Supporting Statement Part B

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The Form GC-859 “Nuclear Fuel Data” survey is used to collect data from commercial utilities that operate nuclear power plants and from all other owners of commercial spent nuclear fuel. The survey is a census of the target population and, therefore, no statistical sample methods will be employed. All respondents to the survey submit only the data required for their appropriate classification.

1. Respondent Universe

The universe for this survey is comprised of the owners and operators of commercial nuclear reactors, including both operating reactors and permanently shutdown reactors. Also included in the universe are other owners of spent nuclear fuel, including storage-only facilities and research and test reactors that signed a Standard Contract with the Department of Energy. New reactors under construction are not currently included in the Form GC-859 universe, nor are reactors that were previously planned or under construction, but subsequently cancelled. The current universe consists of 104 operating reactors, 16 permanently shutdown reactors, eight storage facilities, and ten research/test reactors. Note that the last permanent shutdown occurred in February 1997, so there have been no changes to the respondent population for these categories since then. The number of operable units and permanently shutdown reactors has not changed in the last 15 years.

2. Procedures for Collecting the Information

The Form GC‑859, instructions and DVD’s are sent via certified mail to ensure their receipt by the proper respondent organization and to ascertain the correct mailing address. Survey mailout packages also include a printed hardcopy of data for each reactor, software instructions, and a franked envelope to return these materials. A log is kept to record all forms received. After the EIA receives the completed Form GC‑859 data diskettes, data are input to a series of Microsoft Access database files on a PC dedicated to the Form GC-859 processing system. The data are then subjected to quality assurance checks. The EIA then updates each reactor's master files with the data from the most recent submission.

3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates

Response rates have always been 100 percent. Telephone calls are used to ensure receipt of all forms. Extensive edits and data checks ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information collected. If there are omissions, or incorrect data are reported, telephone calls are made by the survey manager as follow-up to respondents.

4. Tests of Procedures

These collections have been ongoing since 1983; therefore, no additional tests of procedures are necessary. A draft version of the Form GC-859 survey form and instructions were posted on the EIA website in conjunction with the 60-day Federal Register Notice (FRN). Three sets of comments were received in response to the FRN. The EIA’s responses to these comments are included as Appendix A to this Supporting Statement. Some of the comments and suggestions received in response to the FRN will be implemented on the survey form and instructions. The automated Form GC-859 Software System has been sent to three survey respondents who volunteered to test the application.

5. Name and Telephone Number of Individuals

Marta Gospodarczyk of the Office of Electricity, Coal, Nuclear, and Renewables Analysis is the contact person regarding this information collection. Ms. Gospodarczyk may be contacted by e-mail ([email protected]) which is recommended, or telephone at 202-586-0527, or fax via (305-586-3045). The mailing address is Office of Electricity, Coal, Nuclear, and Renewables Analysis, EI-34, Forrestal Building, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585.

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