[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 192 (Monday, October 5, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60183-60189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-25292]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket Nos. 50-237 and 50-249; NRC-2015-0232]
Exelon Generation Co., LLC; Dresden Nuclear Power Station, Units
2 and 3
AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact;
issuance.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering a
request by Exelon Generation Company, LLC (Exelon, the licensee) dated
March 18, 2014, as supplemented by letters dated May 20 and June 8,
2015, for onsite disposal of slightly contaminated soil at the Dresden
Nuclear Power Station (DNPS), Units 2 and 3.
DATES: October 5, 2015.
[[Page 60184]]
ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2015-0232 when contacting the
NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You
may obtain publicly-available information related to this document
using any of the following methods:
Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2015-0232. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-415-
3463; email: [email protected]. For technical questions, contact
the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of
this document.
NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System
(ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the
ADAMS Public Documents collection at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select ``ADAMS Public Documents'' and
then select ``Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.'' For problems with ADAMS,
please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at
1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to [email protected]. The
ADAMS accession number for each document referenced (if it available in
ADAMS) is provided the first time that a document is referenced.
NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public
documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Russell Haskell, Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-1129, email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Introduction
The NRC is considering approval of a request dated March 18, 2014
(ADAMS Accession No. ML14077A140), as supplemented by letters dated May
20 (ADAMS Accession No. ML15140A728) and June 8, 2015 (ADAMS Accession
No. ML15163A304), from Exelon Generation Company, LLC (Exelon, the
licensee) for onsite disposal of slightly contaminated soil at the
Dresden Nuclear Power Station (DNPS), Units 2 and 3, located in Grundy
County, Illinois. The site consists of three units. Units 2 and 3 are
operating nuclear reactors and Unit 1 was shut-down in 1978 and is
currently in SAFSTOR \1\. Units 2 and 3 are boiling-water reactors
(BWRs) and the cooling system includes cooling towers, cooling canals,
and a cooling pond. The licensee is requesting approval in accordance
with section 20.2002 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10
CFR), ``Method for obtaining approval of proposed disposal
procedures,'' to land-spread a current accumulated inventory of
approximately 6,000 cubic meters (m\3\) (211,888 cubic feet [ft\3\]) of
soil. Additionally, the licensee has requested the NRC's approval to
conduct future disposal operations onsite, not to exceed a total
disposed volume of 20,000 m\3\ (706,293 ft\3\) of soil and sludge
containing trace quantities of residual radioactive material in a
designated area on the DNPS site. Based on the results of the
Environmental Assessment (EA) that follows, the NRC has determined not
to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed action,
and is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact.
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\1\ SAFSTOR is a decommissioning strategy under which a nuclear
facility is placed in a safe, stable condition and maintained in
that state (safe storage) until it is subsequently decontaminated
and dismantled to levels that permit license termination.
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Under 10 CFR 20.2002, a licensee may seek NRC authorization to
dispose of licensed material using procedures not otherwise authorized
by the NRC's regulations. A licensee's supporting analysis must show
that the radiological doses arising from the proposed disposal will be
within the 10 CFR part 20, ``Standards for Protection Against
Radiation,'' dose limits and will be as low as is reasonably
achievable.
II. Environmental Assessment
Description of Proposed Action
The proposed action would permit the disposal of up to 20,000 m\3\
(706,293 ft\3\) of soil and sludge containing trace quantities of
residual radioactive material in a 100 m (328 ft.) by 100 m (328 ft.)
plot located on the owner-controlled area on the north side of the DNPS
site.
The DNPS has accumulated a current inventory of approximately 6,000
m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil containing trace quantities of
radionuclides as part of multiple pipe repair and replacement projects
conducted onsite over the past several years. The soil is currently
located within the DNPS site's protected area portion of the restricted
area and is contained within a concrete berm. Tarps and spray-on
sealants are employed to limit erosion and migration of the soil
(Exelon 2015a). The submittal requests approval for disposal of the
initial 6,000 m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil and a total disposal of up
to 20,000 m\3\ (706,293 ft\3\) of soil and sludge that may be generated
from future projects. Contaminated soil generated as a result of future
projects at DNPS (up to a total of 20,000 m\3\ (706,293 ft\3\)) will be
temporarily stored in the protected area until analyses for release is
completed and will then be transferred and emplaced to the proposed
disposal area. The soils will be transferred to the proposed disposal
area in campaigns (6,000 m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil or less per
campaign). The first campaign will include site preparation activities
(land clearing, excavation, and grading) of the 100 m (328 ft.) by 100
m (328 ft.) proposed disposal area and immediate transfer and
emplacement of the current 6,000 m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil to the
disposal area. Transportation of the soil (via dump trucks) from its
current location to the proposed disposal area will be maintained
within the boundaries of the DNPS property at all times. Once
transferred and emplaced, Exelon will grade and over-seed the soil with
native grass (Exelon 2015a). Exelon plans to maintain the proposed
disposal area in accordance with the Illinois Urban Manual for Erosion
and Sediment Control Best Management Practices (AISWCD 2013).
