2026-15338Notice

Crow Butte Resources, Inc.; Crow Butte Project and Marsland Expansion Area; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact

Published Date: 7/30/2026

Notice

Summary

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering renewal of Crow Butte Resources, Inc.'s (CBR or the licensee), source and byproduct materials license SUA-1534 for continued in situ recovery (ISR) of uranium at the Crow Butte Project and for construction and operation of a satellite facility and support operations at the Marsland Expansion Area in Crawford, Nebraska, for an additional 20 years. The NRC staff is issuing an environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI).

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

20-Year License Enables Uranium Production

The NRC is considering renewing Crow Butte Resources' license for an additional 20 years so CBR could continue in‑situ recovery (ISR) of uranium and produce up to 2,000,000 pounds of yellowcake per year. The renewal describes a processing facility maximum flow rate of 9,000 gpm (excluding restoration flow) and uranium recovery from the Basal Chadron Sandstone at depths of about 400 to 900 feet.

Groundwater Restoration and Land Reclamation Duties

After operations at a wellfield cease, CBR would perform aquifer restoration to meet groundwater standards consistent with 10 CFR part 40, Appendix A, Criterion 5B(5) (and if applicable 5B(6)), followed by reclamation and decommissioning with a goal to return disturbed lands to conditions at least equal in quality to pre‑ISR conditions.

NRC Finds No Significant Environmental Impact

On July 30, 2026, the NRC issued an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for renewing Crow Butte's license, concluding that preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required. The FONSI covers the Crow Butte Project and the Marsland Expansion Area in Dawes County, Nebraska.

Temporary Construction Noise and Habitat Loss

If the Marsland Expansion Area is constructed, the NRC expects temporary construction impacts such as noise affecting the nearest resident and localized, temporary loss and slow recovery of forest habitat. The NRC also concluded that MEA operations would not result in significant long‑term radiological risk to public health.

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Key Dates

Published Date
7/30/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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