[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 47 (Thursday, March 10, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13768-13774]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05043]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket No. 50-397; NRC-2022-0062]


Energy Northwest; Columbia Generating Station

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 
approval of the continued onsite disposal of sediments containing very 
low levels of radioactive materials at the Columbia Generating Station 
(Columbia), located in Benton County, Washington for Renewed Facility 
Operating License No. NPF-21, held by Energy Northwest (EN, the 
licensee). The NRC is issuing an environmental assessment (EA) and 
finding of no significant impact (FONSI) associated with the proposed 
action.

DATES: The EA and FONSI referenced in this document are available on 
March 10, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2022-0062 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 https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2022-0062. Address 
questions about Docket IDs in Regulations.gov to Stacy Schumann; 
telephone: 301-415-0624; email: [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected]. 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 
[email protected] 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mahesh Chawla, Office of Nuclear 
Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 
20555-0001, telephone: 301-415-8371, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    The NRC is considering approval of a request dated December 21, 
2020, as supplemented by letter dated June 23, 2021, from EN for 
continued onsite disposal of sediments containing very low levels of 
radioactive material at Columbia, located in Benton County, Washington. 
Columbia is a single unit boiling water reactor. The cooling system 
consists of the circulating water system and standby service water 
system, including spray ponds and cooling towers. The sediments are 
generated from periodic cleaning of cooling towers and standby service 
water system spray ponds at the site. The licensee is requesting 
approval in

[[Page 13769]]

accordance with Section 20.2002 of title 10 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (10 CFR), ``Method for obtaining approval of proposed 
disposal procedures,'' to dispose of approximately 1,116 cubic meters 
(m\3\) (1,460 cubic yards (yd\3\)) of sediment onsite within an 
existing disposal area. Based on the results of the EA that follows, 
the NRC has determined that the proposed action will not have 
significant environmental impacts and is issuing a FONSI.
    Under 10 CFR 20.2002, a licensee may seek NRC authorization to 
dispose of licensed material using procedures not otherwise authorized 
by the NRC's regulations. A licensee's supporting analysis must satisfy 
the requirements associated with the four parts of the regulation, 
including demonstrating that the radiological doses arising from the 
proposed disposal will be within the dose limits of 10 CFR part 20, 
``Standards for Protection Against Radiation,'' and will be as low as 
reasonably achievable.

II. Environmental Assessment

Description of the Proposed Action

    The proposed action would permit the disposal of up to 1,116 m\3\ 
(1,460 yd\3\) of sediment containing very low levels of radioactive 
material from the circulating water system cooling towers and the 
standby service water system spray ponds into sediment disposal cells 
in an existing sediment disposal area on the Columbia site. This 
material results from the accumulation of sediment in the cooling 
towers and the standby service water system spray ponds and is removed 
from these systems, as needed, to prevent build-up.
    Since 1995, the licensee has disposed of sediment containing very 
low concentrations of radioactive material from cooling towers and the 
standby service water system spray ponds within disposal cells located 
approximately 250 feet south of the cooling towers. Currently, the 
sediment disposal area totals approximately 4,459 square meters (m\2\) 
(48,000 square feet (ft\2\) and consists of five disposal cells. Two of 
the disposal cells no longer have capacity for future sediment 
disposal. The three remaining disposal cells, including two active 
disposal cells and one newly established cell for future disposal, have 
a combined capacity of approximately 1,116 m\3\ (39,420 ft\3\). The 
corners of the disposal area are marked with posts and signs indicating 
its dedicated purpose, and a fence with a locked gate encloses the 
disposal area to prevent inadvertent access. Sediments collected from 
the cooling towers and the spray ponds consist of sand and silt-sized 
particles, with up to 25 percent of organic material by weight. The 
sediments are shown to have low levels of metals, with concentrations 
of lead and chromium detected above background levels. Removal and 
transfer of the sediment from the cooling towers will be via a vacuum 
truck or other mechanical means. The vacuum truck will be filled with 
sediment and emptied into the disposal cell during a cooling tower 
cleaning event. Removal and transfer of sediment from the standby 
service water system spray ponds will be determined by Columbia's 
operating status. When the plant is offline and water drained from the 
ponds, a vacuum truck will be used to remove and transfer the sediment. 
During plant operations when the spray ponds cannot be drained, the 
sediment will be vacuumed by divers into the vacuum truck and then 
discharged to the disposal cells. Pumping of the sediment from the 
spray ponds to large filter bags may also be used to remove the 
sediment from the spray ponds. The filter bags are used to separate the 
water from the sediment. Once dewatered, the sediment is moved to the 
disposal cells and the water that was collected from the laydown area 
is pumped back to the spray ponds. Each disposal cell will continue to 
be filled until the level reaches the top of the berm. Transportation 
of the sediments from the cooling towers and spray ponds to the 
disposal cells occurs within the boundaries of the Columbia property.
    The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's 
application dated December 21, 2020, as supplemented by letter dated 
June 23, 2021.

