Nuclear Plant Siting from the Point of View of Engineering Safety Evaluation

The main characteristics of a site which are relevant for selection of the most convenient location for nuclear power plants from the safety point of view are discussed. Important factors to be considered are earthquake hazards, flooding possibility, tornados, tsunamis and foundation stability. Other site characteristics such as soil retention properties and hydrology can also be reviewed, but always with reference to specific plant features. The factors associated with the exclusion area and population density around the plant need to be examined in the light of the safety assessment of a nuclear power plant as a whole. (author)