83 FR 28014 - Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC; Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 116 (June 15, 2018)

Page Range		28014-28015
FR Document		2018-12841

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering the renewal of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) License No. SNM-1107 to allow Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC (WEC) to continue to operate its Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility (CFFF) for an additional 40 years. The NRC has prepared a final environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for this licensing action.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 116 (Friday, June 15, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 116 (Friday, June 15, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28014-28015]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12841]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket No. 70-1151; NRC-2015-0039]


Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC; Columbia Fuel Fabrication 
Facility

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact; 
issuance.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering 
the renewal of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) License No. SNM-1107 to 
allow Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC (WEC) to continue to operate 
its Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility (CFFF) for an additional 40 
years. The NRC has prepared a final environmental assessment (EA) and 
finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for this licensing action.

DATES: The final EA referenced in this document was made available on 
June 8, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2015-0039 when contacting the 
NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You 
may obtain publicly-available information related to this document 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2015-0039. Address 
questions about NRC dockets to Jennifer Borges; telephone: 301-287-
9127; email: Jennifer.Borges@nrc.gov. For technical questions, contact 
the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of 
this document.
     NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System 
(ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the 
ADAMS Public Documents collection at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select ``ADAMS Public Documents'' and 
then select ``Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.'' For problems with ADAMS, 
please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 
1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The 
ADAMS accession number for each document referenced (if it is available 
in ADAMS) is provided the first time that it is mentioned in this 
document.
     NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public 
documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jessie Muir Quintero, U.S. Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-
7476, email: Jessie.Quintero@nrc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    The NRC is considering renewing License SNM-1107 to allow WEC to 
continue to operate its CFFF for an additional 40 years. The license 
renewal period of 40 years would begin once the NRC approves the 
renewal. As required by part 51 of title 10 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (10 CFR), ``Environmental Protection Regulation for 
Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions,'' the NRC prepared 
an EA (ADAMS Accession No. ML18120A318). Based on the results of the 
final EA, described as follows, the NRC has determined not to prepare 
an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the license renewal, and is 
issuing a FONSI.

II. Environmental Assessment

Description of the Proposed Action

    WEC submitted a license renewal application in 2014 (ADAMS 
Accession No. ML14352A111), which was updated in March 2018 (ADAMS 
Accession No. ML18087A400) to operate CFFF for an additional 40 years. 
The 40-year timeframe would begin upon NRC's approval of the license 
renewal application.

Need for the Proposed Action

    The proposed action would allow CFFF to continue to be a source of 
nuclear fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.

Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action

    The NRC assessed the potential environmental impacts from the 
renewal of License SNM-1107 for an additional 40 years and determined 
there would be noticeable but not significant impacts to the quality of 
the human environment. WEC is not proposing any new construction or 
land disturbance activities. Although there is existing ground-water 
contamination on site, it has not migrated offsite or into the deeper 
aquifers and there is currently no pathway for human exposure. WEC's 
environmental monitoring program will continue to provide information 
on existing ground-water contamination and help identify future 
unintended releases to the environment. If needed, WEC will implement 
corrective actions to address contamination in the surface water and 
ground water. NRC expects that WEC will continue to meet all local, 
State, and Federal requirements, including its National Pollutant 
Discharge Elimination System permit and its obligations with the South 
Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) under 
its voluntary cleanup contract related to ground-water contamination.

Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives to the Proposed Action

    As an alternative to the proposed action, the NRC staff considered 
denial of the proposed action (i.e., the ``no-action'' alternative). 
The no-action alternative would mean that the NRC would not approve the 
license renewal. The CFFF would continue to operate under its current 
license until it expires on September 30, 2027. The NRC staff 
previously evaluated the environmental impacts of WEC continuing to 
operate the CFFF until September 2027 when it approved WEC's license 
renewal in 2007. The NRC staff concluded in the 2007 EA that the 
continued operation of the CFFF site would not result in a significant 
impact to the environment (ADAMS Accession No. ML070510647).
    The impacts of the no-action alternative would be similar to those 
of the Proposed Action except the impacts of the no-action alternative 
would occur only until 2027, when the current license expires, and 
decommissioning

[[Page 28015]]

including any site remediation would occur sooner.

Agencies and Persons Consulted

    On March 27, 2017, the NRC staff sent a copy of the draft EA to the 
SCDHEC for their review and comment (ADAMS Accession No. ML18088A415). 
The SCDHEC responded on April 27, 2018, with no additional comments on 
the draft EA (ADAMS Accession No. ML18117A130).
    The NRC consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on 
listed protected species at the CFFF. The FWS concurred with the NRC's 
determination that the proposed activity may affect but is not likely 
to adversely affect the six federally listed species (ADAMS Accession 
No. ML15161A543). In August 2017, the NRC submitted a Biological 
Evaluation to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) with the 
determination that the license renewal may affect but is not likely to 
adversely affect the shortnose sturgeon (ADAMS Accession No. 
ML17227A378). On April 12, 2018, the NMFS concurred with the NRC's 
determination (ADAMS Accession No. ML18103A020).

III. Finding of No Significant Impact

    Based on its review of the proposed action, and in accordance with 
the requirements in 10 CFR part 51, the NRC staff has determined that 
renewing License No. SNM-1107 for an additional 40 years would not 
significantly affect the environment. The NRC will require, by license 
condition, that WEC take corrective action if ground-water 
contamination exceeds State or Federal levels. The NRC staff has 
determined that pursuant to section 10 CFR 51.31, preparation of an EIS 
is not required for the proposed action and, pursuant to section 10 CFR 
51.32, a FONSI is appropriate.
    On the basis of the final EA, the NRC concludes that the proposed 
action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human 
environment. Accordingly, the NRC has determined not to prepare an EIS 
for the proposed action.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 11th day of June 2018.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Craig G. Erlanger,
Director, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety, Safeguards and Environmental 
Review, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.
[FR Doc. 2018-12841 Filed 6-14-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 116 / Friday, June 15, 2018 / Notices 28015

