Environmental issues nuclear power plants

All methods of producing electricity have serious environmental impacts. The main objections to nuclear power plants are the fear of possible accidents, the unresolved problem of nuclear waste storage, and the possibility of plutonium diversion for weapons production by a terrorist group. The issue of waste storage becomes particularly emotional because leakage from a waste depository could contaminate ground water. Chemical dump sites have leaked in the past, so there is distrust of all hazardous wastes. 

Similar to the construction permit under the two-step licensing process (10 CFR 50), the COL authorizes construction of the commercial nuclear power plant. Essenhally, the COL must contain the same information required in an application for an OL issued under 10 CFR 50. It must also specify the inspections, tests, and analyses that the applicant must perform. In addition, the document must specify acceptance criteria that are necessary to provide reasonable assurance that the plant is constructed and will be operated in conformity with all applicable regulatory requirements. If the ESP and design cerhfication are not referenced, then the NRC reviews the technical and environmental information as described for the two-step licensing process (10 CFR 50). Finally, there is also a mandatory hearing for a COL process. 

Nuclear Reactors. Nuclear power faciUties account for about 20% of the power generated in the United States. Although no new plants are plaimed in the United States, many other countries, particularly those that would otherwise rely heavily on imported fuel, continue to increase their nuclear plant generation capacity. Many industry observers predict that nuclear power may become more attractive in future years as the price of fossil fuels continues to rise and environmental regulations become more stringent. In addition, advanced passive-safety reactor designs may help allay concerns over potential safety issues. 

---