FINAL SUPPORTING STATEMENT
FOR
10 CFR PART 51
"ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS FOR DOMESTIC LICENSING
AND RELATED REGULATORY FUNCTIONS"
(OMB CLEARANCE NO. 3150-0021)
Extension
DESCRIPTION OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION
The 10 CFR Part 51 information collection requirements apply to NRC=s domestic licensing and related regulatory functions that apply to protecting the environment. These regulations do not apply to export licensing matters or to any environmental effects that NRC=s domestic licensing and regulatory functions may have upon the environment of foreign nations. 10 CFR Part 51 implements Section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended. The information submitted aids the Commission in complying with the NEPA provisions in its review of an application for a permit, license, or other form of permission, or amendment to or renewal of a permit, license, or other form of permission, or a petition for rulemaking.
Section 51.6 requires that persons who wish to seek an exemption to requirements in Part 51 submit an application for exemption. The Commission may also grant an exemption to requirements in Part 51 that it determines are authorized by law and in the public interest, even in the absence of a submittal.
Section 51.16(b) requires that persons who wish to have proprietary information withheld from public disclosure submit a request justifying the withholding pursuant to 10 CFR 2.390. This information is needed by NRC to determine if the applicant's/licensee's reasons are valid and if the information qualifies for exemption from disclosure. The NRC will promptly determine whether the justification supports a finding that the information is qualified to be tracked as proprietary. Should staff determine the request to be justified, disclosure is withheld. Should staff determine the request to be unjustified, OGC reviews the bases for the denial of the request, and the applicant/licensee is notified within two weeks of the OGC review.
Section 51.41 allows the Commission to require an applicant for a permit, license, or other form of permission, or amendment to or renewal of a permit, license, or other form of permission, or a petitioner for rulemaking, to submit such information to the Commission as may be useful in aiding the Commission in complying with section 102(2) of NEPA.
Section 51.45(a) requires that certain persons submit environmental information and environmental reports (ERs), respectively. These persons may be applicants for initial or renewal permits, licenses, or other forms of permission; or petitioners for rulemakings. The ERs are submitted to NRC for its use in preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Subsequent to the receipt of public comments on the DEIS, NRC staff prepares a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Environmental Impact Statements document the staff=s detailed consideration to the environmental impacts associated with construction, initial operation, or continued operation of a proposed facility or complex cases for decommissioning materials licensees. Environmental Impact Statements also document the staff=s assessment of such impacts within the framework of a range of reasonable alternatives. Without the information provided in the ER, NRC cannot evaluate environmental impacts or prepare EAs, DEISs or FEISs as required by Section 102(2) of the NEPA and 10 CFR Part 51. The NRC review normally begins within 30 days of receipt of the ER.
Section 51.45(b) requires that the ER contain a description of the proposed action, a statement of its purposes, a description of the environment affected, and a discussion of the following considerations: (1) the impact of the proposed action on the environment, (2) any adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented, (3) alternatives to the proposed action, (4) the relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and (5) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed action, if implemented.
Section 51.45(c) requires that the ER include an analysis that considers and balances the environmental effects of the proposed action, the environmental impacts of alternatives to the proposed action, and alternatives available for reducing or avoiding adverse environmental effects. Except for ERs prepared for nuclear power reactors at the license renewal stage, the analysis in the ER should also include consideration of the economic, technical, and other benefits and costs of the proposed action and of alternatives. ERs prepared for nuclear power reactors at the license renewal stage need not include discussion of certain issues. These issues include the economic or technical benefits and costs of either the proposed action or alternatives except insofar as such benefits and costs are either essential for a determination regarding the inclusion of an alternative in the range of alternatives considered or relevant to mitigation. Other issues not related to the environmental effects of the proposed action and alternatives need not be included in ERs.
Section 51.49 (Environmental Report - Limited Work Authorization (LWA)) requires LWA applicant to submit an ER containing certain specified information. Paragraphs (a) and (b), which apply to applicants submitting a complete or two-part application, require the applicants to submit an environmental report describing activities conducted under the LWA, need to conduct those activities, description of environmental impacts, mitigation measures imposed, and a discussion of reasons for rejecting other mitigation measures which could further reduce environmental impacts. Paragraph (c) describes the contents of the environmental report when the request for the LWA is part of an ESP application. Paragraph (d) describes the contents of the environmental report when the LWA request is submitted by an ESP holder, and paragraph (e) establishes a limited exception from the information required by paragraphs (a) and (b) to be submitted in the environmental report. Paragraph (f) requires for all applications containing a LWA request, that the environmental report separately evaluate the environmental impacts and the proposed alternatives to the activities proposed to be conducted under the LWA. This information is needed by the NRC to prepare in parallel the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the LWA activities and a supplemental EIS for the underlying construction permit or combined license, or a complete EIS at the LWA stage.
