1.

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

1.1. This Safety Requirements publication supersedes the edition of Site Evaluation for Nuclear
Installations that was issued in 2016 as IAEA Safety Standards Series No. NS-R-3 (Rev. 1) 1 . NS-R-
3 (Rev. 1) was a partial revision of IAEA Safety Standards Series No. NS-R-3 2 issued in 2003 and it
took into account issues highlighted after the Fukushima Daiichi accident. This publication takes
into account developments that have occurred since 2003 in relation to site evaluation for
nuclear installations.
1.2. The requirements for site evaluation for nuclear installations established in this publication
are intended to contribute to the protection of workers and the public, and to the protection of
the environment, from harmful effects of ionizing radiation, in order to meet the fundamental
safety objective established in IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SF-1, Fundamental Safety
Principles [1]. It is recognized that there are steady advances in technology and scientific
knowledge in nuclear safety and corresponding advances in what is considered adequate
protection. Safety requirements evolve with these advances, and this publication reflects the
present consensus among States.
1.3. This Safety Requirements publication establishes requirements for site evaluation for
nuclear installations, in order to meet the fundamental safety objective [1]. Several related
Safety Guides (see Refs [2–8]) provide recommendations on how to meet the requirements for
site evaluation for nuclear installations as contained in this publication.
OBJECTIVE
1.4. The objective of this publication is to establish requirements for:
(a) Defining the information to be used in the site evaluation process;
(b) Evaluating a site such that the site specific hazards and the safety related site characteristics
are adequately taken into account, in order to derive appropriate site specific design
parameters3 ;
(c) Analyzing the characteristics of the population and the region surrounding the site to
determine whether there would be significant difficulties in implementing emergency response
actions effectively [9].
1.5. The requirements in this publication are to be applied:
(a) To identify the natural and human induced external hazards that could affect the safety of
the nuclear installation;
(b) To assess the interactions between the site and nuclear installation for operational states
and accident conditions, over the lifetime of the nuclear installation, including accidents that
could warrant the implementation of emergency response actions.
1.6. This publication is intended for use by regulatory bodies in establishing regulatory
requirements, and by operating organizations or their contractors in conducting site evaluation
for nuclear installations.
SCOPE
1.7 The requirements in this publication apply to all nuclear installations [10], as follows:
— Nuclear power plants;
— Research reactors (including subcritical and critical assemblies) and any adjoining
radioisotope production facilities;
— Storage facilities for spent fuel;
— Facilities for the enrichment of uranium;
— Nuclear fuel fabrication facilities;
— Conversion facilities;
— Facilities for the reprocessing of spent fuel,
— Facilities for the predisposal management of radioactive waste arising from nuclear
fuel cycle facilities;
— Nuclear fuel cycle related research and development facilities.
1.8. This Safety Requirements publication covers site evaluation for both new and
existing nuclear installations. For existing nuclear installations, decisions concerning the
implementation of new or enhanced safety features will need to consider, as
practicable, the safety significance of such features, as well as economic, social and
environmental factors.
1.9. The ‘site area’ is the geographical area that contains an authorized facility,
authorized activity or source, and within which the management of the authorized
facility or authorized activity or first responders may directly initiate an emergency
response [9]. The site area is typically the area within the security perimeter fence or
other designated property marker.
1.10. The ‘external zone’ is the area immediately surrounding a proposed site area in
which the population distribution and density, and land and water uses, are considered
with respect to their impact on planning effective emergency response actions [9].4
1.11. The word ‘region’ is used generally in this publication to refer to the area
surrounding the site and is normally intended to include more than the external zone.
The size of this region will be defined for each specific external hazard (see para. 4.14).
This region is also sometimes known as the ‘geographical area of interest’.
1.12. The ‘site vicinity’ is smaller than the region and larger than the site area (typically
covering a geographical area not less than 5 km in radius).
1.13. The human induced external events considered in this Safety Requirements
publication are all of accidental origin. Considerations relating to the physical protection
of the nuclear installation against sabotage, and to physical protection against
unauthorized removal or sabotage of the nuclear material, are outside the scope of this
publication, although such considerations are likely to have significant implications for
site evaluation. This publication does not address the threat assessment of malicious
acts. Recommendations for the establishment of the design basis threat are provided in
IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 13 [11] and in supporting publications in the IAEA
Nuclear Security Series.
 1.14. The interfaces between nuclear safety and nuclear security have to be considered
and synergies have to be developed so that safety and nuclear security complement and
enhance one another. For example, site specific design parameters for the qualification
of structures, systems and components important to safety against natural and human
induced external hazards, as required in this publication, can also be used for the
qualification of structures, systems and components important for nuclear security
against relevant external hazards.
1.15. The siting process for a nuclear installation is divided into two stages:
(a) Site survey, in which candidate sites are identified after the investigation of a large
region and the rejection of unsuitable sites;
(b) Site selection, in which the candidate sites are assessed by screening, evaluation,
comparison and ranking on the basis of safety and other considerations to select one or
more preferred candidate sites.
1.16. The suitability of the site is then confirmed in the site evaluation process. The site
evaluation process starts with the second stage of the siting process (i.e. site selection),
and continues throughout the entire lifetime of the nuclear installation. The detailed
site evaluation (for the selected site) provides input to the preliminary safety analysis
report and the final safety analysis report. Site evaluation continues throughout the
operational stage of the nuclear installation, and includes monitoring, periodic safety
review and other activities to confirm the site specific design parameters as well as
safety re-evaluations based on the outcome of periodic safety reviews.
