Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) website for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review of Pacific Gas and Electric's (PG&E) proposed replacement of steam generators at Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP). An application for this project was submitted to the CPUC on January 9, 2004. This site provides access to public documents and information relevant to the CEQA review process.

Background

PG&E has filed an application with the CPUC to replace the steam generators at DCPP Units 1 and 2. The project would enable DCPP to remain in service until the ends of the current terms of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses. The current licenses authorize DCPP Unit 1 to operate until 2021 and Unit 2 to operate until 2025. However, the existing steam generators have exhibited degradation and they are currently predicted to reach the end of their operating life within the next several years. The original steam generators will eventually reach a state where, under applicable NRC regulations, either the steam generators must be replaced or the units must be shut down.

DCPP Units 1 and 2 went into operation in 1985 and 1986, respectively. DCPP uses eight steam generators, four per unit, which are large heat exchangers that convert heat from the reactor into steam to drive the turbine generators and produce electricity. All eight would be replaced as part of the proposed project. DCPP produces a combined nominal 2,220 net megawatts of electric power, enough to power over 2 million homes. The DCPP facility is located on a remote stretch of coastline in central San Luis Obispo County.

Proponent's Environmental Assessment (PEA)

PG&E filed a PEA with the Application in January 2004. This document provided a starting point for the environmental review process conducted by the CPUC.

Environmental Review Process

The CPUC on October 1, 2004, issued a Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for DCPP Steam Generator Replacement Project. Scoping meetings were held in October 2004. The Public Scoping Report was completed in December 2004.

The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was issued on March 21, 2005.

The submittal period for written comments on the Draft EIR ended May 5, 2005.

The Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) was issued on August 15, 2005. The Final EIR consists of two volumes: Volume I is the complete EIR showing changes made to the Draft EIR, and Volume II consists of all comments on the Draft EIR and responses to comments.

There is no comment period following issuance of the Final EIR. The CPUC will determine the adequacy of the Final EIR, and, if adequate, will certify the document as compliant with CEQA. The CPUC will issue a Decision on the Proposed Project, which will be announced and published concurrent with a scheduled CPUC Meeting.

For Additional Information

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