DEP Releases Final 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan and Online Atlas of Water Resources and Use

 DEP Newsroom

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01/27/2023

CONTACT:

Deb Klenotic, DEP

717-783-9954

 

DEP Releases Final 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan and Online Atlas of Water Resources and Use

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today released the final 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan and an interactive online atlas of statewide water resources and use trends to inform leaders’ decision making and educate Pennsylvanians on sustainable use of our lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. 

“While Pennsylvania is a water-rich state, our water resources are affected by many factors, including the warming climate, increased development, and others,” said DEP Acting Secretary Rich Negrin. “The State Water Plan helps leaders understand how these factors can affect water resources and make planning decisions that protect this precious natural resource for all Pennsylvanians.” 

The final 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan follows announcement of the draft plan in August and public feedback. The DEP Water Use and Planning Section developed the plan in collaboration with more than 100 water resources professionals who served on a statewide committee and six regional committees.  

The plan recommends 100 actions statewide in areas such as floodplain and stormwater management, water withdrawal policy, contaminants of emerging concern, and others.  

It also recommends actions tailored to each of six water planning regions across Pennsylvania: the Great Lakes basin and the Upper/Middle Susquehanna, Lower Susquehanna, Potomac, Ohio, and Delaware river basins.  

The online water atlas shares data on statewide water use from 2008 to 2020. Overall water use in Pennsylvania decreased 33 percent, as daily withdrawals declined from 7.8 billion to 5.2 billion gallons per day in this time period. Closure of some coal-burning power plants was the primary reason for the decline, followed by reduced water use by some large manufacturers. However, overall water use varied by region, for example, water use ticked up in the Potomac region.  

Designed to be not only a planning tool, but also an educational resource, the water atlas provides information on many other factors that may negatively or positively affect the quality and quantity of water resources in Pennsylvania.  

Since the 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan isn’t regulatory, the next step is educational outreach to inform legislative, government, advocacy, and business leaders on how they may implement the strategies and actions to benefit all members of their communities.  

Pennsylvania Act 220 of 2002 requires DEP to develop updates to the State Water Plan every five years. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Deb Klenotic, 717-783-9954, dklenotic@pa.gov 

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January 24, 2023 NRC Proposing Revision to Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Renewing Reactor Licenses

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 23-004 January 24, 2023
CONTACT: Scott Burnell, 301-415-8200 

NRC Proposing Revision to Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Renewing Reactor Licenses

 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has directed the staff to publish a proposed rule that includes an update to the license renewal Generic Environmental Impact Statement the agency uses when considering applications to renew operating reactor licenses.

 

The proposed rule, to appear in the Federal Register in the near future, responds to a Commission order that concluded the license renewal GEIS did not analyze the environmental impacts of a subsequent license renewal term (from 60 to 80 years of operation). The proposed rule amends the relevant rule language to account for intial license renewal and one term of subsequent license renewal, redefines the number and scope of the environmental issues that must be addressed during the review of each application for license renewal, and updates related guidance to fully address subsequent renewal. Following publication of the proposed rule, the NRC will hold public meetings to gather comments before finalizing the rule and license renewal GEIS for Commission consideration.

 

The license renewal GEIS covers environmental topics relevant to all nuclear power plant licensees seeking renewed licenses. The revised document accounts for new or revised environmental impacts and applies what the agency has learned during previous license renewals. The revised document also clarifies which specific environmental issues are resolved generically by the license renewal GEIS and which require site-specific review.

23-004.pdf

Public Health & Safety Impacts of Decommissioning Indian Point, (January 26, 2023)

 

NRC presentations on license extensions to 80 years, FYI

In the event that you are dealing with commercial nuclear reactor license renewal, to 80 years, these documents and presentation s may reveal NRC thinking on the matter.  Posted in ADAMS on January 13, 2023.