1.17. This publication addresses the evaluation of those site related factors that have to
be taken into account to ensure that the site–installation combination does not
constitute an unacceptable risk to people or the environment over the lifetime of the
nuclear installation. It is recognized that there are other important factors in site
evaluation, such as technology, economics, non-radiological environmental impacts and
socioeconomic impacts, as well as the opinion of interested parties, including the public.
Such aspects of site evaluation are not covered in this publication.
STRUCTURE
1.18. Section 2 of this publication sets out the fundamental safety objective and the
safety principles applicable to site evaluation. Section 3 establishes requirements for the
application of the management system for site evaluation. Section 4 establishes the
general requirements that are applicable to all types of external hazard. Section 5
establishes requirements for specific technical aspects related to the evaluation of
natural and human induced external hazards. Section 6 establishes requirements for
specific technical aspects related to the evaluation of the effects of the nuclear
installation on the surrounding environment (including the atmosphere, the
hydrosphere and the biosphere) and on the population. Section 7 establishes
requirements for monitoring and periodic review of natural and human induced
external hazards and site conditions throughout the lifetime of the nuclear installation.
2. SAFETY PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS
2.1. As stated in SF-1 [1]: “The fundamental safety objective is to protect people and the
environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation.” Paragraph 2.1 of SF-1 [1]
states:
“This fundamental safety objective of protecting people — individually and collectively
— and the environment has to be achieved without unduly limiting the operation of
facilities or the conduct of activities that give rise to radiation risks. To ensure that
facilities are operated and activities conducted so as to achieve the highest standards of
safety that can reasonably be achieved, measures have to be taken:
(a) To control the radiation exposure of people and the release of radioactive material
to the environment;
(b) To restrict the likelihood of events that might lead to a loss of control over a nuclear
reactor core, nuclear chain reaction, radioactive source or any other source of radiation;
(c) To mitigate the consequences of such events if they were to occur.”
2.2. Paragraph 2.2 of SF-1 [1] states:
“The fundamental safety objective applies for all facilities and activities, and for all
stages over the lifetime of a facility or radiation source, including planning, siting,
design, manufacturing, construction, commissioning and operation, as well as
decommissioning and closure. This includes the associated transport of radioactive
material and management of radioactive waste.”
2.3. This Safety Requirements publication establishes requirements for application of
the principles of SF-1 [1], in particular Principles 8 and 9: —
“All practical efforts must be made to prevent and mitigate nuclear or radiation
accidents” (Principle 8 of SF-1 [1]).
— “The primary means of preventing and mitigating the consequences of accidents is
‘defense in depth’. Defense in depth is implemented primarily through the
combination of a number of consecutive and independent levels of protection that
would have to fail before harmful effects could be caused to people or to the
environment” (para. 3.31 of SF-1 [1]).
— “Defense in depth is provided by an appropriate combination of [inter alia] …
[a]adequate site selection and the incorporation of good design and engineering
features providing safety margins, diversity and redundancy” (para. 3.32 of SF-1 [1]). —
“Arrangements must be made for emergency preparedness and response for nuclear
or radiation incidents” (Principle 9 of SF-1 [1]).
2.4. To address Principle 8 of SF-1 [1], site evaluation for a nuclear installation shall
characterize the natural and human induced external hazards that could affect the
safety of the nuclear installation (see Requirement 1). The site evaluation shall provide
adequate input to the design and safety assessment for demonstration of protection of
people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
2.5. To address Principle 9 of SF-1 [1], site evaluation for a nuclear installation shall
provide adequate input for demonstration of protection of people and the environment
from the consequences of radioactive releases. The site evaluation shall identify the site
characteristics that could affect the feasibility of planning effective emergency response
actions in the external zone.
Requirement 1: Safety objective in site evaluation for nuclear installations The safety
objective in site evaluation for nuclear installations shall be to characterize the natural
and human induced external hazards that might affect the safety of the nuclear
installation, in order to provide adequate input for demonstration of protection of
people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
2.6. The safety objective in site evaluation is derived from the fundamental safety
objective established in SF-1 [1]. Demonstration of compliance with the safety
requirements established in this publication provides the basis for demonstration of
achievement of the safety objective for site evaluation.
3. APPLICATION OF THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR SITE
EVALUATION
Requirement 2: Application of the management system for site evaluation Site
evaluation shall be conducted in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and
documented manner in accordance with a management system.
3.1. An integrated management system that meets the requirements of IAEA Safety
Standards Series No. GSR Part 2, Leadership and Management for Safety [12] shall be
established. The management system shall cover the organization, planning, work
control, verification and documentation of activities and qualification and training of
personnel to ensure that the required quality of the work is achieved at each stage of
site evaluation. The management system shall be implemented at the earliest possible
time in the conduct of site evaluation for the nuclear installation.
3.2. Site evaluation shall include, as part of the management system, proper quality
assurance arrangements covering each activity that could influence safety or affect the
derivation of site specific design parameters and other safety related site characteristics.
The quality assurance arrangements shall be consistent with regulatory requirements
and their application shall be commensurate with the importance of the activity under
consideration to safety.
3.3. For each site evaluation activity, including inspection, testing, verification and
validation, the acceptance criteria and the responsibilities for performing the activity
shall be specified.
3.4. The results of studies and investigations conducted as part of the site evaluation
shall be documented in sufficient detail to permit an independent review.
