Nuclear Waste Accidentally Leaked at Pacific Coast Site
18 hours ago
- A dormant nuclear plant in Southern California accidentally released about 5,000 gallons of wastewater containing radioactive material toward the Pacific Ocean.
- The discharge exceeded pH limits in the plant's water discharge permit and contained tritium at approximately 3,000 picoCuries per liter.
- The operator, Southern California Edison, stated the release does not pose a threat to ocean water quality.
- The plant, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, ceased power generation in 2013 and now stores spent nuclear fuel in dry storage canisters.
- The unplanned discharge occurred during a planned wastewater transfer on September 23, 2026, and was reported to the NRC and state regulators.