NRC IG: ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS NOT MEETING ALL REQUIREMENTS

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has not met all requirements in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements, according to an NRC Office of Inspector General report released yesterday. “The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has identified areas of noncompliance with 10 CFR Part 51 relative to disclosure and public involvement,” states the report. The issues include not publishing a concise Record of Decision, and not following the proper format for EISs. The IG made six recommendations calling on the NRC to improve its EIS preparation process in order to make it fall in line with requirements.

The NRC maintains that it is in full compliance with NEPA and NRC regulations regarding the environmental reviews. “Nevertheless, protecting public health and safety and the environment are cornerstones of the NRC’s mission,” according to an NRC statement yesterday. “Adequate, transparent environmental reviews under NEPA are important to the NRC in fulfilling this mission. The agency will therefore carefully review the OIG’s recommendations and consider whether any enhancements are needed to regulations, guidance, and/or staff practice that might further strengthen the agency’s environmental review process, and maintain public trust in the NRC.”