The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's
application dated March 18, 2014 (ADAMS Accession No. ML14077A140), as
supplemented by letters dated May 20, 2015 (ADAMS Accession No.
ML15140A728), and June 8, 2015 (ADAMS Accession No. ML15163A304).
Need for the Proposed Action
The proposed action is requesting the NRC's approval for the onsite
disposal of a current inventory of 6000 m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil.
The request also includes an NRC's approval for an upper disposal limit
not to exceed 20,000 m\3\ (706,293 ft\3\) of soil and sludge to account
for future onsite excavation projects requiring disposal.
Benefits to the licensee's proposed action include significantly
reduced transportation distances and costs incurred as a result of
offsite disposal, while maintaining protection of public health and
safety and the environment. This request provides the licensee with an
alternative to the usage of offsite shallow land burial waste
repositories consistent with a previously released NRC Information
Notice 83-05, ``Obtaining Approval for Disposal of Very Low-Level
Radioactive Waste.''
[[Page 60185]]
Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action
Radiological Impacts and Human Health
Occupational Dose
The proposed DNPS request for onsite disposal of slightly
contaminated soil will not require any physical changes to the plant or
plant operations; therefore, there will be no change to any in-plant
radiation sources. Approximately 6,000 m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil is
currently located within the DNPS site's protected area portion of the
restricted area. The soil is contained within a concrete berm area;
tarps and spray-on sealants are employed to limit erosion and migration
of the soil (Exelon 2015a).
The DNPS radiation protection program establishes appropriate work
controls, training, temporary shielding, and protective equipment
requirements so that worker doses will remain within the dose limits of
10 CFR part 20. The main pathway of concern for worker exposure to
radiation would be from fugitive dust emissions during the transport
and emplacement of the slightly contaminated soil to the proposed
onsite disposal area. To minimize those fugitive dust emissions, Exelon
will use best management practices (BMPs) such as using equipment with
enclosures during the transport of the soil and dampening the soil.
Once the soil is transferred and emplaced to the proposed disposal
area, Exelon will over-seed the soil with native grass and monitor to
minimize fugitive dust emissions. To limit access to the proposed
disposal area, DNPS plans to implement institutional controls such as
sign postings and DNPS Security monitoring (Exelon 2015a).
Slightly contaminated soil generated as a result of future projects
at DNPS (up to a total of 20,000 m\3\ (706,293 ft\3\) will be
temporarily stored in the protected area until an analysis is completed
documenting that the material meets radiological criteria for disposal
per 10 CFR 20.2002 and will then be transferred to the proposed
disposal area.
The proposed DNPS onsite disposal of slightly contaminated soil
will not affect radiation levels within the plant restricted area and
will be performed in accordance with the proper oversight of their
radiation protection program, and therefore will have no significant
radiological impact to the workers.
Offsite Dose
The primary sources of offsite dose to members of the public from
the DNPS are radioactive gaseous and liquid effluents. As discussed
above, the request for onsite disposal of slightly contaminated soil
will be on the DNPS site. As such, members of the public will not have
access to the disposal area. Therefore, there is no direct radiation
exposure to the public. In addition, the proposed action does not
require any physical changes to the plant or plant operations;
therefore, there will be no change to the types and quantities of
radioactive effluents and the operation of the radioactive gaseous and
liquid waste management systems to perform their intended functions. As
stated above, the soil will be over-seeded with native grass and
monitored to minimize fugitive dust emissions once the soil is
transferred to the proposed disposal area. To manage any soil runoff,
Exelon will use the BMPs outlined in the Illinois Urban Manual for
Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practices. The licensee
plans to install three surficial groundwater monitoring wells, one up-
gradient and two down-gradient of the proposed disposal area. These new
wells will be added to the DNPS Radiological Ground Protection Program
(RGPP) to monitor for any migration of contamination (Exelon 2015a).
