23082A152 - Official Transcript of March 16, 2023, Public Comments-Gathering Meeting on PR Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses -

Environmental Review (Evening Session)

5 Proposed Rule - Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses - Environmental Review Public Meeting Attendees list - Afternoon Session (*Denotes Virtual Attendance)

March 16, 2023 Name Organization / Affiliation

1.

Matt Urie Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

2.

Katie Wagner PNNL

3.

Robert Schaaf PNNL

4.

Mark Nutt PNNL

5.

Nick DiNunzio PNNL

6.

Amy Aughtman Southern Nuclear Corporation

7.

Rachel Turney-Work Enercon

8.

Laura Willingham U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

9.

John Lubinski NRC

10. Tara ONeil PNNL

11. Kim Leigh PNNL

12. Yong Mok Kim BEES. Inc.

13. Youn Won Park BEES. Inc.

14. Brett Titus Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)

15. Brian Littleton U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Radiation Protection Division

16. Joseph Azeiat NRC

17. Max Smith NRC

18. Mark Franke NRC

19. Heather Westra Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC)

20. Nicci Lehto PIIC

21. Chip Cameron PIIC

22. Steve Harrick Florida Power and Light

23. Matthew Warren International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

24. Brian Smith NRC

25. Nancy Martinez*

NRC

26. Briana Arlene*

NRC

27. David Anderson*

PNNL

28. Andrew J. Burgess*

Ameren

29. Daniel Green*

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

30. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

31. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

32. Beth Alferink*

NRC

33. Lifeng Guo*

NRC

34. Ellery J. Baker*

Dominion Energy

35. Caitlin Condon*

PNNL

36. Booma Venkataraman* NRC

37. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

38. James A. Brownell*

Energy-Northwest

39. Rajiv Prasad*

PNNL

40. Dave Goodman*

PNNL

41. Jonathan Napier*

PNNL

42. Larry Nicholson*

Certrec

43. Elliott Korb*

Radiant Nuclear

6 Name Organization / Affiliation

44. Jason Zorn*

Constellation

45. Allison Stalker*

Constellation

46. Kristin Meek*

Constellation

47. Leigh Lloveras*

The Breakthrough Institute

48. J. Michael Davis*

NextEra Energy

49. Sam Wojack*

Neal R. Gross

50. Julie Ezell*

NRC

51. SherVerne Cloyd-Allen* NRC

52. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

53. Brian Harris*

NRC

54. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

55. Paul Aitken*

Dominion Energy

56. Jessica Bielecki*

NRC

57. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

58. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

59. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

60. Ted Smith*

NRC

61. Philip Meyer*

PNNL

62. Daniel Schultheisz*

EPA

63. Kenneth M. Thomas*

PNNL

64. Joseph H. Bashore*

TVA

65. Ryan K. Lighty*

Morgan-Lewis

66. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

67. Martin ONeill*

NEI

68. Caroline Hsu*

NRC

69. Julia Flaherty*

PNNL

70. Anne Leidich*

Pillsbury Law

71. Stephen Sollomon*

No Affiliation

72. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

73. Blake Vaisey*

NRC

74. Louis T. Banks*

Dominion Energy

75. Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

76. Kevin Stewart*

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

77. Chelsea Lynn Butler*

CDPH

78. Leah Parks*

NRC

7 Proposed Rule - Renewing Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses - Environmental Review Public Meeting Attendees list - Evening Session (*Denotes Virtual Attendance)

March 16, 2023 Name Organization / Affiliation

1.

Kim Leigh Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

2.

Matt Urie PNNL

3.

John Lubinski NRC

4.

Katie Wagner PNNL

5.

Mark Nutt PNNL

6.

Mark Franke NRC

7.

Max Smith NRC

8.

Joseph Azeiat NRC

9.

Amy Aughtman Southern Nuclear Corporation

10.

Rachel Turney-Work Enercon

11.

Nicci Lehto Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC)

12.

Heather Westra PIIC

13.

Chip Cameron PIIC

14.

Member of the Public*

707-318-4109 - no affiliation provided

15.

Dave Goodman*

PNNL

16.

Briana Arlene*

NRC

17.

Brett Titus*

Nuclear Energy Institute

18.

Leah Parks*

NRC

19.

Tekia Govan*

NRC

20.

Kevin Taylor*

Member of the Public

21.

Nancy Martinez*

NRC

22.

Caitlin Condon*

PNNL

23.

Beth Alferink*

NRC

24.

Rajiv Prasad*

PNNL

25.

Bo Saulsbury*

PNNL

26.

Paul F. Guill*

Member of the Public

27.

Kenneth M. Thomas*

PNNL

28.

Caroline Hsu*

NRC

29.

David Anderson*

PNNL

30.

Adam Stein*

Breakthrough Institute

31.

Chris Toalson*

DEQ/ISD

32.

Member of the Public*

No Affiliation

33.

Paul Gunter*

Beyond Nuclear