nuclear-news

Lengthy review possible at damaged San Onofre nuclear power plant

MICHAEL R. BLOOD, Associated Press | Monday, October 8, 2012

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (AP) — Federal regulators disclosed Monday that the proposed restart of the long-shuttered San Onofre nuclear power plant in California could lead to an exhaustive review that might last months or even years.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering if the complex proposal submitted by operator Southern California Edison last week to repair and start the damaged Unit 2 reactor will require an amendment to San Onofre’s operating license, Regional Administrator Elmo Collins told reporters.

uch reviews can involve a thicket of hearings, appeals and other steps on safety and design issues that can take as long as two years to complete.

Collins said Edison contends such a review is not needed, and NRC officials have indicated previously that their review of the restart plan could be completed within months.

It’s “an open question” if a license amendment is needed, Collins said during a news conference. “I’m not saying yes or no.”

In government filings, environmentalists have argued that a license amendment is needed to return the plant to service.

http://www.chron.com/news/article/Lengthy-review-possible-at-damaged-Cal-nuke-plant-3929723.php

October 9, 2012 - Posted by arclight2011 | Uncategorized