Section 51.50 (Environmental Report - Construction Permit Stage) requires that an applicant for a permit to construct a production or utilization facility, that is within the purview of Section 51.20, submit information specified in Sections 51.45, 51.51, and 51.52.
Section 51.51 (Uranium Fuel Cycle Environmental Data - Table S-3) requires that every ER prepared for the construction permit stage of a light-water-cooled nuclear power reactor, and submitted on or after September 4, 1979, shall take Table S-3, Table of Uranium Fuel Cycle Environmental Data, as the basis for evaluating the contribution of the environmental effects of uranium mining and milling, the production of uranium hexafluoride, isotopic enrichment, fuel fabrication, reprocessing of irradiated fuel, transportation of radioactive materials, and management of low-level wastes and high-level wastes related to uranium fuel cycle activities to the environmental costs of licensing the nuclear power reactor. Table S-3 shall be included in the environmental report and may be supplemented by a discussion of the environmental significance of the data set forth in the table as weighed in the analysis for the proposed facility.
Section 51.52 (Environmental Effects of Transportation of Fuel and Waste - Table S-4) requires that every ER prepared for the construction permit stage of a light-water-cooled nuclear power reactor, submitted after February 4, 1975, shall contain a statement concerning transportation of fuel and radioactive wastes to and from the reactor. That statement shall indicate that the reactor and this transportation either meet all of the conditions in paragraph (a) of this section or meet all of the conditions in paragraph (b) of this section.
Section 51.53(a) (Post-Construction Environmental Reports) allows that an ER may incorporate, by reference, any information contained in a prior ER or supplement thereto that relates to the production or utilization facility or any information contained in a final environmental document previously prepared by the NRC staff that relates to the production or utilization facility.
Section 51.53(b) requires that an applicant submit supplemental information to the ER with the application for an operating license. The applicant only needs to discuss matters described in Sections 51.45, 51.51, and 51.52 to the extent that they differ from those described in the NRC's FEIS in connection with the construction permit. In addition, the ER is not required to include discussions of (1) the need for power, (2) alternative energy sources, (3) alternative sites for the facility, or (4) any aspect of the storage of spent fuel within the scope of the generic determination in Section 51.23(a) and in accordance with Section 51.23(b).
Section 51.53(c) requires that an applicant for a renewal of an operating license submit an ER with the application. The ER must contain a description of the proposed action, including the applicant's plans to modify the facility or its administrative control procedures as described in accordance with Section 54.21. The ER must describe in detail the modifications directly affecting the environment or affecting plant effluents that affect the environment. In addition, the applicant shall discuss the environmental impacts of alternatives and any other matters described in Section 51.45. The ER is not required to include discussions of (1) need for power, (2) the economic costs and economic benefits of the proposed action or of alternatives to the proposed action except insofar as such costs and benefits are either essential for a determination regarding the inclusion of an alternative in the range of alternatives considered or relevant to mitigation, (3) other issues not related to the environmental effects of the proposed action and the alternatives, or (4) any aspect of the storage of spent fuel for the facility within the scope of the generic determination in Section 51.23(a) and in accordance with Section 51.23(b).
For those applicants seeking an initial license renewal and holding either an operating license or construction permit as of June 30, 1995, the ER shall include the information required in paragraph (c)(2) of Section 51.53, but is not required to contain analyses of the environmental impacts of certain license renewal issues identified as Category 1 (generically analyzed) issues in Appendix B to Subpart A of Part 51. The ER must contain analyses of the environmental impacts of the proposed action, including the impacts of refurbishment activities, if any, associated with license renewal and the impacts of operation during the renewal term, for those issues identified as Category 2 (plant-specific analysis required) issues in Appendix B to Subpart A of Part 51 and must include consideration of alternatives for reducing adverse impacts of Category 2 issues; the required analyses are listed in Sections 51.53(c)(ii)(A)-(M). In addition, the ER must contain any new and significant information regarding the environmental impacts of license renewal of which the applicant is aware.
