A methodology for evaluating transportation issues resulting from construction of a nuclear power plant

The purpose of this study was to develop a procedural guide, using a detailed sketch planning approach, that could be employed by analysts responsible for assessing transportation issues resulting from construction of nuclear power plants. The use of this guide could enable analysts or reviewers to identify transportation needs as well as predict probable environmental impacts from the adoption of a specific course of action. The methodology is a modification of the transportation planning process. The primary emphasis is on increasing the range of alternatives considered as well as the use of techniques to assess and evaluate transportation solutions. The procedural guide relies on the principle of cooperation between agencies and interested parties and incorporates the techniques of cost-effectiveness and dominance between alternatives.

The technique of scoping is used to identify significant issues which help clarify the differences between conceptual alternatives. This technique is followed by a detailed environmental assessment which emphasizes the significant issues identified during scoping.

The procedural guide consists of six sketch planning steps with Specific activities described for each step. Checklists, matrices, overlays and probabilities of occurrence are techniques described for use in the development, assessment, and evaluation of transportation alternatives.

The procedural guide includes descriptions and examples of how impact categories, data items, assessment procedures, environmental concerns, and assessment findings could be incorporated in an environmental assessment of transportation issues.