San Onofre could be test site for waste inspection technology
3 minute readPublished: Friday, September 5, 2025 at 2:00 pm
San Onofre Could Become Test Site for New Nuclear Waste Inspection Technology
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station is undergoing significant decommissioning, with the majority of the plant slated to be dismantled by the end of 2028. The focus is now on removing large components and shipping debris offsite, with the iconic domes scheduled for demolition next year. However, the nuclear waste stored on-site remains a point of concern for activists, as the federal government has yet to determine a permanent storage solution, despite a deadline set in 1998.
To address these concerns, the U.S. Department of Energy is considering San Onofre as a demonstration site for a new inspection technology. This technology, guided wave ultrasonic monitoring, is currently used to monitor pipelines and could be adapted to assess the condition of spent fuel canisters. Unlike current methods that provide numerical measurements, this technology would allow for the screening of large surface areas for changes, imperfections, or defects.
San Onofre is a prime candidate for this project because it is the only utility with a test canister in its dry storage systems. This test canister, which does not contain nuclear waste, is heated to mimic the conditions of actual waste containers, allowing for easier inspections.
While the new technology could potentially alleviate some concerns, critics remain skeptical of the current inspection systems. There have been calls for the release of inspection photos of scratched canisters, which the utility has been hesitant to provide. However, the utility is now considering releasing all inspection photos.
In addition to the decommissioning efforts and potential new technology, repairs to the pedestrian walkway are planned, including restacking rocks and replacing the retaining wall. The walkway will be closed for approximately four weeks during the repairs. The retaining wall is separate from the seawall protecting the plant, which is in good condition. Other recent developments include the detection of small amounts of tritium in water at the site, with levels gradually decreasing.
BNN's Perspective:
The development of new inspection technologies is a positive step towards ensuring the long-term safety of nuclear waste storage. While the federal government's delay in finding a permanent solution is frustrating, exploring innovative methods to monitor the existing waste is a responsible approach. Transparency regarding inspection results and open communication with the public are crucial to building trust and addressing legitimate concerns.
Keywords: San Onofre, nuclear waste, decommissioning, inspection technology, guided wave ultrasonic monitoring, spent fuel canisters, U.S. Department of Energy, radioactive waste, dismantling, pedestrian walkway, tritium.