Need for the Proposed Action

    The proposed action is needed to allow onsite disposal of sediments 
containing very low levels of radioactive material removed from 
Columbia's cooling towers and spray ponds.
    Benefits of the licensee's proposed action include significantly 
reduced transportation distances and costs incurred as a result of 
offsite disposal, while maintaining protection of public health and 
safety and the environment. This request provides the licensee with an 
alternative to the usage of offsite shallow land burial waste 
repositories consistent with a previously released NRC Information 
Notice (IN) 83-05, ``Obtaining Approval for Disposal of Very-Low-Level 
Radioactive Waste,'' dated February 24, 1983.

Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action

    This section addresses the radiological and non-radiological 
(resource-specific) impacts of the proposed action. The NRC considered 
the potential impacts of the proposed sediment disposal activities as 
well as the potential cumulative impacts associated with past, present, 
and reasonably foreseeable activities including consideration of recent 
disposal cell construction on the Columbia site that was completed in 
November 2020.

Radiological Impacts and Human Health Occupational Dose

    The proposed request for onsite disposal of slightly contaminated 
sediment will not require any physical changes to the plant or plant 
operations; therefore, there will be no change to any in-plant 
radiation sources. In addition, the NRC's review of the processes and 
procedures for disposing of the material found that doses to different 
individuals involved with these disposal actions would be less than the 
NRC's public dose limit of 25 millirem per year (mrem/yr). NRC staff 
also confirmed that the established maximum radionuclide concentration 
limits ensure that sum of fractions calculations for sediments 
containing a mixture of radionuclides will not exceed one.
    The licensee applies pre-disposal screening criteria to 
contaminated sediment samples in accordance with Washington State's 
Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) Resolution No. 299 to 
ensure that disposal limits are met.\1\ Routine disposal cell 
monitoring is performed to determine the direct dose rates using 
thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) placed in close proximity to 
disposal cells as well as a control TLD located farther away. 
Specifically, TLD 119B is located at the disposal cells while TLD 119 
Ctrl is located 200 yards east of the sediment disposal area and is 
used for determining background radiation levels.
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    \1\ The NRC clarified the jurisdiction of these requests and 
their related disposal actions in Regulatory Issue Summary (RIS)-
2016-11, ``Requests to Dispose of Very Low-Level Radioactive Waste 
Pursuant to 10 CFR 20.2002.'' As reflected in that document, the NRC 
has jurisdiction over both the 20.2002 request for alternative 
disposal procedures and the on-site disposal of this material. This 
EA provides the NRC's analysis of the environmental impacts of 
approval of the disposal procedures under 20.2002; no separate NRC 
action is necessary regarding on-site disposal because the licensee 
already has authority to possess the radioactive materials.
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    The NRC staff reviewed the licensee's summary report of 
radionuclide

