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
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