CEP Regular Meeting: SONGS Dismantlement Update by San Onofre Decommissioning-Solutions

Aug 28, 2025
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
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Key Takeaways

SONGS decommissioning general contractor, San Onofre Decommissioning Solutions (SDS), provided an update on its progress to date. There were zero OSHA recordables in 2024 although recently a worker sustained an OSHA recordable while welding. Still, safety metrics and culture exceed national and demolition-sector benchmarks and SDS is emphasizing proactive safety.

Currently at 84%, completion of dismantlement is on track for year-end 2028, with recent updates indicating final activities may extend into early 2029. At present, work is focused on removal of large components from the containment domes and waste shipments.

Environmental stewardship remains a focus as the team has been working around nesting gulls and performing final status surveys.

On July 21, the site lost offsite power which interrupted work although the diesel generator for the ISFSI started promptly, and security features remained operational. On Aug. 7, a portion of gunite covering the bluff gave way. No one was hurt and bluffs beyond the immediate area were found to be in good condition.

The US DOE is considering a demonstration project at SONGS that will use “guided wave technology” currently used on pipelines to monitor the condition of spent fuel canisters.

The pedestrian walkway will undergo repairs to restack riprap (rocks) and replace the retaining wall through 2Q 2026. The seawall remains in good condition and is out of scope.

The Interjurisdictional Planning Committee (IPC) that support SONGS emergency preparedness remains active, although at this stage there are no accident scenarios that result in an offsite release of radiological material. Through recent discussions with the CEP, the IPC — led by the Orange County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Division — is reaching out to other neighboring cities such as Irvine to participate in IPC meetings and receive training.

A CEP educational seminar on Oct. 16 will focus on how SCE provides for the safe onsite storage of spent fuel, the role of canister inspections, and how such inspections have confirmed the canisters remain in good condition. SCE is considering the CEP request to release all inspection photos. The seminar also will highlight SCE’s efforts to clear San Onofre of spent fuel.

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SONGS CEP Regular Meeting

Date: August 28, 2025

Time 5:30 – 8:00 pm (PT)

Location: via Microsoft Teams (link provided below)

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