Is Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant ready for the Big One?
An editorial in The Tribune (“Time for SLO to take the next step in seismic safety,” Nov. 8) urged a seismic safety review of building structures throughout San Luis Obispo County. The editorial resurrected the memory of two local women who lost their lives during the collapse of a building during the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake.
On Nov. 17, The Tribune reported the recent Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s citation to PG&E for “failing to properly document a seismic review of equipment at Diablo Canyon.”
PG&E quickly downplayed the violation, but the equipment under review is significant: reactor vessel heads and steam generators.
If one of Diablo Canyon’s embrittled reactor pressure vessels collapsed or other vital equipment malfunctioned during the next big earthquake, the consequences for our community could be tragedy on a large scale.
“Ready For the Big One? Diablo Canyon Earthquake Vulnerability,” is the topic Arnie Gundersen will address Dec. 2.
Gundersen is a former nuclear industry vice president turned whistle blower. With 40 years of experience at a variety of plant sites, he now educates the public about the dangers of nuclear power, particularly issues with aging plants.
To reserve your place at this event, visit mothersforpeace.org/ArnieGundersen.pdf no later than Nov. 26.
Michele Flom, San Luis Obispo
This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 2:37 PM with the headline "Is Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant ready for the Big One?."