Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Senator Wants Probe Into Safety of San Onofre Plant Following That 'Tiny' Leak
Photo by iofoto via Shutterstock
Add Senator Barbara Boxer to the list of Californians that are concerned about the safety of San Onofre Nuclear generating station.
Boxer has sent an open letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) asking for a probe into the safety of the plant in light of the recent leak and report that a worker fell into a pool of water laced with radiation. Southern California Edison has said the leak was so "tiny," it didn't even register on local sensors near the plant. An NRC spokesman at the time of the leak said that the amount of radiation released wasn't greater than typical background radiation. As for the worker—Southern California Edison said he was back at work after a medical exam.
But this incident raised concerns for Boxer about San Onofre and other nuclear plants. She said that she is concerned about reports that some of the tubes carrying radioactive water are degrading. She asked that the NRC conduct a comprehensive safety report at San Onofre and other plants where it is necessary, "I ask the NRC to thoroughly assess the conditions at the San Onofre plant to determine what further investigation and action is required at this time, and whether similar actions may be needed at other nuclear facilities."
The leak at San Onofre also has residents in San Clemente on edge, and some residents have been lobbying the city council to install sensors around town that would independently measure radiation levels.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