From 40 to 60 to 80 Years - What is Next for License Renewal in the USA? - Submitted to the IAEA Fifth International Conference on Nuclear Power Plant Life Management, November 28 to December 2, 2022

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML22286A004

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML22307A005

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML22286A027

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML22311A087

--- start of one of the presentations:

From 40 to 60 to 80 Years – What is Next for License Renewal in the USA?

Brian W. Smith
U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Division of New and Renewed Licenses
Washington, DC

Abstract.
 
License renewal in the United States enables extension of nuclear power plant
operating licenses for an additional 20 years of safe plant operation. This program has been
successful, with 90 percent (84 out of 92 units) of operating United States (U.S.) reactors
holding renewed licenses for operation beyond the original license period of 40 years. This
total includes 78 units with licenses to operate to 60 years, and an additional 6 units that
have received licenses for continued safe operation to 80 years, “subsequent license
renewal” in the U.S. A status of license renewal and subsequent license renewal in the U.S.
is provided, along with a description of several initiatives aimed at enhancing the license
renewal process.

1. Background

In accordance with Section 103c of the Atomic Energy Act (AEA) of 1954, as amended,
nuclear power plants in the United States are licensed to operate for a term not exceeding
40 years, and licenses may be renewed. This original 40-year license term for reactor
licenses was based on economic and antitrust considerations – not on limitations of nuclear
technology.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC’s) regulations related to renewal of
operating licenses for nuclear power plants are provided in Part 54 of Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 54, “Requirements for Renewal of Operating Licenses for
Nuclear Power Plants” [1]. 10 CFR 54.31(b) specifies that licenses may be renewed for a
specified period not to exceed 20 years, with the renewed license term not to exceed 40
years, just like the original license. In addition, 10 CFR 54.31(d) states that a renewed
license may be subsequently renewed in accordance with all applicable requirements, with
no explicit limit to the number of “subsequent” renewals for each license.

2. Assuring Plant Safety in the First 40 Years of Operation
 
Etc

Harrisburg's last newsstand being sold

https://www.wgal.com/article/harrisburgs-last-newsstand-being-sold/42607013

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS
Amber Gerard

After more than three decades in business. The owners of transit news — the last remaining news stand in Harrisburg announced they're looking to sell.

When most people think of a newsstand at an airport or train station they think People magazine, Michael Crichton, sodas, peanuts and phone chargers.

Now, add Upton Sinclair, Sylvia Plath and Richard Wright to that list and you've got transit news.

"The old Pittsburgh Airport – they kept two shelves of classics – in the insanity of business travel it was like an Island of sanity," said Transit News owner, Bill Cologie.

Cologie thought if he had the chance that's what he would do. And when he opened Transit News he did – and still does today.

"I contacted some of my friends and said is there any book you would recommend. One guy said Fly Fishing thru mid-life crisis and one suggested one on Scotch Whiskey,” Cologie said.

But sadly, the shelf lives of these books are numbered.

"The rent is too high. We need lower rent in here – new haven't made money in two years,” Cologie said.

Using money from his own pocket, along with PPP loans he managed to make it to this side of the pandemic but now, gone are a lot of the passengers his business depended on.

"State workers from all up and down the railroad down,” Cologie said.

All traveling to and from Harrisburg.

"People who lived in Philly who commuted every day by train and then every place in between,” Cologie said.

And the events that used to draw people to the city.

"Trade Associations used to have workshops and lobbying days and they haven't had workshops here in Harrisburg they all do them on zoom now,” Cologie said.

Another reason for the decision – his only two employees will be leaving soon. And he just can't afford to train new people while paying existing staff.

Without a buyer, Cologie says the store will close at the end of March.

FRN - Reporting Requirements for Nonemergency Events at Nuclear Power Plants

Reporting Requirements for Nonemergency Events at Nuclear Power Plants

by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on 12/27/2022.

AGENCY:

Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION:

Regulatory basis; extension of comment period.

