Evaluation of population density and distribution criteria in nuclear power plant siting
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States). Accident Analysis and Consequence Assessment Dept.
The NRC has proposed revisions to 10 CFR 100 which include the codification of nuclear reactor site population density limits to 500 people per square mile, at the siting stage, averaged over any radial distance out to 30 miles, and 1,000 people per square mile within the 40-year lifetime of a nuclear plant. This study examined whether there are less restrictive alternative population density and/or distribution criteria which would provide equivalent or better protection to human health in the unlikely event of a nuclear accident. This study did not attempt to directly address the issue of actual population density limits because there are no US risk standards established for the evaluation of population density limits. Calculations were performed using source terms for both a current generation light water reactor (LWR) and an advanced light water reactor (ALWR) design. The results of this study suggest that measures which address the distribution of the population density, including emergency response conditions, could result in lower average individual risks to the public than the proposed guidelines that require controlling average population density. Studies also indicate that an exclusion zone size, determined by emergency response conditions and reactor design (power level and safety features), would better serve to protect public health than a rigid standard applied to all sites.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 10173793
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-93-0848; ON: DE94016769; BR: GB0103012; TRN: 94:015637
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Jun 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Preparing to Submit a License Application for Yucca Mountain
SAVANNAH RIVER SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT FOR 2009
Related Subjects
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
SITE SELECTION
REGULATIONS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
POPULATION DENSITY
MODIFICATIONS
PUBLIC HEALTH
EMERGENCY PLANS
EVALUATED DATA
560190
210100
210200
RADIATION PROTECTION STANDARDS
POWER REACTORS
NONBREEDING
LIGHT-WATER MODERATED
BOILING WATER COOLED
POWER REACTORS
NONBREEDING
LIGHT-WATER MODERATED
NONBOILING WATER COOLED