Section 51.53(d) requires that an applicant for (1) a license amendment authorizing decommissioning activities at non-power reactors, (2) license termination at power reactors, or (3) a license amendment to store spent fuel at a nuclear power reactor after expiration of its operating license, submit copies of a document entitled "Supplement to Applicant's Environmental Report - Post Operating License Stage." The supplement is required to reflect any new information or significant environmental change associated with the applicant's proposed decommissioning or license termination activities or with the applicant's proposed activities with respect to the planned storage of spent fuel.
Section 51.54 (Environmental Report - Manufacturing License) requires that an applicant for (1) a license to manufacture a nuclear power reactor or (2) amendment to a license to manufacture a nuclear power reactor seeking approval of a final design of a power reactor, submit an ER that addresses environmental matters specified in Part 52 and that contains the information specified in Section 51.45, as appropriate.
Section 51.55 (Environmental Report – Standard Design Certification) requires design certification applicants and applicants for amendments to design certifications to submit an ER, which must address the costs and benefits of Severe Accident Design Mitigation Alternatives (SAMDAs) and the bases for not incorporating SAMDAs in the design to be certified. The ER must address whether the design change which is the subject of the proposed amendment either renders a SAMDA previously rejected in an environmental assessment to become cost beneficial, or results in the identification of new SAMDAs that may be reasonably incorporated into the design certification. The information required under Part 51 is needed to ensure the NRC meets its obligations under NEPA.
Section 51.58 (Environmental Report - Number of Copies; Distribution) requires that an applicant submit one copy of its ER. The applicant is to retain the capacity to generate copies of the report for distribution to parties and Boards in the NRC proceeding (hearing process), and for distribution to Federal, State and local officials. The NRC has been receptive to applicant requests for submittals in electronic form in lieu of copies in paper form.
Section 51.60(b) requires that an applicant prepare an ER for the following types of actions:
(1) Issuance or renewal of a license or other form of permission for:
(i) Possession and use of special nuclear material for processing and fuel fabrication, scrap recovery, or conversion of uranium hexafluoride pursuant to 10 CFR 70.
(ii) Possession and use of source material for uranium milling or production of uranium hexafluoride pursuant to 10 CFR 40.
(iii) Storage of spent fuel in an independent spent fuel storage installation (ISFSI) or the storage of spent fuel or high-level radioactive waste in a monitored retrievable storage installation (MRS) pursuant to 10 CFR 72.
(iv) Receipt and disposal of radioactive waste from other persons pursuant to 10 CFR 61.
(v) Procession of source material for extraction of rare earth and other metals.
(vi) Use of radioactive tracers in field flood studies involving secondary and tertiary oil and gas recovery.
(vii) Construction and operation of a uranium enrichment facility.
(2) Issuance of an amendment that would authorize or result in:
(i) A significant expansion of a site.
(ii) A significant change in the types of effluents.
(iii) A significant increase in the amount of effluents.
(iv) A significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure.
(v) A significant increase in the potential for or consequences from radiological accidents.
(vi) A significant increase in spent fuel storage capacity, in a license or other form of permission to conduct an activity listed in 51.60(b)(1) above.
(3) Amendment of a license to authorize the decommissioning of an ISFSI or MRS pursuant to 10 CFR 72.
(4) Issuance of a license amendment pursuant to Part 61 to authorize (i) closure of a land disposal site, (ii) transfer of the license to the disposal site owner for the purpose of institutional control, or (iii) termination of a license at the end of the institutional control period.
(5) Any other licensing action for which the Commission determines an environmental report is necessary.
Section 51.61 requires that an applicant for issuance of a license for storage of spent fuel in an ISFSI or for storage of spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste in an MRS pursuant to 10 CFR 72 submit an "Applicant's Environmental Report - ISFSI License" or "Applicant's Environmental Report - MRS License," as appropriate, with its application. The ER shall contain the general information specified in 51.45 and shall address the siting evaluation factors contained in Subpart E, 10 CFR 72.
