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. It should be noted that there have been a number of data requests and data responses for this project, which have provided additional clarification on project components as well as construction and operation activities. The latest information for this project is provided in the Section B (Project Description) of the Draft EIR.

Notice of Preparation and Project Scoping

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.

Draft Environmental Impact Report

The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was issued on March 21, 2005. The Notice of Availability describes the project and the environmental review process.

The CPUC held two Public Workshops to describe the DEIR and its findings and to hear public comments on the DEIR:

The submittal period for written comments on the Draft EIR ended May 5, 2005. Requests for additional information should be sent to: