NRC to discuss TVA application process for small modular reactors in Oak Ridge

 

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be in Oak Ridge in April to discuss the safety and environmental review process related to a Tennessee Valley Authority permit application for small modular reactors at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in west Oak Ridge.

TVA expects to submit what is known as an early site permit, or ESP, application by May 12.

“A key topic to be discussed is how and when the public may participate in the NRC review process, if desired,” a NRC meeting notice said. “The public is encouraged to ask questions about the NRC review process for this ESP Application.”

Two sessions are scheduled in the auditorium of the Pollard Technology Conference Center at 210 Badger Avenue in Oak Ridge.

The first is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, and the second is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Prior to each formal session, there will be an informal one-hour open house to give the public an opportunity to speak informally with the NRC staff.

The public is invited to participate by providing comments and asking questions throughout the meeting.

The NRC has a glimpse of what TVA has in mind through a pre-application, but it’s clear how many small modular reactors could be included or what specific design they would use, said Mallecia Sutton, project manager in the Environmental Projects Branch Division of New Reactor Licensing Office of New Reactors.

The proposal to build small modular nuclear reactors, possibly including in Oak Ridge, has been in the works for a number of years.

See this memo and agenda for more information on the April 12 meeting. See also this meeting notice on the NRC website.

Here is an overview of the TVA’s Clinch River Site Early Site Permit application.

See also this presentation from March 5, 2014, on TVA’s Clinch River SMR project, although it’s not clear if any part of those plans have been modified. Oak Ridge Today has contacted TVA and will provide an update when it is available.

See a few previous stories on Oak Ridge Today here and here.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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