Section 51.62(a) requires that an applicant for issuance of a license for land disposal of radioactive waste pursuant to 10 CFR 61 submit an "Applicant's Environmental Report - License for Land Disposal of Radioactive Waste" with its application. The ER and any supplement to the ER may incorporate, by reference, information contained in the application or in any previous application, statement or report filed with the Commission provided that such references are clear and specific and that copies of the information so incorporated are available at the NRC Web site, http://www.nrc.gov, and/or at the NRC Public Document Room.
Section 51.62(b) requires that the ER contain the general information specified in Section 51.45, that the ER address the applicant's environmental monitoring program required by 10 CFR 61.12(l), 61.53, and 61.59(b), and requires that the ER be as complete as possible in the light of information that is available at the time the ER is submitted.
Section 51.62(c) requires that an applicant supplement the ER in a timely manner as necessary to permit the Commission to review, prior to issuance, amendment or renewal of a license, new information regarding the environmental impact of previously proposed activities, information regarding the environmental impact of any changes in previously proposed activities, or any significant new information regarding the environmental impact of closure activities and long-term performance of the disposal site.
Section 51.66 specifies the number of copies that are to be submitted of an environmental report, or any supplement to an environmental report, for an application for a license, an amendment or renewal of a license covered under 10 CFR Parts 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 61, 70 and 72.
Section 51.68 Certain petitioners for rulemaking must also submit ERs. Section 51.68 requires that petitioners for rulemaking, who request amendments to 10 CFR Parts 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, or 70 concerning the exemption from licensing and regulatory requirements of, or authorizing general licenses for, any equipment, device, commodity, or other product containing byproduct material, source material, or special nuclear material, submit a "Petitioner's Environmental Report," which contains the general information specified in Section 51.45.
A. JUSTIFICATION
1. Need for and Practical Utility of the Collection of Information
The NEPA, directs that, to the fullest extent possible: (1) the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies set forth in NEPA, and (2) all agencies of the Federal government shall comply with the procedures in Section 102(2) of NEPA except where compliance would be inconsistent with other statutory requirements. The regulations in Subpart A of 10 CFR Part 51 implement Section 102(2) of NEPA in a manner that is consistent with the NRC's domestic licensing and related regulatory authority under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978, and the Commission's announced policy to take account of the regulations of the Council of Environmental Quality published November 29, 1978 (43 FR 55978-56007), voluntarily subject to certain conditions.
2. Agency Use of Information
The NRC will use the information to make determinations necessary to protect the environment and to adhere to the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States that are to be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies set forth in NEPA. The NRC completes its review of this information in approximately one to two years depending on the type of licensing action.
3. Reduction of Burden Through Information Technology
There are no legal obstacles to reducing the burden associated with this information collection. The NRC encourages respondents to use information technology when it would be beneficial to them. NRC issued a regulation October 10, 2003 (68 FR 58791), consistent with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, which allows its licensees, vendors, applicants, and members of the pubic the option to make submissions electronically via CD-ROM, e-mail, special Web-based interface, or other means. It is estimated that up to 85% of responses are filed electronically.
4. Effort to Identify Duplication and Use Similar Information
No sources of similar information are available. There is no duplication of requirements. NRC has in place an ongoing program to examine all information collections with the goal of eliminating all duplication and/or unnecessary information collections.
5. Effort to Reduce Small Business Burden
This information collection does not affect small businesses.
6. Consequences to Federal Program or Policy Activities if the Collection is Not Conducted or is Conducted Less Frequently
This information is submitted by applicants and licensees when they request the NRC to make a decision on an action and as part of its evaluation of the request, the agency is required to make a t determination consistent with the provisions of NEPA. If this information were not submitted the NRC would be unable to assess the environmental issues associated with the proposed action.
7. Circumstances That Justify Variation from OMB Guidelines
The NRC is in compliance with OMB Guidelines.
8. Consultations Outside the NRC
Opportunity for public comment on the information collection requirements for this clearance package was published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2012 (77 FR 29697). No comments were received.
9. Payment or Gift to Respondents
Not applicable.
10. Confidentiality of the Information
Confidential and proprietary information is protected in accordance with NRC regulations at 10 CFR 9.17(a) and 10 CFR 2.390(b). Information considered confidential or proprietary is not normally requested.
11. Justification for Sensitive Questions
Part 51 information collections do not involve sensitive or private information; however, the NRC will continue to generalize the actual locations of threatened or endangered species and the actual locations of cultural and historic resources where specific disclosure is not necessary.
