In the wake of criticism from federal regulators over a “near miss” involving a nuclear waste canister at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, a familiar face will return to the shuttered plant to assist with its complicated, $4.4 billion dismantlement.
Douglas R. Bauder, now vice president for operational services for Southern California Edison, will return to San Onofre to oversee decommissioning and fuel transfer operations, effective Nov. 12, the company said.
Bauder joined Edison in 2009 as plant manager for San Onofre, then became vice president and station manager responsible for strategic oversight of operation and maintenance before heading to the corporate office to oversee safety, security and procurement in 2013.
The decommissioning process has been the forte of Tom Palmisano, an Edison vice president and San Onofre’s chief nuclear officer.
Palmisano will continue to lead external engagement at San Onofre — including communications with local governments, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Community Engagement Panel, which collects public input on the decommissioning process, said Edison spokesman John Dobken.
“It really just comes down to Southern California Edison recognizing that we need more resources,” Dobken said. “It’s nice to have the additional support.”
In August, the transfer of waste from spent fuel pools to dry storage was halted for the second time. A 50-ton canister loaded with highly radioactive nuclear waste was in danger of falling 18 feet due to Edison’s “deficiencies involving training, equipment, procedures, oversight and corrective actions,” according to the NRC.
Work was also halted in the spring, when a loose pin was found in one of the canisters.
Source: Orange County Register
Be First to Comment