Southern California Edison (SCE) Reexamines Fault Lines and Safety

Southern California Edison (SCE) considers nuclear safety a prevailing issue in light of the numerous power plant explosions after Japan’s major 9.1 earthquake last month.  The aftershocks continue to rattle the country and endanger its citizens.

It has become increasingly clear that earthquake preparedness is a major issue concerning the energy provider, SCE. A new study of the fault lines in California, including the San Andreas Fault, is in place in order to assess the safety of our own San Onofre power plant.

These new and improved seismic studies will use updated 3D imaging software to reexamine fault line data and apply it to the power plant’s current condition.  It will also take into account the difficulties that face Japan and look into preventative measures.  The study is estimated to cost $21 million.

“[We are] taking more sophisticated computers and their programs and applying it to other technology that is not new,” says company spokesman Gil Alexander. “But, we have a much greater ability to analyze the data coming out.”

This is not the only safety concern at the San Onofre power plant.  A former manager is suing Southern California Edison for wrongful termination.  The former manager, Paul Diaz, says he was fired for reporting the plant’s safety issues and having those complaints ignored.

Safety is always a huge concern when nuclear power is involved, making this law suit particularly relevant to the unease surrounding a possible earthquake.

“SCE does not comment on pending litigation,” spokesman Alexander said. “However, we can say that, by policy, SCE considers retaliation against employees who raise safety concerns a termination offense.”

Photo by exquisitur (Jason Hickey) via Flickr.