Estimated Industry Burden and Burden Hour Cost
a. Reporting Burden Cost
For new nuclear power plants 10 applications for a combined operating license (COL) for a new nuclear reactor are projected to be worked on over the next 3 years; 3.33 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 10,300 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the industry for 3.33 expected COL applications per year is (3.33 applications x 10,300 hours per application = 34,299 hours); and an annual cost of $9,363,627 (34,299 hours x $273 per hour = $9,363,627).
One construction permit application for a new nuclear power plant is projected to be worked over the next 3 years; .33 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 10,400 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the industry for .33 expected construction permit application per year is (.33 applications x 10,400 hours per application = 3,432 hours); and an annual cost of $936,936 (3,432 hours x $273 per hour = $936,936).
For new reactors 15 license amendments are estimated to be reviewed over the next 3 years; 5 license amendments annually. The burden per application is projected at 60 hours; the total estimated annual burden to industry for 5 license amendments per year is (5 license amendments x 60 hours per license amendment = 300 hours); and an annual cost of $81,900 (300 hours x $273 per hour = $81,900).
Four early site permit applications for new nuclear power plants are projected to be worked on over the next 3 years; 1.33 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 11,400 hours; the total estimated annual burden to industry for 1.33 early site permit applications per year is (1.33 applications x 11,400 hours per application = 15,162 hours); and an annual cost $4,139,226 (15,162 hours x $273 per hour = $4,139,226).
For new reactors applications for 5 design certifications and 2 design certification renewals are projected to be evaluated over the next 3 years; 2.33 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 60 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the industry for 2.33 expected design certifications applications per year is (2.33 applications x 60 hours per application = 140 hours); and an annual cost of $38,220 (140 hours x $273 per hour = $38,220).
Within the next 3 years, the staff anticipates the review of about 9 additional license renewal applications for commercial power reactors; 3 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 12,300 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the industry for 3 expected license renewal applications per year is (3 license renewal applications x 12,300 hours per application = 36,900 hours); and an annual cost of $10,073,700 (36,900 hours x $273 per hour = $10,073,700).
NRC performs environmental assessments in response to amendment requests from nuclear reactor licensees. Within the next 3 years, the staff anticipates the review of about 60 amendment requests; 20 amendments annually. The burden per amendment request is approximately 60 hours; the total estimated annual burden to industry for 20 expected amendment requests per year is (20 amendment request x 60 hours per request = 1,200 hours); and an annual cost of $327,600 (1,200 hours x $273 per hour = $327,600).
For research and test reactors the staff anticipates, within the next 3 years, the review of 19 non-power reactor renewals, 2 research reactor power upgrade, and 2 decommissioning requests (a total of 23 reviews); 7.66 reviews annually. The burden per request is approximately 60 hours; the total estimated annual burden to industry for 7.66 requests per year is (7.66 requests x 60 hours per request = 460 hours); and an annual cost of $125,580 (460 hours x $273 per hour = $125,580).
The NRC does not anticipate a request for a manufacturing license during the duration of this clearance. Therefore, there is no burden projection for Section 51.54.
Materials licenses vary in type, and cost. Materials licensing actions which require EISs are identified in 51.20(b)(7)-(13). Other actions, as identified in Section 51.21, may or may not require preparation of an EIS. Over the next 3 years we project the following activities and industry burden.
4 uranium recovery applications
2 decommissioning amendments
2 low level waste amendments
3 fuel fabrication plant actions
3 spent fuel storage facility renewal
1 rulemaking on long-term storage of spent fuel
1 unspecified rulemaking activity
Sixteen actions are projected over the next 3 years; 5.33 actions annually. The burden per request is approximately 1,668 hours; the total estimated annual burden to industry for 5.33 requests per year is 8,890 hours, (5.33 requests x 1,668 hours per request = 8,890 hours); and an annual cost of $2,426,970 (8,890 hours x $273 per hour = $2,426,970).
The NRC does not project information collection within the purview of 10 CFR 51.68 because we are not aware of any proposed petitions for rulemaking which could be submitted to the NRC in the next 3 years.
Industry burden is summarized in the attached table.
b. Recordkeeping Burden
Recordkeeping requirements are not specified in 10 CFR .
The overall estimated burden is 100,783 hours, resulting in an overall burden cost of $27,513,759.
