Avila Beach, California
Local population: 77,038 (10-mile radius)
Type:
Pressurized Water Reactor
Status:
Operating
Licensed to operate from 11/02/84-09/22/21
Owner:
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Safety Issues:
Fire Protection Problems, Groundwater Leaks Reported
Related Links & Documents
10/22/2009 A misguided repair to valves that would not open fast enough prevented other key valves from opening. Tests after the valve repairs failed to detect the problem. The reactor operated for nearly 18 months with vital emergency systems disabled.
10/21/2008Fission Stories #27
explains how jellyfish caused the operators to reduce the reactor’s power
level.
02/14/2005 UCS raised several human performance problems apparent from events involving operator mistakes in controlling the reactor power level at Unit 1 in a letter to NRC Region IV. Download the pdf
03/07/1991Fission Stories #46
covers a series of related miscues including the boom of a mobile crane that
struck an overhead power line, tripping the main transformer and reactor. A misguided repair to valves that would not open fast enough prevented other key valves from opening. Tests after the valve repairs failed to detect the problem. The reactor operated for nearly 18 months with vital emergency systems disabled.