[[Page 13770]]

concentrations for each onsite disposal event from 2010 through 2019. 
The measured concentrations for each of the radionuclides were much 
lower than the corresponding disposal limits. Additionally, the mean 
quarterly TLD results were provided for each monitoring station for 
each year and were documented in the summary report. The staff 
confirmed, using the measured exposure rate, that the dose estimated to 
workers would be much lower than the licensee's established limit of 15 
mrem/yr. Thus, the proposed Columbia onsite disposal of slightly 
contaminated sediment containing very low concentrations of radioactive 
material within an existing disposal cell will have no significant 
radiological impact to the workers. Additionally, the licensee's 
established limit of 15 mrem/yr is below the radiological criteria of 
25 mrem/yr for unrestricted use after license termination in accordance 
with 10 CFR 20.1402, ``Radiological criteria for unrestricted use.''

Offsite Dose

    This request is for approval for the onsite disposal of slightly 
contaminated sediment within the sediment disposal area on the Columbia 
site. As such, members of the public will not have access to the 
disposal area. Therefore, there is no direct radiation exposure to the 
public. In addition, the proposed action does not require any physical 
changes to the plant or plant operation. Therefore, there will be no 
change to the types and quantities of radioactive effluents or to the 
operation of the radioactive gaseous and liquid waste management 
systems to perform their intended functions. Once deposited in the 
sediment disposal cell, the consolidated, mud-cake consistency of the 
dried sediment is not readily erodible, including by precipitation in 
the semiarid climate. Should erosion become a concern, site personnel 
will cover the deposited material with locally sourced sand to minimize 
fugitive dust emissions. The proposed onsite disposal would not 
contribute any additional groundwater contamination and associated 
radiological exposure to the public. For these reasons, the offsite 
radiation dose to members of the public would not change and would 
continue to be within regulatory limits and therefore would not be 
significant. Finally, as previously noted, the potential onsite 
radiological dose would be below the radiological criteria for 
unrestricted use after license termination. Therefore, the proposed 
action would not be expected to have a significant radiological impact 
to the public.

Radiological Impacts Summary

    Based on the radiological evaluations previously discussed, the NRC 
staff has determined the proposed action would not result in any 
adverse or significant radiological impacts. The proposed action would 
have no or a negligible contribution to cumulative radiological doses 
to workers and the public.

Land Use

    Current land uses would not be affected by the proposed onsite 
disposal of slightly contaminated sediment at Columbia. The designated 
disposal site is a previously disturbed area adjacent to the Columbia 
cooling towers. Therefore, the disposal area is industrial in nature, 
and the NRC staff has determined that there would be no significant 
land use impacts associated with the proposed action. The recent 
construction of the disposal cell and the continued use of the sediment 
disposal area under the proposed action would not affect existing land 
uses and would not contribute to regional cumulative land use trends.

