Community advisory boards for nuclear power plants in decommissioning benefit from being formed early in the process and with a clear framework for their operation, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said in a report made public Thursday.
The agency was required to prepare the report, on best practices for establishment and operation of the local panels, under the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act signed into law in January 2019.
The report was prepared by NRC staff, with input from the public through means including written comments and 11 meetings held last year in communities near active and retired nuclear facilities.
Community advisory boards (CABs) are broadly intended to enhance communication between the power plant owner and local stakeholders. They are generally established by the licensee, the state, or a local government.
A number of themes to be considered in developing the panels were identified through the comment period, including: considerations for early formation of CABs, developing the charter, local preferences for engagement, CAB membership, participation by the facility licensee, the schedule for meetings, engagement with the public, and funding.
Members of existing CABs said it was crucial to establish them soon after a licensee has informed the NRC of plans to retire a reactor, the report says. “Due to the complex issues involved in decommissioning, and the time needed for CAB members and public to become informed of the various issues involved in the process, CAB formation prior to shutdown of the reactor is likely to improve its overall effectiveness in working with the community and the licensee.”
Charters or other guidance documents for current CABs generally address the following issues, NRC staff determined: the purpose of the panel; selecting its members; logistics, budget, and other operational matters; procedures for meetings and votes; and requirements for engagement with the licensee, community, and other stakeholders.
