The issue of storing nuclear fuel at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in California, USA was thrust into the spotlight last December when members complained about the slow timetable for removing radioactive waste at the closing plant. The Laguna Beach City Council followed up by adopting a resolution that urges the US Department of Energy (DOE) to fast-track a plan to move spent nuclear fuel to a more remote location.
Southern California Edison closed the facility in June 2013 after a faulty steam generator leaked radioactive coolant. Edison stored the used nuclear waste on-site by placing bundled, spent fuel rods in two pools of water, where they will cool in 23 feet of water for five to seven years. After cooling has taken place, they will be moved into concrete canisters, a procedure called dry cask storage, and housed on the site.
After public meetings, Edison selected New Jersey-based Holtec International to provide the canisters and is awaiting the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s approval to place the remainder of its spent nuclear fuel in 80 stainless steel canisters set partially into the ground. Holtec’s canisters, which weigh 45 tons, will be set vertically and topped with a 12-ton steel and concrete lid, which will be exposed to air. The company said the canisters are made of the most corrosion-resistant grade of stainless steel. Even with portions of the canisters below ground, the San Onofre Safety group is concerned that the canisters could be susceptible to corrosion and cracking, given the plant’s marine adjacency.