PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ENCINITAS, CA 92024 PERMIT NO. 94
THE COAST NEWS
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VOL. 32, N0. 2
JAN. 12, 2018
Activist seeks to move spent fuel inland
NUCLEAR WASTE
By Ken Silverstein
REGION — El Cajon-based nonprofit Citizens’ Oversight Projects has filed a petition with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to change the way spent nuclear fuel from power plants is handled. The organization, which has negotiated a plan on how to move the radioactive fuel from the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station, says that the design life of the canisters that hold the spent fuel should have a 1,000year life — not the current 40-year design life, which is because the fuel will remain on the surface for 200 years. Nuclear waste storage under construction at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in northern San Diego County. It also says that the fuel should move away from the water and to a safer place, or inland and away from seismic activity. “We are trying to chart a course for the nuclear industry for the next 200 years,” said Ray Lutz, founder of Citizens’ Oversight, in an interview. “The NRC now requires a 40-year life for the thin canisters holding the spent fuel but we would require double-wall canisters and a 1,000-year life. “We want surface storage sites to be upgraded,” he added. “We don’t want to pawn off our problem on some other area. We want the spent fuel to be stored in a more prudent manner, which means underground and where the canisters can be monitored. The technology will allow us to do this.” Specifically, the group By Ken Silverstein is proposing changes that REGION — While the would involve Hardened, San Onofre Nuclear GenExtended-life, Local, Monerating Station has been itored, Surface storage, or closed since June 2013, the HELMS. Besides increasing discussion over where to the design life of the canisstore the spent radioactive ters, the proposal suggests fuel is ongoing. The nuclethat the current relatively ar waste will remain stored thin canisters should have a on site, although strong much thicker outer shell. disagreement now exists That would have the efas to exactly where on the fect of preserving the intergrounds it should be. nal canister from corrosion After the fuel that is and other deterioration. used to generate electriciFurthermore, the outer shell ty inside a nuclear plant is could be easily replaced and any cracks to the outer shell Surfers enjoy San Onofre State Beach in the shadow of a decomissioned nuclear-fueled electricity gener- irradiated, it must then be safely stored to prevent its
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Nuclear waste storage legacy of closed plant
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ating plant. A settlement reached between Southern California Edison and state regulators allows spent nuclear fuel from the plant to be stored onsite. Photo by D. Ramey Logan.
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THE VISTA REGION — Nine-term Congressman NEWS Darrell Issa By Aaron Burgin
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announced Jan. 10 that he will not seek re-election in November, sending shock waves throughout Southern California and both political parties. Issa, widely considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the upcoming midterm elections, said in a statement that he came to theRANCHO decision not to run SFNEWS with the support of his family, but did not give a reason as to why he decided not to run. “Throughout my service, I worked hard and never lost sight of the people our government is supposed to serve,” Issa said in a statement. “Yet with the support of my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in California’s 49th District.” Issa becomes the second longtime California Republican congressman to announce that he would retire from the House of Representatives. Ed Royce (R-Yorba Linda) announced two days before Issa that he would not seek a 12th term in office. Reaction to Issa’s retirement was split along partisan lines, as Republicans praised him as a political force who wielded his influence for the good of the district, while Democrats derided him for his voting record, which was virtually in lock step with President Donald Trump. “On the governance side ... behind the scenes and helping out the city of Oceanside, Darrell was great,” said Oceanside City Councilman Jerry Kern, a prominent local Republican. “It is amazing to be in a meeting with Darrell and see his breadth of knowledge on so many issues. I will miss him and his ability to get things done for us in Washington, and I am rather apprehensive of having
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