Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Subsequent License Renewal

Notice of Availability for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 

On February 10, 2023, TVA published the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant (BFN) Subsequent License Renewal Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for a 45-day public comment that ends on March 27, 2023. TVA is seeking input on the submitted alternatives, information, analyses, and the summary thereof in the SEIS.

The SEIS addresses the potential environmental effects associated with obtaining Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) subsequent license renewals for the BFN Units 1, 2, and 3 located in Limestone County, Alabama. Renewal of the current operating licenses would permit operations for an additional 20 years past the current operating license terms, which expire in 2033, 2034, and 2036 for Units 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The SEIS is being prepared to provide the public and TVA decision-makers with an assessment of the environmental impacts related to the aforementioned NRC license renewal, as well as provide the public an opportunity to participate in the SEIS process.

The purpose of the proposed action is to continue to generate baseload power at the BFN site between 2033 and 2056 through obtaining subsequent license renewals from the NRC to continue the operation of all three BFN units. As an integral part of TVA’s current generation portfolio, as of 2020, BFN produces approximately 20 percent of TVA’s average generation capacity. Renewal of the current operating licenses would allow BFN to continue supplying approximately 3,900 megawatts electric (MWe) capacity of safe, clean, reliable, and cost-effective baseload power for an additional 20 years. BFN’s current baseload generation supports future forecasted baseload power needs, as outlined in the TVA’s 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), by helping to maintain grid stability and generating capacity for TVA’s generation portfolio mix.

Submitting Comments

Public comment is open from February 10 – March 27, 2023

TVA is interested in an open process and wants input from the community. TVA is seeking public comments on the submitted alternatives, information, analyses, and the summary thereof in the SEIS. Comments may be submitted online, via email, or by mail to the address below. To be considered, comments must be submitted or postmarked no later than March 27, 2023. Please note that any comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the project administrative record and will be available for public inspection. Electronic submission of comments is encouraged.

Public Involvement

Public open house is planned for March 14, 2023

TVA plans to hold a public open house on March 14, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. central time at the Calhoun Community College, 6250 Hwy 31 N, Tanner, AL 35671. The open house will be in the Lecture Hall in the Advanced Technology Center Building (Building #1). Here is a link to the campus map catalog.calhoun.edu/campus-maps. During this open house, TVA will be available for questions on the Draft PEIS; however, these will not be considered formal comments.

Virtual Meeting Room

Throughout the NEPA process, TVA has a virtual meeting room available with project information. Enter the virtual meeting room here.