3.5. An independent review shall be made of the evaluation of the natural and human
induced external hazards and the site specific design parameters, and of the evaluation
of the potential radiological impact of the nuclear installation on people and the
environment.
4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SITE EVALUATION
Requirement 3: Scope of the site evaluation for nuclear installations
The scope of the site evaluation shall encompass factors relating to the site and
factors relating to the interaction between the site and the installation, for all
operational states and accident conditions, including accidents that could warrant
emergency response actions.
4.1. The scope of the site evaluation shall cover all external hazards, monitoring
activities and site specific parameters relevant for the safety of the nuclear installation.
In determining the scope of the site evaluation, a graded approach shall be applied
commensurate with the radiation risk posed to people and the environment.
4.2. The application of the safety requirements for site evaluation for nuclear
installations shall be commensurate with the potential hazards associated with the
nuclear installation.
4.3. The level of detail needed in the evaluation of a site for a nuclear installation shall
be commensurate with the risk associated with the nuclear installation and the site and
will differ depending on the type of nuclear installation.
4.4. The scope and level of detail of the site evaluation process necessary to support
the safety demonstration for the nuclear installation shall be determined in accordance
with a graded approach.
4.5. For site evaluation for nuclear installations other than nuclear power plants, the
following shall be taken into consideration in the application of a graded approach:
(a) The amount, type and status of the radioactive inventory at the site (e.g. whether
the radioactive material on the site is in solid, liquid and/or gaseous form, and whether
the radioactive material is being processed in the nuclear installation or is being stored
on the site);
(b) The intrinsic hazards associated with the physical and chemical processes that take
place at the nuclear installation;
(c) For research reactors, the thermal power;
(d) The distribution and location of radioactive sources in the nuclear installation;
(e) The configuration and layout of installations designed for experiments, and how
these might change in future;
(f) The need for active systems and/or operator actions for the prevention of accidents
and for the mitigation of the consequences of accidents;
(g) The potential for on-site and off-site consequences in the event of an accident.
Requirement 4: Site suitability
The suitability of the site shall be assessed at an early stage of the site evaluation and
shall be confirmed for the lifetime of the planned nuclear installation.
4.6. In the assessment of the suitability of a site for a nuclear installation, the following
aspects shall be addressed at an early stage of the site evaluation:
(a) The effects of natural and human induced external events occurring in the region
that might affect the site;
(b) The characteristics of the site and its environment that could influence the transfer
of radioactive material released from the nuclear installation to people and to the
environment;
(c) The population density, population distribution and other characteristics of the
external zone, in so far as these could affect the feasibility of planning effective
emergency response actions [9], and the need to evaluate the risk to individuals and to
the population.
4.7. The site shall be deemed unsuitable for a nuclear installation if one or more of the
three aspects listed in para. 4.6 indicates that the site is unacceptable and the
deficiencies cannot be compensated for by means of a combination of measures for site
protection, design features of the nuclear installation and administrative procedures.
4.8. Site suitability shall be assessed on the basis of relevant current data and
methodologies. If relevant, conservative criteria shall be developed in relation to site
specific accident scenarios, and the consistency of such criteria with the overall site
suitability shall be demonstrated.
4.9. A decision regarding the suitability of the site shall be based on the characteristics
of the nuclear installation, including planned operations at the site, the amount and
nature of potential radioactive releases and their impact on people and the
environment.
4.10. For nuclear power plants, the total nuclear capacity to be installed at the site shall
be determined at the first stages of the siting process. If it is later determined or
anticipated that the installed nuclear capacity (or, for other nuclear installations, the
inventory of nuclear material) or its impact has increased to a level significantly greater
than that previously determined to be acceptable, the site shall be re-evaluated
considering the higher capacity, inventory or impact.
4.11. In the overall evaluation of site suitability, site specific attributes, such as cooling
water availability or extreme environmental conditions, and their potential role in
affecting the safe and continuous operation of the nuclear installation, shall also be
addressed.
Requirement 5: Site and regional characteristics
The site and the region shall be investigated with regard to the characteristics that
could affect the safety of the nuclear installation and the potential radiological impact
of the nuclear installation on people and the environment.
4.12. Natural phenomena as well as human activities in the region with the potential to
induce hazards at the site that might affect the safety of the nuclear installation shall be
identified and evaluated. The extent of this evaluation shall be commensurate with the
safety significance of the potential hazards at the site.
4.13. The characteristics of the natural environment in the region that could be affected
by the potential radiological impact of the nuclear installation shall be investigated and
assessed, for all operational states and accident conditions and for all stages of the
lifetime of the nuclear installation (see Section 6).
4.14. The size of the region to be investigated shall be defined for each of the natural
and human induced external hazards. Both the magnitude of the hazard and the
distance from the source of the hazard to the site shall be considered in determining the
size of the region to be investigated. For certain natural external events, such as
tsunamis and volcanic phenomena, it shall be ensured that the size of the region that is
investigated is sufficiently large to address the potential effects at the site.
4.15. The site and the region shall be studied to evaluate the present and foreseeable
future characteristics that could have an impact on the safety of the nuclear installation.
This includes potential changes in the severity and/or the frequency of natural external
events, as well as changes in the population distribution in the region, the present and
future use of land and water, the further development of existing nuclear installations
or the construction of other facilities that could affect the safety of the nuclear
installation or the feasibility of planning effective emergency response actions.