Based on the above, the offsite radiation dose to members of the public
would not change and would continue to be within regulatory limits and
therefore would not be significant.
Radiological Impacts Summary
Based on the radiological evaluations discussed above, the NRC
staff has determined the proposed action would not result in
significant radiological impacts.
Land Use
Current land uses would be unaffected by the proposed onsite
disposal of the contaminated soil at the DNPS. The proposed disposal
area is currently part of an industrial power plant site and would
remain so if the proposed action is approved. Therefore, the NRC staff
has determined that there would be no significant land use impacts
associated with the proposed action.
Water Resources
The disposal location is an elevated plot of land that has been
heavily disturbed by previous soil stockpiling and grading activities
and which generally slopes to the west. Site preparation activities,
transfer, and emplacement of slightly contaminated soil under the
proposed action would have no direct impact on natural surface-water
drainages as none exist on or immediately adjacent to the disposal
area. The closest surface-water feature to the center point of the
disposal area is a shallow drainage depression adjacent to the south
bank of the Illinois River and located approximately 600 ft. (183 m) to
the northwest. The Units 2 and 3 discharge canal to the Illinois River
lies approximately 700 to 800 ft. (213 to 244 m) to the south and east
of the disposal area.
Precipitation and associated storm-water runoff from the disposal
area have the potential to erode soils and transport suspended
sediments away from the site and toward nearby surface water features.
This is most likely to occur during the course of each disposal
campaign, as the surface of disposal area is reworked and graded with
each disposal operation. However, disposal site operations would be
subject to the DNPS Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP),
which the licensee is required to implement and maintain in accordance
with Special Condition 10 of DNPS's National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit (No. IL0002224). The SWPPP prescribes
BMPs for soil erosion and sediment control, storm-water pollution
prevention, waste management, and spill response. During operations,
the licensee will use BMPs as prescribed in the SWPPP in combination
with those outlined in the Illinois Urban Manual for Erosion and
Sediment Control Best Management Practices. For instance, soils would
be graded and seeded with native grasses to minimize surface drainage
and runoff and associated erosion of the site (Exelon 2015a). Adherence
to these measures would prevent or minimize any surface water quality
or groundwater quality impacts during disposal operations.
Over the longer term, management and monitoring activities would
ensure that there are no inadvertent offsite impacts to surface water
or groundwater quality as a result of disposal site operations. The
licensee proposes to install three surficial groundwater monitoring
wells in order to characterize baseline groundwater quality as well as
any changes over time. The wells will be installed at depths of 15 to
35 feet (4.5 to 10.6 m) below ground surface. Two wells will be
installed up-gradient of the disposal area relative to groundwater
flow, and one will be installed down-gradient. Upon installation,
baseline groundwater sampling and analysis would be performed including
for gamma, tritium, gross alpha, gross beta, strontium-89, and
strontium-90. The completed wells would be included in the DNPS RGPP
with routine monitoring for radiological constituents and other
parameters as prescribed by RGPP protocols (Exelon
[[Page 60186]]
2015a). Based on the above information, the NRC staff has determined
the impacts to water resources would not be significant.
Air Resources
With regards to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
criteria for pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, particulate
matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide), Grundy County is
designated as a non-attainment area for the 8-hr ozone (2008) standard
and 1-hr ozone (1979) standard and a maintenance area for particulate
matter less than 2.5 microns (1997) standard and 8-hr ozone (1997)
standard (40 CFR 81.314). Air emissions would be predominantly from the
transfer of the soil to the proposed site, equipment used in
transporting the soil (dump trucks and front end loaders), and site
preparation related activities (land clearing, excavation, and
grading). The loading and off-loading of the soil and excavation of the
proposed site can result in fugitive dust emissions; fugitive dust is
particulate matter suspended in the air. Equipment exhaust emits
criteria pollutants.
