Two public hearings are scheduled locally at 3 and 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, on PG&E's proposed seismic imaging project to conduct a high-energy offshore seismic survey to help map various fault zones around the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in Avila Beach. The hearings are scheduled at the San Luis Obispo City/County Library, Community Room, 995 Palm Street.
Public comments must be sent within 30 days and must be received or postmarked by Monday, July 29. Send comments to Jennifer DeLeon, Senior Environmental Scientist, California State Lands Commission, 100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100, South Sacramento, CA 95825.
PG&E has been directed to conduct the survey by the California Energy Commission (CEC), as required by Assembly Bill 1632 (Chapter722, Statutes of 2006). A detailed project description and potential environmental effects are presented in Attachment One to the bill.
Called the "Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project" (CCCSIP or Project), PG&E proposes to conduct a high-energy offshore seismic survey to better characterize various fault zones in the vicinity of the nuclear plant and the dangers they pose to the plant and the region, should the plant be hit by an earthquake. No earthquake forecasts are available.
The PG&E project would implement the recommendations of the CEC and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) by conducting deep, high-energy seismic surveys of the various fault zones — particularly the intersections of fault lines — in the vicinity of the plant. PG&E will conduct the project, which consists of the following components, between September 2012 and November 2012:
Offshore High-Energy Seismic Survey – Conducting a high-energy offshore seismic survey in two zones, totaling approximately 830 square kilometers near Morro Bay. The survey will be conducted using a geophysical vessel, assisted by support/monitoring vessels, towing a series of sound-generating air guns and sound-recording hydrophones; and
Nearshore Seismic Data Collection – Deploying a grid of nodal seafloor geophones in the near shore and tidal areas off of Point Buchon and Point San Luis to record onshore and offshore sound signals.
The effects of the seismic studies on fish and fisheries on the Central Coast have not been make available to the public by state agencies. But local fishermen have expressed deep concern in the past.
For more information about the seismic studies go to SLC CA - Programs and Reports.
July 27 — For updated information see: State Rebuffs County, Environmentalists on Venue Change for PG&E Seismic Testing Hearing