Requirement 6: Identification of site specific hazards
Potential external hazards associated with natural phenomena, human induced
events and human activities that could affect the region shall be identified through a
screening process.
4.16. The process and associated criteria used in the screening of site specific hazards
shall comply with the safety objective for site evaluation and shall be properly justified
and documented.
4.17. The scope of evaluation of external events in the screening process shall cover the
full ranges of severity and frequency of occurrence relevant for the design and the
safety assessment of the nuclear installation, including events of high severity but low
probability that could contribute to the overall risk.
4.18. An event might be screened out because it is enveloped by a set of events.
However, it shall be ensured that all potential effects of the screened-out event are
bounded by this set of events.
4.19. External hazards that are not excluded by the screening process shall be evaluated
and then used in establishing the site specific design parameters and in the re-
evaluation of the site, in accordance with the significance of these hazards to the safety
of the nuclear installation.
Requirement 7: Evaluation of natural and human induced external hazards
The impact of natural and human induced external hazards on the safety of the
nuclear installation shall be evaluated over the lifetime of the nuclear installation.
4.20. The site evaluation for a nuclear installation shall consider the frequency and
severity of natural and human induced external events, and potential combinations of
such events, that could affect the safety of the nuclear installation.
4.21. Information on the frequency and severity of external events derived from the
characterization of the hazards shall be used in establishing the site specific design
parameters. Adequate account shall be taken of both aleatory uncertainties and
epistemic uncertainties in the establishment of site specific design parameters.
4.22. Appropriate methods, supported by numerical models when necessary, shall be
used to characterize the hazards relevant for site evaluation and the design of the
nuclear installation. A thorough uncertainty analysis of the method and input data shall
be performed as part of the hazard evaluation.
 4.23. The decision to use deterministic and/or probabilistic methodologies in hazard
evaluation shall be based on the nature of the hazard, the availability of data and the
applicable requirements for safety assessment.
4.24. Special consideration shall be given to the use of applicable probabilistic
methodologies and the use of probabilistic hazard curves representing external events
as an input to the probabilistic safety assessment for external hazards. Such probabilistic
hazard curves shall be developed with reference to the specific site conditions.
4.25. The evaluation of hazards shall address the possibility that external events can
occur in combination, simultaneously or within short time frames. Interrelationships and
causality between external events shall be evaluated.
4.26. The results of the evaluation of hazards shall be expressed in terms that can be
used as an input for deriving the site specific design parameters; that is, appropriate
parameters for describing the severity of the effects of the hazards shall be selected or
developed.
4.27. The potential for explosion, chemical releases and/or thermal releases that might
affect the safety of the nuclear installation or the dispersion of radioactive material shall
be considered in the site evaluation process.
4.28. The potential for interactions between radioactive and non-radioactive
substances, such as interactions due to heat or chemicals in radioactive liquid effluents,
shall be considered.
Requirement 8: Measures for site protection
If the projected design of the nuclear installation is not able to safely withstand the
impact of natural and human induced external hazards, the need for site protection
measures shall be evaluated.
4.29. The need for protection of the site against the effects of specific phenomena
associated with natural and human induced external hazards shall be evaluated
considering adequate safety margins.
4.30. The availability of adequate engineering solutions for implementing measures for
site protection shall be evaluated. If such engineering solutions are not available, the
site shall be deemed unsuitable.
4.31. If measures for site protection are required to be implemented, uncertainties shall
be properly taken into account in the evaluation of extreme values of parameters for
describing the severity of natural and human induced external hazards. Measures for
site protection shall be classified, designed, built, maintained and operated in
accordance with their safety significance.
Requirement 9: Site evaluation for multiple nuclear installations on the same site or
on adjacent sites
The site evaluation shall consider the potential for natural and human induced
external hazards to affect multiple nuclear installations on the same site as well as on
adjacent sites.
4.32. Occurrences of natural and human induced external events and their credible
combinations that could affect the safety of multiple installations on the same site or
installations on adjacent sites shall be considered. The potential for hazards originating
from one nuclear installation to affect other nuclear installations located on the same
site or on adjacent sites shall be assessed.
4.33. For identified accident scenarios, the combined effects of accidents at nuclear
installations located on the same site or at adjacent and nearby sites on people and the
environment shall be evaluated (see Requirement 12). 14
Requirement 10: Changes of hazards and site characteristics with time
The external hazards and the site characteristics shall be assessed in terms of their
potential for changing over time and the potential impact of these changes shall be
evaluated.
4.34. The site characteristics and the natural and human induced external hazards that
can change over time and which could affect the safety of a nuclear installation shall be
identified. The potential consequences of such changes shall be duly assessed for the
planned lifetime of the nuclear installation.
4.35. Due account shall be taken of uncertainties in the projections of any potential
changes of the external hazards and site characteristics over time by means of
appropriate safety margins in the related site specific design parameters.
Requirement 11: Special considerations for the ultimate heat sink for nuclear
installations that require an ultimate heat sink.
4.36. As appropriate for the ultimate heat sink under consideration, data for the
following shall be evaluated:
(a) Air temperature and humidity;
(b) Water depth and temperature;
(c) Water quality characteristics, including turbidity, suspended solids, floating debris,
and chemical and biochemical changes (both natural and human induced changes);
(d) Availability and sustainability of the water flow (for a river), minimum and maximum
water level and the period of time for which safety related supplies of cooling water are
at a minimum level, with account taken of the potential for failure of water control
structures.