Site preparation activities of the 100 m (328 ft.) by 100 m (328
ft.) proposed disposal area and transfer and emplacement of the 6,000
m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil are estimated to be completed within two
weeks (Exelon 2015a). Air emission estimates as a result of site
preparation activities and transfer and disposal the 6,000 m\3\
(211,888 ft\3\) of soil are presented in Table 1. To minimize fugitive
dust emissions, Exelon will use best management practices to include
using equipment with enclosures during the transport of the soil and
watering the soil (Exelon 2015a). Once the soil is transferred to the
proposed disposal area, Exelon will over-seed the soil with native
grass and monitor to minimize fugitive dust emissions.
Table 1--Air Emissions From Site Preparation Activities and Soil Disposal
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Emissions (tons/yr)
Source ------------------------------------------------------
CO NOX SO2 PM10 PM2.5 VOC
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Equipment Exhaust (a).................................... 0.28 1.32 0.08 0.09 <0.09 0.11
Fugitive Dust (b)........................................ ....... ....... ....... 0.8 0.08
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Total................................................ 0.28 1.32 0.08 0.89 0.17 0.11
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\(a)\ Emissions were estimated by NRC staff based on emission factors from EPA 1996, use of dump trucks and
loaders, and an 80-hour run time for each piece of equipment.
\(b)\ Fugitive dust emissions were estimated by NRC staff based on emission factors from EPA 1995 and EPA 2006.
Key: CO = carbon monoxide, NOX = nitrogen oxides, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, PM10 = particulate matter less than 10
microns, PM2.5 = particulate matter less than 2.5 microns, and VOC = volatile organic compounds.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations (40 CFR part
93, subpart B) require Federal agencies to conduct an applicability
analysis if a proposed action occurs in a NAAQS non-attainment area or
maintenance area to determine if emissions of criteria pollutants would
exceed threshold emissions levels (40 CFR 93.153(b)). If threshold
levels are exceeded, a conformity determination may need to be
performed. The regulatory conformity thresholds for ozone precursors
(volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides) is 25 tons for each
precursor (40 CFR 51.853(b)). The regulatory conformity thresholds for
particulate matter less than 2.5 microns, carbon monoxide, and
particulate matter and its precursors (nitrogen oxides and sulfur
dioxide) is 100 tons for each pollutant (40 CFR 51.853(b)). As
exhibited in Table 1, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate
matter, and volatile organic compounds will not exceed the regulatory
conformity thresholds. Therefore, the NRC staff concludes that there
would be no significant air quality impacts associated with the
proposed action.
Contaminated soil and sludge generated as a result of future
projects at DNPS will be transferred in future campaigns, as previously
discussed. Emissions from future campaigns are expected to be bounded
by those estimated above since each campaign will transfer up to 6,000
m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil and sludge. Based on the above
information, the NRC staff has determined that there would be no
significant air quality impacts associated with the proposed action.
Terrestrial and Aquatic Resources
The 100 m (328 ft.) by 100 m (328 ft.) proposed disposal area is
previously disturbed due to past activities such as grading the site
and the addition of clean soils. The majority of the site
(approximately 90 percent) is covered by early successional grasses and
forbs that are typical of highly disturbed areas. The approximate
percent cover of the most common species included the following: yellow
sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis, 20 percent), perennial rye (Lolium
perrene, 20 percent), white clover (Trifolium repens, 10 percent),
crown vetch (Coronilla varia, 10 percent), and Canada thistle (Cirsium
canadensis, 10 percent). The remaining portion of the site is either
recently disturbed soil-covered areas or areas containing seedling
trees and bushes, such as autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata). The
disposal site is surrounded by developed areas, open space, and
forested areas that include mature cottonwood trees (Populus section
Aigeiros), autumn olive, honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), mulberry
(Morus spp.), and various grasses. No aquatic resources, such as
wetlands, streams, or ponds occur within the disposal site. (Exelon
2015a, 2015b)
A variety of wildlife and birds occur on or near the proposed site.
Common terrestrial mammals include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus
virginianus), coyote (Canis latrans), red fox (Vulpes fuva), eastern
cottontail (Sylvilagus flondanus), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), and
beaver (Castor canadensis) (NRC 2004, Exelon 2015b). Common birds
include Canada goose (Branta canadensis), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos),
great blue heron (Ardea herodias), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus),
red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American kestrel (Falco
sparverius), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), northern cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis), American robin (Turdus migratorius), and red-
winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) (NRC 2004, Exelon 2015b). These
species are generally tolerant to human activity and modified
landscapes, such as the proposed disposal area and the nearby power
plant.
