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June 19, 2012

Probe: San Onofre Nuke Plant Hampered by Design Flaws 
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A federal investigation has revealed what critics say are major design
flaws at California’s San Onofre nuclear power plant, which has been
shut down since a radioactive leak in January. Monitors at the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission say that design flaws caused excessive wear in
tubing that carries radioactive water. The plant's operator, Southern
California Edison, had been planning on seeking approval to restart the
reactors but critics say the findings show San Onofre should remain
idle. In a statement, Friends of the Earth said the crisis is the result
"of a perfect storm of error," saying: "Edison made significant design
changes without seeking an amendment to its license as required by NRC
regulations; on the other hand, the NRC appears to have been asleep at
the regulatory wheel."

 

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