Nuclear Power Information Tracker MapList Definitions About This Feature

U.S. Nuclear Reactors

Reactor:
Diablo Canyon Unit 1
Location:

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

Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant
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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.

10/21/2008  Fission 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

03/07/1991  Fission 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.