Some migratory birds, bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and
State-listed species could temporarily rest on or near the proposed
disposal area (FWS
[[Page 60187]]
2015). However, the area does not provide substantial or preferred
habitat for migratory birds, bald eagles, or State-listed species due
to the lack of mature trees or forested areas, native prairie grasses,
wetlands, aquatic features, or other non-disturbed, complex habitat
features. The licensee and its contractor did not observe any evidence
of migratory birds, bald eagles, and State-listed species during an
informal site investigation of the proposed disposal area in June 2015
(Exelon 2015b). Migratory birds, bald eagles, and State-listed species
may occur in areas surrounding the proposed disposal site, especially
in undisturbed forested or riparian areas (NRC 2004, Exelon 2015b).
During disposal activities, no tree cutting, other than tree
seedlings, would be required (Exelon 2015b). Disposal activities would
directly affect some grasses, bushes, and immature tree seedlings.
However, these species are typical of a highly disturbed environment,
very common within the area, and provide low-quality habitat to
wildlife and birds. In addition, the licensee plans to seed over the
disposal area with native grasses (Exelon 2015a), which would help to
reduce erosion and provide a grassy habitat for wildlife once disposal
activities are complete. Seeding the disposal site will also help
prevent runoff to nearby aquatic features. Further, the licensee plans
to use the best management practices outlined in the Illinois Urban
Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practices to
further minimize erosion and runoff (Exelon 2014b).
Noise associated with grading, transportation, or other disposal-
related activities may temporarily disturb wildlife and birds. However,
most wildlife and birds on or near the proposed disposal area are
likely relatively tolerant of human activity given that the proposed
disposal area is part of a larger operating power plant site. For
example, the proposed disposal area is located close to existing
warning sirens, which are extremely loud and periodically tested
(Exelon 2015b). In addition, grading or other related activities would
be temporary (Exelon 2015a) and wildlife and birds could return to the
area once disposal activities were complete.
Given that disposal activities would not involve tree cutting, the
affected vegetation is very common within the area, temporarily
disturbed wildlife and birds could find similar habitat in the
surrounding area, and no aquatic features occur onsite. Therefore, the
NRC staff determined that impacts to aquatic and terrestrial resources
would not be significant.
Threatened and Endangered Species
The NRC staff searched the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Information Planning and Conservation online database for Federally
threatened, endangered, proposed, or candidate species or designated
critical habitat that could occur on or near the proposed disposal area
(FWS 2015). The following four species have the potential to occur near
the site: eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea), the
rattlesnake-master borer moth (Papaipema eryngii), the Indiana bat
(Myotis sodalist), and northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis). No designated critical habitat occurs near the site.
The eastern prairie fringed orchid is a perennial herb that grows 8
to 40 inches (in.) (20 to 102 centimeters [cm]) tall and produces long
clusters of up to 40 white flowers in early July (NatureServe 2013).
This plant grows in emergent wetlands, wet meadow, sedge meadow, fen,
wet to mesic prairie, or marsh edges (FWS 2015). The proposed disposal
area does not provide suitable habitat for this species because the
soils are extremely dry, none of the habitats listed above occur on the
site, and the land is highly disturbed. In addition, the licensee and
its contractor did not observe any eastern prairie fringed orchid
during its informal investigation of the site in June 2015 (Exelon
2015b). Therefore, the NRC staff determined that the proposed action
would have no effect on eastern prairie fringed orchids.
The rattlesnake-master borer moth is an insect that relies on the
rattlesnake-master, a prairie plant, as its only food source. The
proposed site does not provide suitable habitat for rattlesnake-master
borer moths because this species is an obligate resident of undisturbed
prairie and woodland openings, and rattlesnake-master is not known to
occur within the proposed site. In addition, the licensee and its
contractor did not observe this species during its informal
investigation of the site in June 2015 (Exelon 2015b). Therefore, the
NRC staff determined that the proposed action would have no effect on
the rattlesnake-master borer.
The Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat are insectivorous,
migratory bats that inhabit the central portion of the eastern United
States and hibernate colonially in caves and mines. During summer
months, female Indiana bats tend to roost in colonies under slabs of
peeling tree bark or cracks within trees in forest fragments (Pruitt
and TeWinkel 2007). Northern long-eared bats tend to roost in trees in
forested areas with greater canopy and in caves, mines, or manmade
structures such as barns, sheds, and other buildings (Carter and
Feldhamer 2005). In the winter, northern long-eared and Indiana bats
rely on caves for hibernation. The proposed disposal area does not
provide suitable habitat for hibernation, roosting, or foraging due to
the lack of mature trees, forested areas, caves, wetlands, prairies,
and aquatic features. In addition, the licensee and its contractor did
not observe this species during its informal investigation of the site
in June 2015 (Exelon 2015b).
Based on the above information, the NRC staff has determined the
proposed action would have no effect on federally threatened,
endangered, proposed, or candidate species or designated critical
habitat that could occur on or near the proposed disposal area.
Historic and Cultural Resources
As reported in the DNPS's License Renewal environmental impact
statement (NUREG-1437, Supplement 17), much of the DNPS site has been
disturbed by construction of the nuclear power plant facilities and
related infrastructure, including roads, parking lots, and the cooling
pond. No archaeological surveys were completed at the Dresden site
prior to station construction. However, there is at least one
archaeological site recorded within the DNPS site boundary, 11 GR2,
which was only minimally disturbed during construction according to a
professional archaeologist who examined the site in 1973 (Atomic Energy
Commission 1973).
As previously discussed, the onsite disposal of slightly
contaminated soil at DNPS would take place on highly disturbed land
(Exelon 2015b). Because any disturbance would occur within previously
disturbed areas, there would be no impact to historic and cultural
resources. Based on the above information, the NRC staff has determined
there would be no significant impacts to any historic and cultural
resources at the DNPS.
Socioeconomic
Current socioeconomic conditions would be unaffected by the
proposed onsite disposal of slightly contaminated soil at the DNPS. The
licensee would use existing resources including the onsite workforce or
local contractors to conduct the disposal of up to 20,000 m\3\ (706,293
ft\3\) of soil and sludge; therefore, there would be no significant
socioeconomic impacts.
[[Page 60188]]
Noise
Noise emissions would occur as a result of the equipment used
onsite and activities involved during site disposal preparation,
transportation of the soil to the disposal area, and soil off-loading.
Additional noise from the proposed action would be intermittent and
short-term (approximately 2 weeks). Land clearing activities and
equipment can result in source noise levels in the 80-88 A-weighted
decibels (dBA) range for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA
2006). However, noise levels attenuate rapidly with distance. For
instance, backhoe/loader equipment can have source noise levels of 80-
85 dBA; at 50 feet (15 m) distance noise levels drop to 79 dBA, and at
200 ft. (61 m) distance from the equipment noise levels drop to 65.5
dBA (FHWA 2006). The nearest resident is approximately 0.8 miles (1,287
m) from the proposed disposal area and noise levels from equipment and
activities are not expected to be noticeable at this distance.
Furthermore, noise levels associated with the proposed action will need
to be in accordance with Illinois noise regulations found in the
Illinois Administrative Code (Title 35, Subtitle H). Based on the above
information, the NRC staff concludes that there would be no significant
off-site noise impacts associated with the proposed action.
Environmental Justice
The environmental justice impact analysis evaluates the potential
for disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental
effects on minority and low-income populations that could result from
the proposed disposal of slightly contaminated soil at DNPS. Such
effects may include human health, biological, cultural, economic, or
social impacts.
According to the 2010 Census, 13 percent of the total population
(approximately 25,000 individuals) residing within a 5 mile (8 km)
radius of the DNPS identified themselves as minority individuals (EPA
2015). The largest minority were people of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish
origin of any race (2,323 persons or 9 percent), followed by Black or
African American (450 persons or 2 percent). Minority populations
within Grundy County comprise 11.1 percent of the total population with
the largest minority group being Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin of
any race, 8.2 percent.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2009-2013 American Community
Survey 5-Year Estimates using the University of Missouri's Circular
Area Profiling System (MCDCCAPS 2015), approximately 1,850 individuals
(6.2 percent) residing within a 5 mile (8 km) radius of DNPS were
identified as living below the Federal poverty threshold. The 2013
Federal poverty threshold was $12,119 for an individual and $24,028 for
a family of four.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2011-2013 American Community
Survey 3-Year Estimates (USCB 2015), the median household income for
Illinois was $55,799, while 14.8 percent of the state population and
10.9 percent of families were found to be living below the Federal
poverty threshold. Grundy County had a higher median household income
average ($63,978) and a lower percent of individuals (9.4 percent) and
families (7.2 percent) living below the poverty level, respectively.
