Status of power-reactor projects undergoing licensing review

The Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 gives the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) authority over the licensing of atomic energy facilities under conditions that will protect the health and safety of the public from excessive exposure to radiation hazards. As an aid in fulfilling this responsibility, NRC has developed regulations that are contained in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Under the Act and regulations, NRC must make certain safety findings before either a construction permit or an operating license for a facility can be issued. These findings are based on extensive technical analyses and environmental assessments that are carefully reviewed by the NRC staff. The safety evaluation of a nuclear power reactor is also reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS). In addition, a public hearing is required at the construction-permit stage and will be held at the operating-license stage if it is requested by any person whose interest may be affected. Recent regulatory and other actions relating to power reactors and certain other projects are summarized. Included in this summary is the text of all ACRS reports issued, as well as excerpts from significant rulings by the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) and Atomicmore » Safety and Licensing Appeal Board (ASLAB). Actions during September and October 1979 pertaining to particular facilities are identified and information on the status of reactors in the licensing process (i.e., up to but not including the point at which they receive an operating license) is also included. Significant information that is too long to be included in the table (i.e., ACRS reports or ASLB decisions) is noted in the table and is presented in the text. Operating reactors and their cumulative power production are listed in the Operating Experiences section.« less