In order to standardize siting requirements for the purposes of long term 1000 MWe LMFBR reactor assessment by the industry, the AEC selected a hypothetical site (Middletown, USA) on which to place these reactors. The properties of this site give a good idea of the characteristics of any site with which a plant designer might have to contend. Many of these character­istics are safety-oriented, and others have safety overtones. The description is reprinted from the literature (14a). The monetary values are as of 1961 and therefore, should oney be regarded as indicating trends.

General

The Atomic Energy Commission has established Ground Rules for use in the prepara­tion of design studies, cost normalization studies and other types of studies relating to the economic factors associated with power generation. They relate to site conditions, certain design guide data and a basis for estimating fixed charges. In the absence of specific instructions, these rules, or the applicable portions thereof, shall be used when like factual data for a specific proposal are not available. The utilization of the Ground Rules together with the AEC Classification of Construction Accounts (Section 105) will ensure to the maximum extent possible that for study and proposal evaluation purposes:

(1) The site conditions for the plant, which is designed on the basis of the Hypothetical Site, will be as uniform as possible.

(2) The estimate is prepared on a uniform Classification of Construction Accounts.

(3) The estimated indirect costs are applied to the estimated direct costs on a uniform basis.

(4) The computation of production costs is on a uniform basis.

Hypothetical Site Conditions

When location or site conditions are not specified, a selected Hypothetical Site shall be used and the plant designs and costs shall be based on the Hypothetical Site condi­tions described herein. The site layout and plant arrangement shall be essentially as shown in Fig. 5.4. This layout is typical for a 300 MWe nuclear power plant. Adjustments should be made as required for the proposed nuclear reactor concept.