4.37. All natural and human induced external events that could cause a loss of the
ultimate heat sink shall be identified and evaluated.
Requirement 12: Potential effects of the nuclear installation on people and the
environment
In determining the potential radiological impact of the nuclear installation on the
region for operational states and accident conditions, including accidents that could
warrant emergency response actions, appropriate estimates shall be made of the
potential releases of radioactive material, with account taken of the design of the
nuclear installation and its safety features.
4.38. The potential effects of the nuclear installation on people and the environment
shall be estimated by considering the postulated accident scenarios (including the
resulting source terms) and taking into account the feasibility of planning effective
emergency response actions at the site and in the external zone. These estimates shall
be confirmed when the design of the nuclear installation and its safety features has
been established.
4.39. The direct and indirect pathways by which radioactive releases from the nuclear
installation could potentially affect the public and the environment shall be identified
and evaluated. In this evaluation, specific regional and site characteristics, including the
population distribution in the region, shall be taken into account, with special attention
paid to the transport and accumulation of radionuclides in the biosphere.
4.40. It shall be demonstrated that the information provided to assess the potential
effects on the population associated with accident conditions, including accidents that
could warrant emergency response actions being taken in the external zone, is
consistent with achieving the safety objective for site evaluation.
Requirement 13: Feasibility of planning effective emergency response actions
The feasibility of planning effective emergency response actions on the site and in the
external zone shall be evaluated, with account taken of the characteristics of the site
and the external zone as well as any external events that could hinder the
establishment of complete emergency arrangements prior to operation.
4.41. Requirement 13 applies also to the infrastructure of the external zone where
emergency response actions might be warranted.
4.42. An assessment shall be made of the feasibility of planning effective emergency
response actions in accordance with GSR Part 7 [9].
Nuclear installations on the same site and at adjacent or nearby sites shall be
considered in the assessment, with special emphasis on nuclear installations that could
experience concurrent accidents.
4.43. Any causal relationships between external events and the condition of the
infrastructure on the site and in the external zone shall be considered when evaluating
the feasibility of planning effective emergency response actions.
Requirement 14: Data collection in site evaluation for nuclear installations
The data necessary to perform an assessment of natural and human induced external
hazards and to assess both the impact of the environment on the safety of the nuclear
installation and the impact of the nuclear installation on people and the environment
shall be collected.
4.44. Data on natural and human induced external hazards with the potential to affect
the safety of the nuclear installation shall be collected throughout the lifetime of the
nuclear installation. Data shall be confirmed to be relevant (spatially and temporally) to
the site, with preference given to the use of site specific data in site evaluation.
4.45. The extent, objectives and scope of the data collection process shall be defined on
the basis of the safety objective for site evaluation, and shall be commensurate with the
hazard posed by the nuclear installation to people and the environment.
4.46. At a minimum, the data collection process shall include the following:
(a) Information on natural and human induced external hazards, including information
on sources of hazards, propagation of hazards and the potential effects on the nuclear
installation and on people and the environment;
 (b) Information describing site conditions and regional environmental conditions;
(c) Information on the proposed engineering and administrative measures for site
protection and migratory measures;
(d) Information on the potential impact of the nuclear installation on people and the
environment for operational states and accident conditions;
(e) Information required for planning effective emergency response actions on the site
and off the site in all environmental conditions and for all states of the nuclear
installation;
(f) Information on conditions for access to the site and information for supporting
design and development of the site infrastructure.
4.47. Information and records, if available, of the occurrence and severity of important
prehistoric, historical and recent natural phenomena shall be obtained as appropriate
for the hazard to be evaluated and shall be analyzed for reliability, accuracy, temporal
and spatial relevance, and completeness.
4.48. The data shall be maintained and reviewed periodically, and/or as necessary as
part of a review of the site evaluation within the framework of the periodic safety
review of the nuclear installation, for example, to address developments in data
gathering techniques and in the analysis and use of data and to confirm that the data
remain relevant to the site within the context of evolving hazards.
4.49. The data collected for site investigations shall be of sufficient quality and quantity
to support the selected methodology for hazard evaluation.
4.50. The details of the information collected for each hazard shall be appropriate for
the distance between the source of the hazard and the site and the potential impact on
the site. The sources of uncertainties relating to data collection shall be documented.
5. EVALUATION OF EXTERNAL HAZARDS
5.1. This section establishes requirements for the evaluation of external hazards. These
requirements are to be applied as appropriate for the type of nuclear installation as well
as the site under consideration.
SEISMIC HAZARDS
Requirement 15: Evaluation of fault capability
Geological faults larger than a certain size and within a certain distance of the site and
that are significant to safety shall be evaluated to identify whether these faults are to
be considered capable faults. For capable faults, potential challenges to the safety of
the nuclear installation in terms of ground motion and/or fault displacement hazards
shall be evaluated.
5.2. Capable faults5 shall be identified and evaluated. The evaluation shall consider the
fault characteristics in the site vicinity. The methods used and the investigations made
shall be sufficiently detailed to support safety related decisions.
5.3. The potential effect of fault displacement on safety related structures, systems and
components shall be evaluated. The evaluation of fault displacement hazards shall
include detailed geological mapping of excavations for safety related engineered
structures to enable the evaluation of fault capability for the site.
