PNNL helps complete Environmental Impact Statements for proposed reactors
Staff at PNNL achieved important milestones earlier this year as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission published four Final Environmental Impact Statements—which included technical input developed by PNNL—for seven proposed nuclear power reactors.
Publication of the documents sets the stage for the first new reactors to be licensed in the U.S. since the 1990s, an achievement that could help increase U.S. energy capacity, reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil and provide carbon-free power.
As the NRC's primary contractor for environmental reviews for new nuclear power plants, PNNL draws upon many capabilities to develop the documents that will help determine whether the proposed reactors receive combined construction and operating licenses. PNNL expertise called upon in the environmental reviews ranges from disciplines such as geology, hydrology, seismology, ecology and sociology, to archaeology and cultural anthropology.
The impact statements cover proposed new reactors at four existing plant sites:
- South Texas Project Electric Generating Station (two reactors)
- Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Georgia (two reactors)
- Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Station, South Carolina (two reactors)
- Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Maryland (one reactor).
In August and September, the NRC initiated hearings on the proposed reactors. PNNL continues to provide technical support during the hearing process. Following the hearings, the Commission will determine whether to issue combined licenses, which provide the green light for construction.
PNNL-SA-84654