Water Resources

    The proposed sediment disposal location includes existing disposal 
cells and a newly established disposal cell within a designated 
sediment disposal area. As with past disposals, site personnel would 
transport the dewatered but saturated sediment removed from the cooling 
tower structures and deposit the material in a disposal cell. These 
activities would have no or negligible impact on surface water 
hydrology or quality because no surface water drainages exist in or 
near the sediment disposal area. The closest surface water feature is 
the Columbia River, which is located approximately 3.5 miles to the 
east of the disposal area.
    Once deposited in the cell, the consolidated, mud-cake consistency 
of the dried sediment is not readily erodible, including by 
precipitation in the semiarid climate. When necessary, site personnel 
will cover the deposited material with locally sourced sand should 
erosion become a concern. In addition, the licensee's cooling system 
sediment disposal activities are subject to Columbia's National 
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (number WA-
002515-1) (EFSEC 2014, 2019). Special Condition 10 of the site NPDES 
permit requires the licensee to develop, implement, and maintain a 
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. This plan prescribes best 
management practices for soil erosion and sediment control, stormwater 
pollution prevention, waste management, and spill response across the 
Columbia site.
    The NPDES permit requires that the licensee manage all solid waste 
material so that it does not enter either surface waters or 
groundwater. The permit also requires that the discharge of leachate be 
managed to prevent a violation of State water quality standards for 
surface water and groundwater. Further, the NPDES permit specifically 
references site cooling water system sediment disposal operations and 
requires that the licensee follow the prescribed procedures for 
sediment handling and disposal set forth in the latest resolutions 
(i.e., Resolution No. 299) issued by the State of Washington EFSEC.
    In accordance with EFSEC Resolution No. 299, EN personnel must 
conduct environmental and radiological monitoring of the sediment and 
the disposal site in accordance with the licensee's standard 
environmental monitoring procedures and practices. This monitoring 
includes ensuring that sediments placed in the disposal cells comply 
with specified disposal concentration limits for listed radionuclides. 
The licensee provides an updated summary of sediment disposal 
activities and associated sediment monitoring results in its publicly 
available annual radiological environmental operating reports. The NRC 
staff's review of the latest available report dated May 13, 2020, shows 
that the radionuclide concentrations in sediments placed in the 
disposal cells were well below the prescribed concentration limits, 
with overall activity levels (i.e., for cobalt-60 and cesium-137) 
within the range historically observed for cooling tower sediment. The 
licensee's adherence to the measures previously described and 
associated regulatory requirements would prevent or minimize any 
surface water quality or groundwater quality impacts during sediment 
disposal operations.
    The potential exists for some water from the saturated sediment to 
infiltrate through the unlined disposal cells and reach groundwater. 
Groundwater occurs at a depth of approximately 50 feet below land 
surface at the disposal area. The underlying groundwater is 
contaminated with tritium and other contaminants associated with legacy 
activities at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Reservation. 
Nevertheless, EN's adherence to sediment disposal procedures and 
disposal concentration limits for specified radiological constituents 
would ensure that disposal activities would not further contribute to

[[Page 13771]]

groundwater contamination and associated radiological exposure to the 
public.
    Long term, management and monitoring activities would ensure that 
there are no inadvertent offsite impacts to surface water or 
groundwater quality from continued disposal site operations. Based on 
the previously mentioned information, the NRC staff has determined the 
impacts to water resources would not be significant.
    With the work practices, management, and monitoring measures in 
place as previously described, the recent disposal cell construction 
and the continued use of the sediment disposal area would result in a 
negligible contribution to cumulative water quality impacts, either in 
the underlying groundwater system or in the Columbia River.

Air Resources

    With regards to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for 
criteria pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, particulate matter, 
nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide), Benton County is designated in 
attainment for all criteria pollutants (EPA 2021). Air emissions would 
be predominantly from the transfer of the sediment and equipment used 
in transporting the sediment (e.g., vacuum truck). The removal and 
disposal of sediment can result in fugitive dust emissions; fugitive 
dust is particulate matter suspended in the air. The use of vacuum 
trucks or filter bags to remove and transfer the sediment minimizes the 
potential for fugitive emissions. Similarly, soil erosion, and 
therefore fugitive dust, from the disposal cells is minimal since the 
sediment in the disposal cells dries as mud-cake. Air emissions from 
equipment exhaust would be intermittent and localized.
    Based on the previously provided information, the NRC staff has 
determined that there would be no significant air quality impacts 
associated with the proposed action. With the best management practices 
(water application and placement of sand or gravel) that have been 
implemented to control fugitive dust, the recent construction of the 
disposal cell and the continued use of the sediment disposal area would 
result in a negligible contribution to cumulative air quality impacts 
in Benton County.

