College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Construction Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Construction Management

Date

12-2019

Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Edward Boucher, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department

Abstract/Summary

San Onofre Nuclear Generating System (SONGS) is one of two nuclear power plants in California. Since the shut down in 2012, there is only one actively remaining, Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, which is set to shut down in 2024. This paper will examine the decommissioning of SONGS thus far; the first coastal nuclear decommissioning project in California’s stringent permitting process. This project was awarded as a joint venture to AECOM and Energy Solutions, both having experiencing in the field of nuclear decommissioning. This paper will outline what nuclear decommissioning challenges have been in the past; general steps of decommissioning a nuclear power plant; describe the decommissioning process for SONGS; and explore possible alternatives that could have been implemented to make this decommissioning project go smoother without such impactful delays. SONGS has yet to start demolition, but has encountered unique challenges compared to other decommissioning projects. The project teams have had significant challenge dealing with the backlash of the public complaint, specifically the Surfrider Foundation, on the storage of the fuel onsite; which inevitably lead to permitting issues with the California Coastal Commission (CCC).

A Case Study Poster.pdf (2501 kB)
Poster

Share

COinS