El Diablo nuke plant: Putting the foxes in charge of the hen house? [View all]

[Cleita]

I can't believe P. G. & E. is allowed to do this in order to get their license renewed. Shouldn't the seismic studies be done by an independent agency? Frankly, it's not only an environmental nightmare but totally unnecessary. We know the plant lies between two major earthquake faults and can only withstand a 7.5 seismic event. It's a no brainer. Don't renew the license and decommission the plant NOW!

http://www.newtimesslo.com/news/7708/testing-the-waters/

Testing the waters
Morro Bay and Port San Luis weigh in on PG&E's seismic studies
BY MATT FOUNTAIN

If all goes according to schedule, Pacific Gas & Electric could be launching the final phase of its long-awaited seismic surveys off the Central Coast by August 2012.

But following the most recent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) from the California State Lands Commission—the agency PG&E is courting for the permits necessary to do the job—local fishermen and coastal communities have raised concerns ranging from impacts on wildlife to economic losses.

For the final “high-energy” phase of its studies, PG&E proposes closing off 530 square nautical miles of open ocean from San Simeon to Guadalupe. Within the project boundaries, PG&E vessels will tow a cauldron of sound-generating air guns and sound-recording reflective equipment in a grid-like formation in order to get a better record of the seismic landscape surrounding the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

The tests have become the major prerequisite in the plant’s relicensing process, thanks to a state law adopted in 2006. But getting to the final phase has required a considerable give-and-take from all parties involved. more at link, it only gets worse