 5.4. A proposed new site shall be considered unsuitable when reliable evidence shows
the existence of a capable fault that has the potential to affect the safety of the nuclear
installation and which cannot be compensated for by means of a combination of
measures for site protection and design features of the nuclear installation. If a capable
fault is identified in the site vicinity of an existing nuclear installation, the site shall be
deemed unsuitable if the safety of the nuclear installation cannot be demonstrated.
Requirement 16: Evaluation of ground motion hazards
An evaluation of ground motion hazards shall be conducted to provide the input
needed for the seismic design or safety upgrading of the structures, systems and
components of the nuclear installation, as well as the input for performing the
deterministic and/or probabilistic safety analyses necessary during the lifetime of the
nuclear installation
5.5. Hazards due to earthquake induced ground motion shall be assessed by means of
appropriate methods. The effect of the vibratory ground motion in combination with
other seismically induced events, if any, shall be considered. The potential for seismicity
due to human activities6 shall also be considered.
VOLCANIC HAZARDS
Requirement 17: Evaluation of volcanic hazards
Hazards due to volcanic activity that have the potential to affect the safety of the
nuclear installation shall be evaluated.
5.6. Capable volcanoes7 shall be identified and evaluated. The evaluation shall consider
the volcanic characteristics of a region of sufficient size to ensure that potentially
hazardous volcanic phenomena are considered appropriately.
5.7. The hazards of capable volcanoes shall be evaluated to provide the input needed
for determining the site specific design parameters or for re-evaluating the site, as well
as for deterministic and/or probabilistic safety analyses performed during the lifetime of
the nuclear installation.
5.8. A proposed new site shall be considered unsuitable if reliable evidence shows the
existence of a capable volcano that has the potential to affect the safety of the nuclear
installation and which cannot be compensated for by means of a combination of
measures for site protection and design features of the nuclear installation.
5.9. An evaluation of volcanic hazards that focuses on determining the geological
characteristics of volcanic phenomena and their spatial extent will usually be more
certain than one focusing on an estimation of the likelihood of occurrence of hazardous
phenomena. Volcanic hazards shall be evaluated using appropriate information,
methods and models with adequate account taken of the uncertainties.
5.10. The effect of volcanic phenomena in combination with other volcanically induced
hazards shall be considered. This shall include consideration of volcanic ash fall.
METEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS
Requirement 18: Evaluation of extreme meteorological hazards
Extreme meteorological hazards and their possible combinations that have the
potential to affect the safety of the nuclear installation shall be evaluated.
 5.11. Meteorological phenomena such as wind, precipitation, snow and ice, air and
water temperature, humidity, storm surges and sand or dust storms, as well as their
credible combinations, shall be evaluated for their extreme values8 based on available
records. If necessary, efforts shall be made to extend the database on meteorological
hazards (e.g. by incorporating historical climate data, numerical models and
simulations).
5.12. Appropriate methods shall be applied for the evaluation of meteorological
hazards, taking into account the amount of data available (both measured data and
historical data) and known past changes in relevant characteristics of the region.
Requirement 19: Evaluation of rare meteorological events
The potential for the occurrence of rare meteorological events9 such as lightning,
tornadoes and cyclones, including information on their severity and frequency, shall
be evaluated.
Lightning
5.13. The potential for the occurrence and the frequency and severity of lightning shall
be evaluated for the site vicinity.
Tornadoes and cyclones
5.14. The potential for the occurrence and the frequency and severity of tornadoes,
cyclones and associated missiles shall be evaluated for the site. The hazards associated
with tornadoes and cyclones shall be derived and expressed in terms of parameters
such as rotational wind speed, translational wind speed, radius of maximum rotational
wind speed, pressure differentials and rate of change of pressure.
FLOODING HAZARDS
Requirement 20: Evaluation of flooding hazards
Hazards due to flooding, considering natural and human induced events including
their possible combinations, shall be evaluated.
Floods due to precipitation and other natural causes
5.15. The potential for flooding in the region surrounding the site due to one or more
natural causes, such as storm surge, wind generated waves, meteorological tsunamis or
searches, or extreme precipitation — or due to a combination of such events that have a
common cause or a relatively high frequency of occurrence — shall be evaluated.
5.16. Appropriate meteorological, hydrological and hydraulic models shall be developed
to derive the flooding hazards for the site, including secondary effects such as debris, ice
and sediments. Where available, relevant information from studies of historic and
prehistoric floods shall be used to inform estimates of the frequency and magnitude of
riverine floods.
5.17. The potential for instability of a coastal area or river channel due to erosion or
sedimentation shall be investigated. Water waves induced by earthquakes or other
geological phenomena
5.18. The potential for tsunamis or searches in the region that could affect the safety of
the nuclear installation shall be evaluated. The potential for tsunamis or searches from
phenomena other than seismic sources (e.g. from submarine landslides) shall be
evaluated, as appropriate for the region.
5.19. The hazards associated with tsunamis or searches shall be derived from historical
records and any available information on prehistoric floods, as well as from physical
and/or analytical modelling. Such hazards shall include potential draw-down and run-
up10 that could result in physical effects on the site.
5.20. The hazards associated with tsunamis or searches shall be evaluated as
appropriate for the region, using nearshore bathymetry and coastal topography, with
account taken of any amplification due to the coastal configuration (including artificial
structures). Floods and waves caused by failure of water control structures
5.21. Upstream water control structures such as dams shall be analyzed to determine
the potential hazard associated with the failure of one or more of the upstream
structures, including in combination with flooding from other causes.
