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Friday, October 19, 2012

US NRC Blog Update: In Response to Your Letters: Proposed Restart of SONGS Unit 2

U.S. NRC Blog

In Response to Your Letters: Proposed Restart of SONGS Unit 2

by Moderator
Over the past two weeks, the NRC has received a number of phone calls and emails from the local community and other concerned members of the public to voice their opinion regarding the proposed restart of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Unit 2. Thank you for expressing your concerns. We value your input and understand how important these issues are. We are continually working to enhance our engagement with the public.
While we cannot respond to each person individually, the NRC would like to assure you that your concerns are being heard and that we are approaching the issue of restarting SONGS very carefully. We are committed to learning what happened at the plant before considering any restart options.
On October 4, the NRC received a letter from Southern California Edison indicating that they have addressed issues raised by the NRC in a Confirmatory Action Letter. At the same time, the NRC also received a proposed action plan that recommends restarting Unit 2 at the San Onofre plant for an initial five-month period at reduced power. This restart would be followed by additional inspection.
The NRC will analyze Southern California Edison’s determination of the causes of the steam generator tube degradation and actions to prevent future degradation before making any decision on the proposed restart plan of Unit 2. The NRC will take as much time as is required to complete its inspection and analysis preceding any decisions about restarting Unit 2. Restart of SONGS will not be permitted until the agency's thorough review is completed and the facility is safe to operate. The Commission is also considering a petition for hearing and request for a stay of any authorization for restart until the conclusion of the hearing.
The NRC will continue to provide opportunities for the public to be involved and informed. For updates on the San Onofre plant go the NRC web site.
Allison Macfarlane
NRC Chairman
Moderator | October 19, 2012 at 9:44 am | Tags: nuclear | Categories: Operating Reactors | URL: http://wp.me/p1fSSY-Qr

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