SCE Dodges Safety Questions

Forwarded by Mission Viejo watchdog Joe Holtzman, who wrote, “As usual, Southern California Edison is deceiving the ratepayers, the public, their stakeholders and themselves. Now, Edison is trying another dodge. See the following details that expose Edison's latest game.”

Below is FOE's response to the announcement from SCE today. I think they wanted to stop our momentum on our quest for an ADJUDICATED License Amendment by suggesting they were okay with that (but not the adjudicated evidentiary type). Actually, they probably saw that they would have to submit to that EVIDENTIARY hearing and opted for this more expedient type of license amendment process. It also gets them off the hook for having to prove they could operate safely at 100%. Most concerning is the fact that what they are "considering" could result in a quick approval by the NRC, allowing them to actually restart, leaving us to scramble to get a hearing after they are already up and running. We better be ready for that even if it is a remote possibility.

Press Release: SAN ONOFRE: Edison admits need for license amendment, but wants to circumvent safety questions. Friends of the Earth: Full public participation essential.

WASHINGTON, March 21 – After more than a year of denial, Southern California Edison is ready to concede that a license amendment is needed before restarting one of the crippled reactors at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. But Friends of the Earth said the utility’s request to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would actually be an attempt to get around a rigorous license amendment proceeding with full examination of critical safety issues and public participation.

Edison’s announcement was made this morning at the opening of oral arguments before the Atomic Safety Licensing Board in a case brought by Friends of the Earth, which argues that Edison’s restart plan requires significant changes to their operating license. Edison said it may request a license amendment early next month, but with a catch: a “No Significant Hazards Consideration” analysis claiming that restart would not involve any significant safety risks. If the NRC grants the request under those conditions, the public would yet again be denied their lawful right to full and meaningful participation in the process.

“Edison has finally admitted they are wrong. They claimed for months that they did not need an amended license for their experimental restart plan. Now these claims have been shown to be as unreliable as their reactors,” said Kendra Ulrich, nuclear campaigner with Friends of the Earth. “But the devil is in the details,” Ulrich continued. “The key issue will be whether they’re willing to address the multiple unresolved safety issues with San Onofre’s steam generators. In the past, Edison has requested minor amendments as a PR ploy to claim they’re complying with the process. It looks like they’re trying the same trick again.”

Edison's planned request comes despite major ongoing safety reviews of San Onofre. The NRC has yet to conclude an extensive investigation into the crisis at the plant, including detailed technical assessments as to whether it’s safe to operate the reactor for five months at reduced power.

“It is inconceivable that the NRC would grant a finding of no significant hazard in this case,” said Damon Moglen, climate and energy director for Friends of the Earth. “It is obvious to everyone that Edison could not get a new license to run these damaged steam generators and that the damage caused has already led to the release of radiation in the past. Once again, it appears that Edison is more focused on making profits than it is in assuring the safety of millions of Southern Californians living near these reactors.”

Contact: Kendra Ulrich, Friends of the Earth, (216) 571-7340