5.22. If a preliminary examination of the nuclear installation indicates that it would not
be able to safely withstand the effects of the failure of one or more of the upstream
water control structures, then the hazards associated with the nuclear installation shall
be evaluated with the inclusion of such effects. Alternatively, such upstream structures
shall be analyzed by methods equivalent to those used in determining the hazards
associated with the nuclear installation to demonstrate that the upstream structures
could survive the event concerned.
5.23. Flooding and associated phenomena caused by an accumulation of water due to a
blockage of rivers upstream or downstream (e.g. caused by landslides or ice), or due to a
change in land use, shall be considered.
GEOTECHNICAL HAZARDS AND GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS
Requirement 21: Geotechnical characteristics and geological features of subsurface
materials
The geotechnical characteristics and geological features of subsurface materials shall
be investigated, and a soil and rock profile for the site that considers the variability
and uncertainty in subsurface materials shall be derived.
5.24. The static and dynamic geotechnical characteristics and geological features of
subsurface materials at the site, including any backfill, shall be established. Laboratory
and field based methods shall be used, in conjunction with appropriate sampling
techniques and sufficient repetition of each test, to characterize each parameter of the
subsurface materials at the site.
5.25. The stability and bearing capacity of foundation materials shall be assessed,
including consideration of the potential for excessive settlement under static and
seismic loading.
5.26. The physical and the geochemical properties of the soil and groundwater shall be
studied by appropriate methods and taken into account in the evaluation of the
subsurface material at the site.
Requirement 22: Evaluation of geotechnical hazards and geological hazards
Geotechnical hazards and geological hazards, including slope instability, collapse,
subsidence or uplift, and soil liquefaction, and their effect on the safety of the nuclear
installation, shall be evaluated.
Slope instability
5.27. The site and the site vicinity shall be evaluated to determine the potential for
slope instability (such as landslides, rock fall and snow avalanches), caused by natural or
human induced phenomena, which could affect the safety of the nuclear installation. In
the evaluation of slope instability, the configuration of the site during and after site
preparation activities shall be addressed. The evaluation of slope stability shall also take
into account extreme meteorological conditions and rare meteorological events.
5.28. The potential for slope instability resulting from seismic loading shall be evaluated
using parameters appropriate for describing the seismic hazards and the soil and
groundwater characteristics at the site.
Collapse, subsidence or uplift of the site surface
5.29. The potential for collapse, subsidence or uplift of the surface that could affect the
safety of the nuclear installation over its lifetime shall be evaluated using a detailed
description of subsurface conditions obtained from reliable methods of investigation.
Soil liquefaction
5.30. The potential for liquefaction and non-linear effects of the subsurface materials at
the site shall be evaluated using parameters appropriate for describing the seismic
hazards and geotechnical properties of the subsurface materials at the site.
5.31. The evaluation of soil liquefaction shall include the use of accepted methods for
field and laboratory testing in combination with analytical methods to assess the
hazards.
OTHER NATURAL HAZARDS
Requirement 23: Evaluation of other natural hazards
Other natural phenomena that are specific to the region and which have the potential
to affect the safety of the nuclear installation shall be investigated.
5.32. Other natural external hazards, such as wild fires, drought, hail, frazil ice
formation, diversion of a river, debris avalanche and biological hazards (e.g. jellyfish,
small animals and barnacles) shall be identified and assessed so that the site specific
design parameters for these hazards can be derived.
HUMAN INDUCED EVENTS
Requirement 24: Evaluation of hazards associated with human induced events
The hazards associated with human induced events on the site or in the region shall
be evaluated.
5.33. Human induced events to be addressed shall include, but shall not be limited to:
(a) Events associated with nearby land, river, sea or air transport (e.g. collisions and
explosions);
(b) Fire, explosions, missile generation and releases of hazardous gases from industrial
facilities near the site;
(c) Electromagnetic interference.
5.34. Human activities that might influence the type or severity of natural hazards, such
as resource extraction or other significant re-contouring of land or water or reservoir
induced seismicity, shall be considered.
Aircraft crashes
5.35. The potential for accidental aircraft crashes on the site shall be assessed with
account taken, to the extent practicable, of potential changes in future air traffic and
aircraft characteristics.
Chemical hazards
5.36. Current or foreseeable activities in the region surrounding the site that involve
the handling, processing, transport and/or storage of chemicals having a potential for
explosions or for producing gas clouds capable of deflagration or detonation shall be
addressed.
5.37. Hazards associated with chemical explosions or other releases shall be expressed
in terms of heat, overpressure and toxicity (if applicable), with account taken of the
effect of distance and non-favorable combinations of atmospheric conditions at the site.
In addition, the potential effects of such events on site workers shall be evaluated.
6. EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF THE NUCLEAR
INSTALLATION OF THE REGION
Requirement 25: Dispersion of radioactive material
The dispersion in air and water of radioactive material released from the nuclear
installation in operational states and in accident conditions shall be assessed.
Atmospheric dispersion of radioactive material
6.1. The analysis of the atmospheric dispersion of radioactive material shall take into
account the orography, land cover and meteorological features of the region, including
parameters such as wind speed and direction, air temperature, precipitation, humidity,
atmospheric stability parameters, prolonged atmospheric inversions and any other
parameters required for modelling of atmospheric dispersion. If possible, long term
meteorological data for nearby locations shall be obtained, evaluated for quality and
used.
6.2. A programmed for meteorological measurements shall be prepared and carried out
at or near the site using instrumentation capable of measuring and recording the main
meteorological parameters at appropriate elevations, locations and sampling intervals.
