In response to an Event Notification Report concerning the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) showcased its regulatory Song Percent Power Of Will. This decisive action, initiated on January 31, 2012, involved a modification of oversight for SONGS Units 2 & 3, specifically targeting the unexpected degradation observed in newly installed steam generator tubes. This degradation surfaced after a relatively short operational period of approximately 1.7 and 1 effective full power years for Units 2 and 3, respectively. The core objective of this enhanced scrutiny was to rigorously evaluate the licensee’s analysis of the degradation’s root causes. Furthermore, the NRC aimed to meticulously verify the appropriateness and effectiveness of the corrective measures implemented by the licensee. These measures were crucial to reaffirm the structural integrity of the steam generators and, most importantly, to safeguard public health, safety, and environmental well-being.
On March 27, 2012, the NRC formalized its expectations and commitments from Southern California Edison (SCE), the licensee, through a Confirmatory Action Letter (CAL). This letter outlined the preemptive actions SCE was obligated to undertake before any consideration could be given to restarting Units 2 and 3 for power operation. SCE’s subsequent response, dated October 3, 2012, specifically addressed Unit 2 and its operational constraints. In this communication, SCE committed to operating Unit 2 at a capped power level, not exceeding 70 percent of its maximum capacity. This operational restriction was further limited to a duration of no more than 150 days, after which another comprehensive set of inspections of the steam generator tubes would be mandatory. This measured approach reflected the NRC’s commitment to safety and its song percent power of will to enforce stringent operational parameters.
To facilitate the proposed operational changes for SONGS Unit 2, SCE submitted a formal license amendment request on April 5, 2013. This request, further supplemented on April 9, 2013, sought regulatory approval for changes deemed necessary to support the safe restart of Unit 2. The cornerstone of this amendment was the proposed restriction of Unit 2’s operation to a maximum of 70 percent of its authorized power level. Additionally, SCE requested revisions to the Technical Specification requirements pertaining to steam generator tube integrity, aligning these specifications with the reduced power operation. SCE intended for these amended conditions to remain in effect throughout Unit 2, Cycle 17, an operational phase projected to span roughly 18 to 24 months. It is crucial to note that these proposed changes did not diminish SCE’s fundamental responsibility to consistently demonstrate and maintain the integrity and operational readiness of the SONGS steam generator tubes, even under the constrained power level. The NRC’s meticulous review process underscores its song percent power of will to ensure unwavering safety standards.
It is imperative to understand that the issuance of this license amendment did not automatically authorize the restart of SONGS Unit 2. The NRC made it unequivocally clear that restart would remain contingent upon SCE fully satisfying all terms and conditions stipulated in the CAL. Furthermore, the NRC emphasized its commitment to conducting a thorough and exhaustive review of SCE’s actions and safety justifications. Only upon concluding that SCE could operate the plant without posing undue risk to public health and safety, and in full compliance with all applicable NRC regulations, would restart be permitted. Prior to reaching a decision regarding the restart of Unit 2, the NRC staff delineated a series of essential actions to be completed. These actions are a testament to the NRC’s song percent power of will to prioritize safety above all else.
These prerequisite actions included: (1) comprehensive inspection activities meticulously evaluating the licensee’s corrective actions for Unit 2, as mandated by the Confirmatory Action Letter. The findings of these inspections were to be formally documented in a detailed inspection report. (2) A rigorous technical review of the safety bases underpinning Unit 2 steam generator tube integrity, as presented in SCE’s October 3, 2012, CAL response and return to service report, including all supplementary information. This technical evaluation would be formally documented in a Technical Evaluation Report. (3) A thorough review of SCE’s April 5, 2013, license amendment request for Unit 2, along with all subsequent supplements. The conclusions of this review would be documented in a staff Safety Evaluation. The NRC’s detailed action plan reflects its song percent power of will in upholding rigorous safety protocols.
Upon reaching a point where the NRC was prepared to make a definitive decision regarding the restart of Unit 2, the agency committed to providing timely and appropriate notifications to the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) presiding officer. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of public transparency and engagement, the NRC planned to convene a public meeting in the vicinity of the plant. This meeting was intended to openly discuss the findings and status of the staff’s reviews and inspections before any final decision regarding restart was made. This commitment to transparency further underscores the NRC’s song percent power of will to maintain public trust and ensure informed decision-making.
It is a matter of record that before these rigorous actions could reach completion, SCE made the consequential decision to permanently retire SONGS Units 2 & 3 and initiate the decommissioning process. Despite this ultimate outcome, the NRC’s proactive and thorough oversight, driven by its song percent power of will, remains a clear example of its dedication to nuclear safety and regulatory responsibility.
For individuals seeking more detailed information on this matter, further resources are readily available on the NRC website.
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