13. Estimate of Other Additional Costs
The NRC has determined that the quantity of records to be maintained is roughly proportional to the recordkeeping burden and, therefore, can be used to calculate approximate records storage costs. Based on the number of pages maintained for a typical clearance, the records storage cost has been determined to be equal to 0.0004 times the recordkeeping burden cost. Because the recordkeeping burden is estimated to be 0 hours, the storage cost for this clearance is 0.00 (0 hours x 0.0004 x $273/hour).
14. Estimated Annualized Cost to the Federal Government
The staff reviews vary in complexity (and in cost to government) depending on the type of proposed action and the type of required NRC response (i.e., EA or EIS). Cost estimates are summarized below.
This cost is fully recovered by fee assessments to NRC licensees pursuant to 10 CFR 170 or 171.
For new nuclear power plants 10 applications for a combined operating license (COL) for a new nuclear reactor are projected to be worked over the next 3 years; 3.33 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 4,000 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the Federal government for 3.33 expected COL applications per year is (3.33 applications x 4,000 hours per application = 13,320 hours); and an estimated annual cost to the Federal government of $3,636,360 (13,320 hours x $273 per hour = $3,636,360).
One construction permit application for a new nuclear power plant is projected to be worked over the next 3 years; resulting in .33 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 6,240 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the Federal government for .33 expected construction permit application per year is (.33 applications x 6,240 hours per application = 2,059 hours); and an annual cost of $562,107 (2,059 hours x $273 per hour = $562,107).
For new reactors 15 license amendments are estimated to be reviewed over the next 3 years; resulting in 5 license amendments annually. The burden per application is projected at 263 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the Federal government for 5 license amendments per year is (5 license amendments x 263 hours per license amendment = 1,315 hours); and an annual cost of $358,995 (1,315 hours x $273 per hour = $358,995).
Four early site permit applications for new nuclear power plants are projected to be worked on over the next 3 years; resulting in 1.33 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 7,300 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the Federal government for 1.33 early site permit applications per year is (1.33 applications x 7,300 hours per application = 9,709 hours) and an annual cost of $2,650,557 (9,709 hours x $273 per hour = $2,650,557).
Applications for 5 design certifications and 2 design certification renewals are projected to be evaluated over the next 3 years; resulting in 2.33 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 200 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the Federal government for 2.33 expected design certifications applications per year is (2.33 applications x 200 hours per application = 466 hours); and an annual cost of $127,218 (466 hours x $273 per hour = $127,218).
Within the next 3 years, the staff anticipates the review of about 9 additional license renewal applications for commercial power reactors; resulting in 3 applications annually. The burden per application is projected at 4,100 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the Federal government for 3 expected license renewal applications per year is (3 license renewal applications x 4,100 hours per application = 12,300 hours); and an annual cost of $3,357,900 (12,300 hours x $273 per hour = $3,357,900).
NRC receives amendment requests from nuclear reactor licensees that require environmental assessments. Within the next 3 years, the staff anticipates the review of about 60 amendment requests; resulting in 20 amendments annually. The burden per amendment request is approximately 200 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the Federal government for 20 expected amendment requests per year is (20 amendment request x 200 hours per request = 4,000 hours); and an annual cost of $1,092,000 (4,000 hours x $273 per hour = $1,092,000).
With respect to Section 51.54 (Environmental Reports for Manufacturing License), the NRC does not anticipate any submittals during the effective period of this clearance.
For research and test reactor reviews, the staff anticipates, within the next 3 years, the review of 19 non-power reactor renewals, 2 research reactor power upgrade, and 2 decommissioning requests (a total of 23 reviews); resulting in 7.66 reviews annually. The burden per request is approximately 20 hours; the total estimated annual burden to the Federal government for 7.66 requests per year is (7.66 requests x 20 hours per request = 153 hours); and an annual cost of $41,769 (153 hours x $273 per hour = $41,769).
Materials licenses vary in type, and cost. Materials licensing actions which require EISs are identified in 51.20(b)(7)-(13). Other actions, as identified in Section 51.21, may or may not require preparation of an EIS. Over the next 3 years we project NRC staff and contractors will work on:
4 uranium recovery applications
2 decommissioning amendments
2 low level waste amendments
3 fuel fabrication plant actions
3 spent fuel storage facility renewal
1 rulemaking activities on long-term storage
Support for several other rulemaking activities
Sixteen actions are projected over the next 3 years; resulting in 5.33 actions annually. The burden per request for the Federal government is approximately 5,096 hours, (5.33 requests x 5,096 hours per request = 27,162 hours); and an annual cost of $7,415,226 (27,162 hours x $273 per hour = $7,415,226).
