[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 27, 1995)] [Notices] [Pages 66995-66996] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-31300] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50-285] Omaha Public Power District Fort Calhoun Station, Unit No. 1; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is considering issuance of an exemption from the requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, Section IV.F.2.c of Appendix E regarding a biennial emergency preparedness exercise for Facility Operating License No. DRP-40, issued to Omaha Public Power District, (the licensee), for operation of the Fort Calhoun Station, Unit 1, located in Washington County, Nebraska. Environmental Assessment Identification of the Proposed Action The proposed action would grant a schedular exemption from the requirement of Section IV.F.2.c of Appendix E to 10 CFR Part 50, which requires that each licensee perform a biennial emergency preparedness exercise, including offsite plans with full participation by offsite State and local authorities. This action would allow the licensee to extend the biennial interval until the first quarter of 1996. The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's application for exemption dated December 8, 1995, as supplemented by letter dated December 15, 1995. The Need for the Proposed Action The proposed action is needed because the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was not able to support the licensee's previously scheduled biennial full exercise as result of the federal impasse over the 1996 Federal Budget. Without the exemption, FEMA will not be able to complete its required biennial assessment of the licensee's ability to ensure adequate protection can and will be taken in the event of a radiological emergency. Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action The proposed exemption would not adversely affect the response capabilities of the licensee and State and local authorities. The Commission has completed its evaluation of the proposed action and concludes that the intent of Appendix E, Section IV.F.2.c to ensure offsite emergency preparedness is maintained, has been met. Therefore, the change will not increase the probability or consequences of accidents, no changes are being made in the types or amounts of any effluents that may be released offsite, and there is no significant increase in the allowable individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. Accordingly, the Commission concludes that there are no significant radiological environmental impacts associated with the proposed action. With regard to potential nonradiological impacts, the proposed action does involve features located entirely within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20. It does not affect nonradiological plant effluents and has no other environmental impact. Accordingly, the Commission concludes that there are no significant nonradiological environmental impacts associated with the proposed action. Alternatives to the Proposed Action Since the Commission has concluded there is no measurable environmental impact associated with the proposed action, any alternatives with equal or greater environmental impact need not be evaluated. As an alternative to the proposed action, the staff considered denial of the proposed action. Denial of the application would result in no change in current environmental impacts. The environmental impacts of the proposed action and the alternative action are similar. Alternative Use of Resources This action does not involve the use of any resources not previously considered in the Final Environmental Statement (FES) for the Fort Calhoun Station, Unit 1, dated August 1972. [[Page 66996]] Agencies and Persons Consulted In accordance with its stated policy, on December 19, 1995, the staff consulted with the Nebraska State official, Ms. Cheryl Rodgers of the Department of Health, regarding the environmental impact of the proposed action. The State official had no comments. Finding of No Significant Impact Based upon the environmental assessment, the Commission concludes that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment. Accordingly, the Commission has determined not to prepare an environmental impact statement for the proposed action. For further details with respect to the proposed action, see the licensee's letter dated December 8, 1995, and supplemental letter dated December 15, 1995, which are available for public inspection at the Commission's Public Document Room, The Gelman Building, 2120 L Street, NW., Washington, DC, and at the local public document room located at the W. Dale Clark Library, 215 South 15th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 20th day of December 1995. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. L. Raynard Wharton, Project Manager, Project Directorate IV-2, Division of Reactor Projects--III/IV, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. [FR Doc. 95-31300 Filed 12-26-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P