Argonne’s support to the NRC in the 1970s and 1980s was primarily related to the licensing of currently operating reactors and uranium production facilities. Near the turn of this century, the support shifted to license renewals for operating reactors. More recently, we have been reviewing applications for the construction and operation of new reactors and uranium enrichment facilities. 

Argonne staff supported the NRC in the review and approval of two design certification applications (the U.S. Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor and the Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor), one early site permit application (at the Victoria County Station site near Victoria, Texas), and six combined construction and operating licenses applications. Argonne’s support has consisted of environmental review and/or safety review of these applications. Some applications were withdrawn, suspended, or put on hold at the request of the applicants. 

On the fuel cycle facility side, Argonne staff supported the NRC in the preparation and issuance of environmental impact statements for the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savannah River Site, near Aiken, South Carolina; the Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility in Bonneville County, near Idaho Falls, Idaho; and the GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment Facility in Wilmington, North Carolina.