Terrestrial and Aquatic Resources

    The designated disposal site is a previously disturbed area within 
the industrial-use portion of the Columbia site. The area where the 
disposal cells are located were originally disturbed during 
construction of Columbia and currently contain sediments from previous 
cleaning operations. To the west of the disposal cells, the borrow pit 
is used as a construction landfill. All areas of the disposal site are 
largely devoid of vegetation, although some sparse grasses and shrubs 
have repopulated the area. Topography is generally flat with some 
gentle slopes. Some animals may frequent the disposal site. Mammals 
common to the Columbia property include mule deer (Odocoileus 
hemionus), coyote (Canis latrans), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus 
nuttalli), and black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) (NRC 2012). 
Columbia is within the Pacific Flyway, and over 145 species of birds 
have been reported from the site. Some of the most commonly sighted 
birds include western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), red-winged 
blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), bank swallow (Riparia riparia), brown-
headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), 
California gull (Larus californicus), Bullock's oriole (Icterus 
bullockii), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), western kingbird (Tyrannus 
verticalis), and barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). No aquatic resources, 
such as wetlands, streams, or ponds occur within the disposal site.
    No terrestrial or aquatic habitat would be altered, modified, or 
destroyed as a result of the proposed action. The licensee anticipates 
no surface water or storm water runoff as a result of disposal 
activities. Some limited wind erosion and fugitive dust may occur 
during movement of heavy equipment during use of the disposal cells. 
Wind erosion after placement of the sediment is not expected because of 
its tendency to dry as mud-cake. Noise associated with grading, 
transportation, or other related activities may temporarily disturb 
wildlife. However, most wildlife on or near the disposal site is likely 
relatively tolerant of human activity given that the disposal site is 
part of a larger operating power plant site. Disposal activities would 
not require additional lighting. The recent construction of the 
disposal cell and the continued use of the sediment disposal area would 
not affect terrestrial or aquatic habitats, and no cumulative effects 
to ecological resources would result.
    As previously described, the only potential impact on ecological 
resources is temporary noise-related disturbance; however, this does 
not pose a significant impact on surrounding wildlife due to their 
relative tolerance to human activity. Therefore, the NRC concludes that 
the impacts to aquatic and terrestrial resources resulting from the 
proposed action would not be significant.

Threatened and Endangered Species

    The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted to prevent further 
decline of endangered and threatened species and to restore those 
species and their critical habitat. Section 7 of the ESA requires 
Federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(FWS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regarding actions 
that may affect listed species or designated critical habitats. The NRC 
staff conducted a search of Federally listed species and critical 
habitats that have the potential to occur in the action area using the 
FWS's Environmental Conservation Online System Information for Planning 
and Conservation system. The FWS-generated report from this system (FWS 
2021) identifies two Federally listed species that occur or potentially 
occur within the vicinity of the action area: Western yellow-billed 
cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) and bull trout (Salvenlinus confluentus). 
Additionally, the upper Columbia River spring chinook salmon 
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and upper Columbia River steelhead (O. 
mykiss), which are under the jurisdiction of NMFS, occur in the 
Columbia River, which lies approximately 3.5 miles east of the Columbia 
site. No critical habitats occur in the action area. The designated 
disposal site lacks suitable aquatic features for the three fish 
species. Therefore, these species do not occur in the action area and 
would not be affected by the proposed action.
    The western yellow-billed cuckoo is associated with riparian 
habitats, especially cottonwood-willow forests. When migrating, the 
species may inhabit coastal scrub, second-growth forests, and forest 
edges. Although this species has been recorded within Benton County, it 
has not been observed on the Columbia site. Based on the lack of 
suitable habitat and sightings, the NRC staff concludes that this 
species does not occur within the action area and would, therefore, not 
be affected by the proposed action.
    For these reasons, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed action 
would have no effect on Federally listed species or designated critical 
habitats. Federal agencies are not required to consult with NMFS or the 
FWS if they determine that an action will not affect listed species or 
critical habitats. Thus, the ESA does not require consultation for the 
proposed action, and the NRC staff considers its obligations under the

[[Page 13772]]

ESA Section7 to be fulfilled for the proposed action.