including any site remediation would POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION the interests of the general public in the
occur sooner. proceeding, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505
[Docket Nos. CP2016–138; MC2018–162 and
(Public Representative). Section II also
Agencies and Persons Consulted CP2018–233; MC2018–163 and CP2018–234;
MC2018–164 and CP2018–235; MC2018–165 establishes comment deadline(s)
On March 27, 2017, the NRC staff sent and CP2018–236; CP2018–237; MC2018–166 pertaining to each request.
a copy of the draft EA to the SCDHEC and CP2018–238] The public portions of the Postal
for their review and comment (ADAMS Service’s request(s) can be accessed via
New Postal Products the Commission’s website (http://
Accession No. ML18088A415). The
www.prc.gov). Non-public portions of
SCDHEC responded on April 27, 2018, AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.
the Postal Service’s request(s), if any,
with no additional comments on the ACTION: Notice. can be accessed through compliance
draft EA (ADAMS Accession No.
with the requirements of 39 CFR
ML18117A130). SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a
3007.40.
The NRC consulted with the U.S. Fish recent Postal Service filing for the
Commission’s consideration concerning The Commission invites comments on
and Wildlife Service (FWS) on listed whether the Postal Service’s request(s)
negotiated service agreements. This
protected species at the CFFF. The FWS in the captioned docket(s) are consistent
notice informs the public of the filing,
concurred with the NRC’s determination invites public comment, and takes other with the policies of title 39. For
that the proposed activity may affect but administrative steps. request(s) that the Postal Service states
is not likely to adversely affect the six concern market dominant product(s),
DATES: Comments are due: June 18,
federally listed species (ADAMS applicable statutory and regulatory
2018 and June 19, 2018. requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3622, 39
Accession No. ML15161A543). In
August 2017, the NRC submitted a ADDRESSES: Submit comments U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3010, and 39
Biological Evaluation to the National electronically via the Commission’s CFR part 3020, subpart B. For request(s)
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) with Filing Online system at http:// that the Postal Service states concern
www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit competitive product(s), applicable
the determination that the license
comments electronically should contact statutory and regulatory requirements
renewal may affect but is not likely to
the person identified in the FOR FURTHER include 39 U.S.C. 3632, 39 U.S.C. 3633,
adversely affect the shortnose sturgeon INFORMATION CONTACT section by
(ADAMS Accession No. ML17227A378). 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3015, and
telephone for advice on filing 39 CFR part 3020, subpart B. Comment
On April 12, 2018, the NMFS concurred alternatives. deadline(s) for each request appear in
with the NRC’s determination (ADAMS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: section II.
Accession No. ML18103A020).
David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at II. Docketed Proceeding(s)
III. Finding of No Significant Impact 202–789–6820.
1. Docket No(s).: CP2016–138; Filing
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The June
Based on its review of the proposed Title: USPS Notice of Amendment to
18, 2018 comment due date applies to
action, and in accordance with the Priority Mail Contract 203, Filed Under
Docket Nos. CP2016–138; MC2018–162
requirements in 10 CFR part 51, the Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: June 8,
and CP2018–233; MC2018–163 and
NRC staff has determined that renewing 2018; Filing Authority: 39 CFR 3015.5;
CP2018–234; MC2018–164 and CP2018–
License No. SNM–1107 for an Public Representative: Christopher C.
235; MC2018–165 and CP2018–236.
additional 40 years would not Mohr; Comments Due: June 18, 2018.
The June 19, 2018 comment due date
significantly affect the environment. applies to Docket Nos. CP2018–237; 2. Docket No(s).: MC2018–162 and
The NRC will require, by license MC2018–166 and CP2018–238. CP2018–233; Filing Title: USPS Request
condition, that WEC take corrective to Add Priority Mail Contract 439 to
action if ground-water contamination Table of Contents Competitive Product List and Notice of
exceeds State or Federal levels. The I. Introduction Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing
NRC staff has determined that pursuant II. Docketed Proceeding(s) Acceptance Date: June 8, 2018; Filing
to section 10 CFR 51.31, preparation of Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR
I. Introduction 3020.30 et seq.; Public Representative:
an EIS is not required for the proposed
action and, pursuant to section 10 CFR The Commission gives notice that the Christopher C. Mohr; Comments Due:
51.32, a FONSI is appropriate. Postal Service filed request(s) for the June 18, 2018.
Commission to consider matters related 3. Docket No(s).: MC2018–163 and
On the basis of the final EA, the NRC to negotiated service agreement(s). The CP2018–234; Filing Title: USPS Request
concludes that the proposed action will request(s) may propose the addition or to Add Priority Mail Contract 440 to
not have a significant effect on the removal of a negotiated service Competitive Product List and Notice of
quality of the human environment. agreement from the market dominant or Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing
Accordingly, the NRC has determined the competitive product list, or the Acceptance Date: June 8, 2018; Filing
not to prepare an EIS for the proposed modification of an existing product Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR
action. currently appearing on the market 3020.30 et seq.; Public Representative:
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 11th day dominant or the competitive product Kenneth R. Moeller; Comments Due:
of June 2018. list. June 18, 2018.
Section II identifies the docket 4. Docket No(s).: MC2018–164 and
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
number(s) associated with each Postal CP2018–235; Filing Title: USPS Request
Craig G. Erlanger, Service request, the title of each Postal to Add Priority Mail Contract 441 to
Director, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety, Service request, the request’s acceptance Competitive Product List and Notice of
Safeguards and Environmental Review, Office date, and the authority cited by the Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing
of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. Postal Service for each request. For each Acceptance Date: June 18, 2018; Filing
[FR Doc. 2018–12841 Filed 6–14–18; 8:45 am] request, the Commission appoints an Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P officer of the Commission to represent 3020.30 et seq.; Public Representative:

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Document Created: 2018-11-02 12:01:22
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 12:01:22

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact; issuance.
Dates		The final EA referenced in this document was made available on June 8, 2018.
Contact		Jessie Muir Quintero, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415- 7476, email: [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 28014