Edison to Propose Seismic Studies for San Onofre Station
The studies would include a tsunami hazard analysis as well as reprocessing and reanalyzing existing data using more modern digital and numerical computer processes.
Southern California Edison (SCE) plans to file a funding authorization request with the California Public Utilities Commission on Friday for ongoing seismic studies related to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The research is designed to increase scientific understanding of seismic and tsunami conditions that could affect the plant.
SCE is requesting $64 million for the seismic program and studies, which represents less than 1 percent of current overall rates.
“We have been planning the seismic and tsunami studies for several months,” said SCE Chief Nuclear Officer Pete Dietrich. “Following the recent tragic natural disasters in Japan, we re-evaluated and enlarged the scope in order to further increase the scientific information we could obtain.”
The new studies would employ enhanced data gathering and analysis technologies capable of providing a deeper, more complete assessment. The studies would include:
- Preparing an updated tsunami hazard analysis,
- Conducting 2-D and 3-D reflective mapping offshore and additional onshore evaluations,
- Reprocessing and reanalyzing existing data, using more modern digital and numerical computer processes, and
- Supplementing existing geodetic and seismological networks.
The station is owned by SCE (78.21 percent), San Diego Gas & Electric (20 percent), and the city of Riverside (1.79 percent).
Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.
Source: Southern California Edison