Potential impacts to minority and low-income populations would
mostly consist of radiological and environmental effects (e.g., noise
and dust impacts). Radiation doses are expected to continue to remain
well below regulatory limits and noise and dust impacts would be
temporary and limited to onsite activities.
Based on this information and the analysis of human health and
environmental impacts presented in this environmental assessment, the
proposed onsite disposal of slightly contaminated soil at the DNPS
would not have disproportionately high and adverse human health and
environmental effects on minority and low-income populations residing
near the DNPS.
Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives to the Proposed Action
As an alternative to the proposed action, the NRC staff considered
denial of the disposal request (i.e., the ``no action'' alternative).
The consequences of the denial of the application would result in no
change in current environmental impacts. The contaminated material
would remain in its current location on the DNPS site and future
contaminated material generated as a result of plant operation would be
stored onsite.
The current contaminated soil and future contaminated soil and
sludge generated as a result of plant operation could also be sent to a
licensed low-level radioactive waste disposal facility. Shipment of
future soil to an offsite low-level radioactive waste disposal facility
would not result in a compensating improvement in the environmental
impacts, as there could be additional transportation-related impacts
associated with transporting the soil offsite. Furthermore, as
discussed in Information Notice 83-05, the NRC has recognized that
onsite disposal of low-level waste can minimize the quantity of waste
shipped to a radioactive waste disposal facility and can provide a
reasonable alternative to the high costs associated with disposals at
radioactive waste disposal facilities. Therefore, the only alternative
the staff considered is the no-action alternative, under which the
current soil inventory would remain in its current location on the DNPS
site and future contaminated soil generated would also be stored
onsite.
If the 6,000 m\3\ (211,888 ft\3\) of soil were to remain in its
current location on the DNPS site and future contaminated soil would
also be disposed of in the protected area of the DNPS site, there would
be no change in current environmental impacts. The soils would be
contained within a concrete berm. To limit erosion and migration of the
soil, tarps and spray-on sealants would continue to be used. Potential
leaching from this area would be identified through the DNPS RGPP
monitoring program. The material would continue to be controlled in
accordance with the requirements in 10 CFR part 20 and is not expected
to result in a significant environmental impact.
Alternative Use of Resources
This action does not involve the use of any resources (water, air,
land) not previously considered in the Generic Environmental Impact
Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants: Regarding Dresden
Nuclear Power Station, Units 2 and 3 (NUREG-1437, Supplement 17, dated
June 2004).
Agencies and Persons Consulted
In accordance with its stated policy, on February 26, 2015, the NRC
staff consulted with the State official of Illinois, Ms. Kelly Horn,
Section Head, Environmental Management Bureau of Radiation Safety of
the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, regarding the environmental
impact of the proposed action. Ms. Horn had no comments.
Additionally, the NRC staff determined that the proposed action
would have no effect on federally listed threatened and endangered
species that could occur on or near the proposed disposal area. As
well, the proposed action would have no significant impact to historic
and cultural resources. Therefore, consultation was not required under
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act or under Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act.
[[Page 60189]]
III. Significant Impact
Exelon Generation Company, LLC (Exelon, the licensee) has requested
onsite disposal of up to 20,000 m\3\ (706,293 ft\3\) of contaminated
soil and sludge at the DNPS, Units 2 and 3, in accordance with 10 CFR
20.2002. Based on the environmental assessment included in section II.
above, the NRC staff has concluded that the proposed action will not
have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment.
Accordingly, the NRC has determined not to prepare an environmental
impact statement for the proposed action.
IV. Availability of Documents
The documents identified in the following table are available to
interested persons through one or more of the following methods, as
indicated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adams Accession No./Web
Document link/Federal Register
Citation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Designation of areas for air quality 40 CFR Part 81. Code of
planning purposes.''. Federal Regulations, Title
40.