Historic and Cultural Resources

    Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires 
Federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings 
on historic properties. Historic properties are defined as resources 
included in, or eligible for inclusion, in the National Register of 
Historic Places. There are no historic properties within the Columbia 
site. The designated disposal site is a previously disturbed area 
adjacent to the Columbia cooling towers, which is not considered a 
culturally sensitive area. The only known culturally sensitive area at 
Columbia is approximately 3 miles to the east of the sediment disposal 
area, along the Columbia River. EN has been disposing sediment from the 
cooling towers and spray ponds in disposal cells within this area since 
1995 (Energy Northwest 2020). Based on the information previously 
mentioned, the NRC staff concludes (1) there would be no significant 
historic and cultural resources impacts associated with continued 
disposal of sediment within the existing disposal cells, and (2) 
continued disposal of sediment within the existing disposal cells does 
not have the potential to cause effects on historic properties.
    Given that the disposal site is in a previously disturbed area and 
not near culturally sensitive areas, the recent construction of the 
disposal cell and the continued use of the sediment disposal area would 
not have a cumulative impact on historic and cultural resources.

Socioeconomics

    Current socioeconomic conditions would be unaffected by the 
proposed onsite disposal of slightly contaminated sediment at Columbia. 
The licensee would use existing resources including onsite workforce or 
local contractors to conduct the disposal; therefore, there would be no 
significant socioeconomic impacts. Similarly, the recent construction 
of the disposal cell and the continued use of the sediment disposal 
area would result in a negligible contribution to cumulative 
socioeconomic impacts.

Noise

    Noise emissions would occur as a result of equipment used onsite to 
remove and transfer the sediment. Noise levels from the proposed action 
would not be beyond those generated from operation of Columbia. 
Furthermore, the nearest resident is approximately 4.5 miles from 
Columbia, and noise levels from equipment and activities are not 
expected to be noticeable at this distance.
    Based on the information previously mentioned, the NRC staff has 
determined that there would be no significant noise impacts associated 
with the proposed action.

Environmental Justice

    The environmental justice impact analysis evaluates the potential 
for disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental 
effects on minority and low-income populations that could result from 
the proposed disposal of slightly contaminated sediment at Columbia. 
Such effects may include human health, biological, cultural, economic, 
or socioeconomic impacts.
    According to the 2010 Census, approximately 27 percent of the total 
population residing within a 10-mile radius of Columbia identified 
themselves as minority (MCDCCAPS 2021). The largest minority 
populations were people of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin of any 
race (18 percent). Minority populations within Benton County comprise 
30 percent of the total population with the largest minority 
populations being Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin of any race (23 
percent).
    According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2015-2019 American Community 
Survey 5-Year Estimates using the University of Missouri's Circular 
Area Profiling System (MCDCCAPS 2021), approximately 9 percent of 
individuals and 6.5 percent of families residing within a 10-mile 
radius of Columbia were identified as living below the Federal poverty 
threshold. The 2019 Federal poverty threshold was $26,172 for a family 
of four (USCB 2021).
    According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 American Community 
Survey 1-Year Estimates (USCB 2021), the median household income for 
Washington was $78,687, while 10 percent of the state population and 6 
percent of families were found to be living below the Federal poverty 
threshold. Benton County had a lower median household income average 
($72,084) with 11 percent of individuals and 9 percent of families 
living below the poverty level, respectively.
    Potential impacts to minority and low-income populations would 
mostly consist of radiological and environmental effects (e.g., noise 
and dust impacts). Radiation doses are expected to remain well within 
regulatory limits and noise and dust impacts would be temporary and 
limited to onsite activities.
    Based on this information and the analysis of human health and 
environmental impacts presented in this EA, minority and low-income 
populations near Columbia are not expected to experience 
disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental 
effects from the proposed action.
    Similarly, the contributory effects of the recent construction of 
the disposal cell and the continued use of the sediment disposal area 
would also not have disproportionately high and adverse human health 
and environmental cumulative effects on minority and low-income 
populations residing in the vicinity of the Columbia site.

Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives to the Proposed Action

    As an alternative to the proposed action, the NRC staff considered 
denial of the proposed request (i.e., the ``no-action'' alternative). 
Denial of the application would result in no change in current 
environmental conditions or impacts. However, if the request for 
continued onsite disposal of slightly contaminated sediments were not 
approved, the licensee would have to pursue other means of managing 
materials removed from the Columbia cooling system. The no-action 
alternative would not satisfy the purpose and need for efficient and 
cost-effective disposal of routinely generated sediments from the 
Columbia cooling system.
    As an alternative to the proposed action and no-action alternative, 
the NRC staff considered other options for disposing contaminated 
sediments. The most reasonable alternative would involve disposal at an 
offsite location. The chosen site would have to be licensed to accept 
low-level waste (LLW) including the slightly contaminated sediments 
from Columbia. In considering this alternative, the potential 
environmental impacts of loading and transporting the contaminated 
sediments from Columbia to any licensed, offsite disposal facility 
would be greater than those associated with the proposed action. As 
discussed in IN 83-05, the NRC has recognized that onsite disposal of 
LLW can minimize the quantity of waste shipped to radioactive waste 
disposal facilities and can provide a reasonable alternative to the 
high costs associated with disposal at radioactive waste disposal 
facilities. Therefore, disposal at an offsite location would not result 
in a compensating improvement in the

[[Page 13773]]

environmental impacts, as there would be additional transportation 
related impacts associated with transporting the contaminated sediments 
offsite.

Alternative Use of Resources

    The proposed action does not involve the use of any different 
resources or significant quantities of resources beyond those 
previously considered and associated with past onsite disposals of 
sediments from Columbia's cooling system. Further, the proposed 
disposal activities are consistent with the proposed action (Columbia 
license renewal and 20 years of continued operations) considered in 
NUREG-1437, Supplement 47.

Agencies and Persons Consulted

    The NRC notified the representative from the State of Washington on 
October 28, 2021, of the EA and FONSI, and was informed on February 4, 
2022, that the State of Washington does not have any comments on this 
action. No additional agencies or persons were consulted regarding the 
environmental impact of the proposed action. The NRC staff determined 
that the proposed action would have no effect on Federally listed 
threatened and endangered species that could occur on or near the 
proposed disposal area. As well, the proposed action would have no 
potential to cause effects on historic properties. Therefore, 
consultation was not required under Section 7 of the ESA or under 
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

III. Finding of No Significant Impact

    Energy Northwest has requested onsite disposal of up to 1,116 m\3\ 
(39,420 ft\3\) of sediments containing very low levels of radioactive 
materials at Columbia in accordance with 10 CFR 20.2022. Based on the 
EA, included in Section II of this document, the NRC staff has 
concluded that the proposed action will not have a significant impact 
on the quality of the human environment. Consistent with 10 CFR 51.21, 
the NRC conducted an environmental review of the proposed action, and 
this FONSI incorporates by reference the EA in Section II. Accordingly, 
the NRC has determined not to prepare an environmental impact statement 
for the proposed action.

IV. Availability of Documents

    The documents identified in the following table are available to 
interested persons through one or more of the following methods, as 
indicated.

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                               Document                                      ADAMS Accession No. 1/web link
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy Northwest, ``Columbia Generating Station, Docket No. 50-397 On-  ADAMS Accession No. ML20356A172.
 Site Cooling System Sediment Disposal,'' dated December 21, 2020.
Energy Northwest, ``Columbia Generating Station, Docket No. 50-397      ADAMS Accession No. ML21174A151.
 Response to Request for Additional Information Related to On-Site
 Cooling System Sediment Disposal,'' dated June 23, 2021.
State of Washington, Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC     https://www.efsec.wa.gov/energy-
 2014). National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Waste            facilities/columbia-generating-station/
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Dated: March 7, 2022.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Mahesh L. Chawla,
Project Manager, Plant Licensing Branch IV, Division of Operating 
Reactor Licensing, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2022-05043 Filed 3-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P