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Power Plant Faces Some Problems with Re-Licensing

Written by KEYT Assignment Desk

Story Created: Sep 9, 2010 at 3:00 PM PST

Story Updated: Sep 10, 2010 at 10:32 AM PST

The Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in Avila Beach is in the midst of applying for license renewal.

However, the discovery of a fault close to the plant has some local officials asking for further seismic studies.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is holding a two day public workshop in San Luis Obispo to discuss recent seismic studies...to not only inform.. but to answer questions from officials and residents alike.

Seismologists.. representatives with P-G and E.. .the Nuclear Regulatory Commission... local governments and environmentalists are gathered in San Luis Obispo to discuss past and present seismic studies surrounding the plant.

Particular interest surrounds the 2008 discovery of the shoreline fault.. which lies less than a mile from the plant.

PG and E's findings suggest the plant is capable of withstanding an earthquake many times larger than the calculated output of the surrounding faults.

While the NRC says the process to renew the plant's license which expires in 2024 is moving along.. some officials say further steps need to be taken.. primarily in the form of an independent study.

Santa Barbara Supervisors have collaborated with San Luis Obispo County's Board to make sure all the necessary precautions and studies are taken.. something that both PG and E, as well as the NRC are encouraging.
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