T205 Reaching New Peaks in Geoscience: Geoscience in the Service of a Sustainable Future

Tuesday, 2 November 2010
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Mile High Ballroom 1AB

EVALUATING APPLICATIONS FOR NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SITES: A GEOLOGIST'S ROLE

Paper number: T205-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM

Authors

Abstract

Understanding the geologic, seismic and geotechnical engineering characteristics of a proposed nuclear power plant site and its surrounding region is a basic requisite for siting a new nuclear reactor. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements in Part 52 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 52) specify the process for obtaining an Early Site Permit (ESP) or a Combined License (COL) to build and operate a proposed nuclear power plant at a site. 10 CFR Part 100.23 further defines specific geologic and seismic siting criteria that must be met for the design of safety-related facilities at a proposed site. An applicant presents technical information on geologic, seismic, and geotechnical engineering characteristics for a proposed site in a Safety Analysis Report (SAR), submitted as part of the required application materials. This information results from a review of pertinent literature as well as investigations performed by the applicant in progressively greater detail closer to the proposed site.

NRC geologists follow official guidance established by the NRC to enable a rigorous assessment of geologic data presented in the SAR. NRC geologists focus their review of the SAR on five primary topics related to regional and site-specific geology, which are (1) tectonic information; (2) seismic source characterization; (3) the potential for surface faulting; (4) non-tectonic deformation; and (5) conditions caused by human activities. Emphasis is placed on Quaternary geologic features and processes. NRC geologists determine if the interpretations and conclusions presented by the applicant accurately capture the geologic field evidence and the current understanding of the informed scientific community as reflected in the literature. NRC geologists work as a team with other geoscientists, and geotechnical engineers, to determine that an applicant investigated site characteristics in enough detail to allow an adequate evaluation of the site; provided information to adequately support the analysis of vibratory ground motion at the site; and provided adequate engineering solutions for actual or potential geologic and seismic hazards to ensure the protection of public health and safety and the environment.