SUMMARY:

On November 9, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requested comments on a regulatory basis to support a rulemaking that would amend its regulations for nonemergency event notifications. The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on January 9, 2023. The NRC is extending the comment period to allow more time for members of the public to develop and submit their comments.

DATES:

The due date of comments requested in the document published on November 9, 2022 (87 FR 67571), is extended. Comments should be filed no later than January 31, 2023. Comments received after this date will be considered, if it is practical to do so, but the Commission is able to ensure consideration only for comments received on or before this date.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods; however, the NRC encourages electronic comment submission through the Federal rulemaking website:

• Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2020-0036. Address questions about NRC dockets to Dawn Forder; telephone: 301-415-3407; email: Dawn.Forder@nrc.gov. For technical questions contact the individuals listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document.

• Email comments to: Rulemaking.Comments@nrc.gov. If you do not receive an automatic email reply confirming receipt, then contact us at 301-415-1677.

For additional direction on obtaining information and submitting comments, see “Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments” in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Alexa Sieracki, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-301-7509; email: Alexa.Sieracki@nrc.gov; or Brian Benney, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-2767; email: Brian.Benney@nrc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments

A. Obtaining Information

Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2020-0036 (formerly Docket ID NRC-2018-0201) for the associated petition for rulemaking) when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain publicly available information related to this action by any of the following methods:

• Federal Rulemaking website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2020-0036 (or Docket ID NRC-2018-0201 for the associated petition for rulemaking).

• NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly available documents online in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at https://www.nrc.gov/​reading-rm/​adams.html. To begin the search, 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. For the convenience of the reader, instructions about obtaining materials referenced in this document are provided in the “Availability of Documents” section.

• NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents, by appointment, at the NRC's PDR, Room P1 B35, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. To make an appointment to visit the PDR, please send an email to PDR.Resource@nrc.gov or call 1-800-397-4209 or 301-415-4737, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

B. Submitting Comments

The NRC encourages electronic comment submission through the Federal rulemaking website ( https://www.regulations.gov). Please include Docket ID NRC-2020-0036 in your comment submission. 

The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your comment submission. The NRC will post all comment submissions at https://www.regulations.gov as well as enter the comment submissions into ADAMS. The NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove identifying or contact information.

If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons for submission to the NRC, then you should inform those persons not to include identifying or contact information that they do not want to be publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove such information before making the comment submissions available to the public or entering the comment into ADAMS.

II. Discussion

On November 9, 2022, the NRC requested comments on a regulatory basis to support a rulemaking that would amend its regulations for nonemergency event notifications, evaluate the current requirements and guidance for immediate notification of nonemergency events for operating nuclear power reactors and assess whether the requirements present an unnecessary reporting burden.

The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on January 9. 2023. The NRC has decided to extend the public comment period on this document until January 31, 2023, to allow more time for members of the public to submit their comments.

The NRC may post materials related to this document, including public comments, on the Federal rulemaking website at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket ID NRC-2020-0036. In addition, the Federal rulemaking website allows members of the public to receive alerts when changes or additions occur in a docket folder. To subscribe: (1) navigate to the docket folder (NRC-2020-0036); (2) click the “Subscribe” link; and (3) enter an email address and click on the “Subscribe” link.

Dated: December 19, 2022.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Christopher M. Regan,

Director, Division of Rulemaking, Environmental, and Financial Support Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.

[FR Doc. 2022-27979 Filed 12-23-22; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7590-01-P

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Unit 2 – Regulatory Audit Plan In Support Of License Amendment Request To Revise Control Rod Technical Specifications (EPID L-2023-LLA-0003)

SUBJECT:  Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Unit 2 – Regulatory Audit Plan In Support Of License Amendment Request To Revise Control Rod Technical Specifications (EPID L-2023-LLA-0003)

ADAMS Accession No. ML23010A087

ADAMS Hyperlink: https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML23010A087

Using Web-based ADAMS, select “Advanced Search”

Under “Property,” select “Accession Number”

Under “Value,” enter the Accession Number

Click Search