Ecological considerations in siting nuclear power plants: the long-term biotic effects problem

One of the current concerns over the increasing installation of nuclear power stations is the potential impact of radioactive waste releases on local ecosystems. In particular, the question has been raised whether waste releases at maximum permissible concentration (MPC) levels would cause ecological problems due to the radioactivity. Hypothetical annual submersion dose rates from water assumed to be maintained at the occupational MPC x 1/30 were calculated for organisms living continuously in these waters. These hypothetical doses are used as a basis for comparisons in a variety of ecological studies of low doses of ionizing radiation and are analyzed and evaluated in terms of detectability of biological effects at MPC levels. Present knowledge based on these and similar studies of the ecological effects of low-level chronic doses, such as could result from routine reactor releases under current standards, guidelines, and operational experience, indicates that any possible biological effects would be undetectable. Although the data in support of this contention are limited, they consistently point to this conclusion. 23 references, 5 tables