The overall estimated cost to the government is: $19,242,132 (70,484 hrs x $273)
15. Reasons for Change in Burden or Cost
Burden Increases:
The overall annual burden increased by 8,402 hours annually from 92,381 hours to 100,783 hours. This increase occurred due to the fact that the licensing of a new reactor involves several regulatory actions; these actions result in the following increase in burden over the previous clearance:
Combined Operating License will increase by 1.33 respondents and 13,733 hours annually.
Construction Permit Stage will increase by .33 respondents and 3,432 hours annually.
Amended Design Certification will increase by 4 respondents and 200 hours annually.
Early Site Permit will increase by 1.33 respondents and 15,162 hours annually.
License Amendment applications will increase by 20 respondents and 1,200 hours annually.
Burden Decreases:
During this clearance period, the agency does expect decreases in a few areas as follows:
Design Certifications are expected to decrease by 1 respondent and 660 hours annually.
License Renewals are expected to decrease by 3 respondents and 20,100 hours annually.
Environmental Reviews – Materials License is expected to decrease by .67 respondents and 1,118 hours annually.
Research and Test Reactors are expected to decrease by .01 respondents and 440 hours annually.
Power Reactor License Termination Requests are expected to decrease by .33 respondents and 40 hours annually.
Cost estimates have increased since the last clearance as a result of an increase in the fee rate from $238/hr to $273/hr.
16. Publication for Statistical Use
NRC does not publish information submitted in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 for statistical use.
17. Reason for Not Displaying the Expiration Date
The requirement is contained in a regulation. Amending the Code of Federal Regulations to display information that, in an annual publication, could become obsolete would be unduly burdensome and too difficult to keep current.
18. Exceptions to the Certification Statement
There are no exceptions.
COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
Not applicable.
Table 1
10 CFR PART 51 BURDEN TABLE
|
||||||||||||
ANNUAL REPORTING BURDEN |
||||||||||||
|
|
Number of Respondents |
Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses |
Burden per Response |
Total Annual Burden Hours |
Cost @ $273 per hour. |
|||||
51.6 |
Request for exemptions |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||
51.16(b) |
Request to withhold proprietary information from disclosure |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||
51.41 |
Establishes NRC=s general authority to require environmental information from applicants, as required
|
20 |
1 |
20 |
60 |
1,200 |
$327,600 |
|||||
51.45 |
Establishes general requirements of applicant=s Environmental Reports (ER) |
(Cost included under the specific ER reporting requirements) |
||||||||||
51.50, 51.51, 51.52, AND 51.55 |
Specific Requirements for ER
|
3.33
.33
5
1.33 2.33 |
1
1
1
1 1
|
3.33
.33
5
1.33 2.33 |
10,300
10,400
60
11,400 60 |
34,299
3,432
300
15,162 140 |
$9,363,627
$936,936
$81,900
$4,139,226 $38,220 |
|||||
Table 1 10 CFR PART 51 BURDEN TABLE |
|||||||
ANNUAL REPORTING BURDEN |
|||||||
|
|
Number of Respondents |
Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses |
Burden per Response |
Total Annual Burden Hours |
Annual Cost @ $273 per hour. |
51.53 |
Specific requirements for applicant=s post-construction ER
|
3 7.66 |
1 1 |
3 7.66 |
12,300 60 |
36,900 460 |
$10,073,700 $125,580 |
51.54 |
Specific requirements for applicant=s ER for Manufacturing License |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
51.58 |
(States the number of copies required) |
(Cost included under the specific ER reporting requirements) |
|||||
51.60, 51.61, and 51.62 |
Specific requirements for applicant=s ER-Materials License |
5.33 |
1 |
5.33 |
1,668 |
8,890 |
$2,426,970 |
51.66(a) and (b) |
(States the number of copies to be filed) |
(Cost included under the specific ER reporting requirements) |
|||||
51.68 |
Specific requirements for petitioner=s ER-Rulemaking |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0
|
TOTALS |
|
48.31 |
N/A |
48.31 |
N/A |
100,783 |
|
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | dtl1 |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-01-30 |