nuclear-news

Investigation of San Onofre nuclear plant – decision about this to be delayed

Calif. regulators delay decision on possible probe at troubled San Onofre nuclear plant, WP,  By Associated Press,   June 20 LOS ANGELES — State utility regulators are postponing a decision on whether to launch an investigation into the troubled San Onofre nuclear power plant, an agency spokesman said Wednesday.

The twin-reactor plant between Los Angeles and San Diego has been shut
down for nearly five months after a break in a tube that carries
radioactive water. Investigators later found unusual wear on hundreds
of tubes running through the plant’s steam generators…… It was not
clear how or when the problems can be fixed, and there is no date to
restart either of the seaside reactors.

The problems center on four steam generators that were installed at
San Onofre during a $670 million overhaul in 2009 and 2010. Tests
found some tubes were so badly corroded that they could fail and
possibly release radiation, a stunning finding inside the virtually
new equipment.

The NRC hasn’t ruled out that one or more of the generators might have
to be replaced….
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/calif-regulators-delay-decision-on-possible-probe-at-troubled-san-onofre-nuclear-plant/2012/06/20/gJQABQKTrV_story.html

June 22, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general