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Publication Laka-library:
Report of the Siting Policy Task Force (NUREG-0625) (1979)

AuthorUS NRC
DateAugust 1979
Classification 3.01.0.20/26 (UNITED STATES - SAFETY)
Front

From the publication:

ABSTRACT

In August 1978, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission directed the staff to develop 
a general policy statement on nuclear power reactor siting. A Task Force was 
formed for that purpose and has prepared a statement of current NRC policy and 
practice and has recommended a number of changes to current policy. The 
recommendations were made to accomplish the following goals:

1. To strengthen siting as a factor in defense in depth by establishing requirements
for site approval that are independent of plant design consideration. The present 
policy of permitting plant design features to compensate for unfavorable site 
characteristics has resulted in improved designs but has tended to deemphasize 
site isolation.

2. To take into consideration in siting the risk associated with accidents beyond the
design basis (Class 9) by establishing population density and distribution criteria. 
Plant design improvements have reduced the probability and consequences of 
design basis accidents, but there remains the residual risk from accidents not 
considered in the design basis. Although this risk cannot be completely reduced 
to zero, it can be significantly reduced by selective siting.

3. To require that sites selected will minimize the risk from energy generation.
The selected sites should be among the best available in the region where new 
generating capacity is needed. Siting requirements should be stringent enough to 
limit the residual risk of reactor operation but not so stringent as to eliminate the 
nuclear option from large regions of the country. This is because energy generation 
from any source has its associated risk, with risks from some energy sources being 
greater than that of the nuclear option.

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