Data from at least one representative full year shall be collected and used in the
analyses of atmospheric dispersion, together with any other relevant data available
from other information sources. The meteorological data shall be expressed in terms of
appropriate meteorological parameters.
Dispersion of radioactive material through surface water and groundwater
6.3. A survey programmed shall be designed to gather relevant data to characterize the
hydrogeological and hydrological parameters at the site and in the region to permit the
assessment of the potential movement of radionuclides through surface water and
groundwater and the subsequent assessment of the radiological impact. This
measurement programmed shall be carried out for at least one full year prior to
hydrogeological investigations (see para. 6.5). The data shall be expressed in terms of
appropriate parameters for surface hydrology and groundwater.
6.4. A programmed of surface water investigations (including the interactions between
surface water and groundwater) for the region shall be developed. The description of
surface water shall include the main physical and chemical characteristics of the water
bodies, both natural and artificial, the major structures for water control, the locations
of water intake structures and information on water use in the region.
6.5. A programmed of hydrogeological investigations for the region shall be developed,
including descriptions of the main characteristics of the water-bearing formations and
their interaction with surface water, as well as data on the uses of groundwater in the
region.
6.6. The programmed of hydrogeological investigations for the region shall include
investigations of the migration and retention characteristics of radionuclides in
groundwater and investigations of the associated exposure pathways.
6.7. The hydrogeological and hydrological investigations shall determine, to the extent
necessary, the dilution and dispersion characteristics of water bodies, he re-
concentration ability of sediments and biota, the migration and retention characteristics
of radionuclides, the transfer mechanisms for radionuclides in the hydrosphere, as well
as the associated exposure pathways.
Requirement 26: Population distribution and public exposure
The existing and projected population distribution within the region over the lifetime
of the nuclear installation shall be determined and the potential impact of radioactive
releases on the public, in both operational states and accident conditions, shall be
evaluated and periodically updated.
6.8. Information on the existing and projected population distribution in the region,
including resident populations and (to the extent possible) transient populations, shall
be collected and kept up to date over the lifetime of the nuclear installation. Special
attention shall be paid to vulnerable populations and residential institutions (e.g.
schools, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons) when evaluating the potential impact of
radioactive releases and considering the feasibility of implementing protective actions.
6.9. The most recent census data for the region, or information obtained by
extrapolation of the most recent data on resident populations and transient
populations, shall be used in obtaining the population distribution. In the absence of
reliable data, a special study shall be carried out.
6.10. The data shall be analyzed to obtain the population distribution in terms of the
direction and distance from the site. This information shall be used to carry out an
evaluation of the potential radiological impact of normal discharges and accidental
releases of radioactive material, including reasonable consideration of releases due to
severe accidents, with the use of site specific design parameters and models as
appropriate.
Requirement 27: Uses of land and water in the region
 The uses of land and water shall be characterized in order to assess the potential
effects of the nuclear installation on the region.
6.11. The characterization of the uses of land and water shall include investigations of
the land and surface water and groundwater resources that might be used by the
population or that serve as a habitat for organisms in the food chain.
7. MONITORING AND PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE SITE
Requirement 28: Monitoring of external hazards and site conditions
All natural and human induced external hazards and site conditions that are relevant
to the licensing and safe operation of the nuclear installation shall be monitored over
the lifetime of the nuclear installation.
7.1. The monitoring of external hazards and site conditions shall be commenced no later
than the start of construction and shall be continued until decommissioning. The
monitoring plan shall be developed as part of the objectives and scope of the site
evaluation.
7.2. The monitoring plan shall include the parameters to be monitored, the type of data
to be collected, the methodology for data collection (including the location and
frequency of data collection), the necessary resolution and precision of any
measurements, data backup requirements, as well as requirements for data processing
and analysis.
7.3. Before commissioning of the nuclear installation begins, the levels of background
radioactivity in the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere and in biota in the region
shall be measured so as to make it possible to determine any additional radioactivity
due to the operation of the nuclear installation.
Requirement 29: Review of external hazards and site conditions
All natural and human induced external hazards and site conditions shall be
periodically reviewed by the operating organization as part of the periodic safety
review and as appropriate throughout the lifetime of the nuclear installation, with due
account taken of operating experience and new safety related information.
7.4. As part of periodic safety review (or as part of safety assessments conducted under
alternative arrangements), natural and human induced external hazards and site
conditions shall be reviewed throughout the lifetime of the nuclear installation using
updated information. Such reviews shall be undertaken at regular intervals (typically no
less than once in ten years), and in the event of any of the following:
(a) An update of the regulatory requirements;
(b) Indications of inadequate design against external hazards;
(c) New technical findings, such as the vulnerability of particular structures, systems
and components to external hazards;
(d) New information, experience and lessons from the occurrence of actual external
events that affected the safety of another nuclear installation or an industrial facility;
(e) Changes of hazards over time for which new information and assessments have
become available;
(f) A need to provide additional confidence that there are sufficient margins to prevent
cliff edge effects;
(g) As part of a programmed for long term operation, or in support of an application for
an extension to the operating license for the nuclear installation;
(h) The development of new methods to analyses hazards that substantially improve
earlier estimates.
7.5. The site specific external hazards and the site conditions shall be re-evaluated, as
necessary, based on the outcome of the periodic review of site specific hazards or
because of new data relevant to the radiological environmental impact assessment or to
the safe operation of the nuclear installation…