``Determining Conformity of Federal Actions 40 CFR Part 93. Code of
to State or Federal Implementation Federal Regulations, Title
Plans.''. 40.
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). 1973. http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/
Final Environmental Statement Related to docs/ML0305/
Operation of Dresden Nuclear Power ML030550497.pdf.
Station, Units 2 and 3. Commonwealth
Edison Company. Docket Nos. 50-237 and 50-
249. Directorate of Licensing. Washington,
DC.
Association of Illinois Soil and Water http://www.aiswcd.org/
Conservation Districts (AISWCD). 2013. illinois-urban-manual.
Illinois Urban Manual, Field Manual for
Inspection of Erosion and Sediment Control
Best Management Practices
Carter TC, Feldhamer GA. 2005. Roost tree http://
use by maternity colonies of Indiana bats tccarter.iweb.bsu.edu/.
and northern long-eared bats in southern
Illinois. Forest Ecology and Management
219 (2005): 259-268.
[EPA] Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/ttnchie1/
1996. AP 42, Compilation of Air Pollutant ap42/.
Emission Factors, 3.3 Gasoline and Diesel
Industrial Engines.
[EPA] Environmental Protection Agency.
1995. AP 42, Compilation of Air Pollutant
Emission Factors, 13.2.3 Heavy
Construction Operations
[EPA] Environmental Protection Agency.
2006. AP 42, Compilation of Air Pollutant
Emission Factors, 13.2.4 Aggregate
Handling and Storage Piles
[EPA] Environmental Protection Agency. http://www2.epa.gov/
2015. EJSCREEN Census 2010 Summary Report, ejscreen.
U.S. Census 2010 Summary File 1 (SF1) for
a 5-mile radius around the proposed
disposal site at Dresden (41.394964 Lat., -
88.272564 Long.)
[FHWA] Federal Highway Administration. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
2006. Construction Noise Handbook. environment/noise/
construction_noise/
handbook/.
[FWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015. ADAMS Accession No.
Information Planning and Conservation ML15188A035.
(IPaC), ``Dresden 10 CFR 20.2002 Approval
for Disposal of Soils.'' 2 July 2015
[MCDCCAPS] Missouri Census Data Center http://mcdc.missouri.edu/
Circular Area Profiling System. 2015. websas/caps10acsb.html.
Aggregated 2009-2013 American Community
Survey Data Estimates in a 5-mile radius
around the proposed disposal site at
Dresden (41.394964 Lat., -88.272564
Long.). Version 10C
NatureServe. 2013. ``Comprehensive Report http://www.natureserve.org/
Species--Eastern Prairie White-fringed explorer/servlet/
Orchid (Platanthera leucophaea).'' NatureServe?searchName=Pla
tanthera+leucophaea.
[NRC] Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 1983. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-
Information Notice. 83-05: Obtaining rm/doc-collections/gen-
Approval for Disposing of Very Low-level comm/info-notices/1983/
Radioactive Waste- 10 CFR Section 20.302 in83005.html.
[NRC] NUREG 1437, Supplement 17 dated June ADAMS Accession No.
2004, ``Generic Environmental Impact ML041890266.
Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear
Plants: Regarding Dresden Nuclear Power
Station, Units 2 and 3- Final Report.''
[NRC] Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 1983. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-
Information Notice No. 83-05, ``Obtaining rm/doc-collections/gen-
Approval for Disposing of Very-Low-Level comm/info-notices/1983/
Radioactive Waste-10 CFR Section 20.302.'' in83005.html.
Pruitt L, TeWinkel L, editors. 2007. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/
Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) Draft recovery_plan/070416.pdf.
Recovery Plan. First Revision. Fort
Snelling, MN: U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. April 2007. 258 p
[USCB] U.S. Census Bureau. 2015. ``American http://
FactFinder, 2011-2013 American Community factfinder.census.gov/
Survey 3[dash]Year Estimates, Table S1701-- faces/nav/jsf/pages/
Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months, searchresults.xhtml?refres
Table S1702--Poverty Status in the Past 12 h=t.
Months of Families, and Table S1901--
Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2013
Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)'' for Grundy
County and the State of Illinois
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 24th day of August 2015.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Travis L. Tate,
Chief, Plant Licensing III-2 and Planning and Analysis Branch, Division
of Operating Reactor Licensing, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2015-25292 Filed 10-2-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P