IR 05000206/2026001
| ML26048A375 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | San Onofre  |
| Issue date: | 02/19/2026 |
| From: | Natasha Greene NRC/RGN-IV/DRSS/DIOR |
| To: | Bailly F Southern California Edison Co |
| Gersey L | |
| References | |
| IR 2026001 | |
| Download: ML26048A375 (0) | |
Text
February 19, 2026
SUBJECT:
SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION - NRC INSPECTION REPORT 05000206/2026001; 05000361/2026001; 05000362/2026001
Dear Frederic Bailly:
On January 15, 2026, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at your San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, in San Clemente, California.
The inspectors discussed the results of this inspection with you and other members of your staff at the conclusion of the inspection. The results of this inspection are documented in the enclosed report. No findings or violations of more than minor significance were identified during this inspection.
This inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to public health and safety, to confirm compliance with the Commission's rules and regulations, and with the conditions of your license. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selected examination of procedures and representative records, observations of activities, and interviews with personnel.
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRCs Agency Rules of Practice and Procedures, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your response, if you choose to provide one, will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room and from the NRCs ADAMS, accessible from the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To the extent possible, your response should not include any personal privacy or proprietary information so that it can be made available to the public without redaction.
Sincerely, Natasha A. Greene, PhD, Branch Chief Decomm., ISFSI, and Operating Reactor Branch Division of Radiological Safety and Security Docket Nos. 5000206; 5000361; 5000362 License Nos. DRP-13; NPF-10; NPF-15 Enclosure:
Inspection Report Nos. 05000206/2026001; 05000361/2026001 and 05000362/2026001 w/Attachment: Document request sent to licensee prior to inspection date cc w/encl: GovDelivery Subscriber Signed by Greene, Natasha on 02/19/26
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an inspection of decommissioning activities in progress at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2 and 3 in San Clemente, California.
List of Findings and Violations
No findings or violations of more than minor significance were identified.
Additional Tracking Items
None
SITE STATUS Since the previous NRC inspection in September 2025 (ADAMS Accession No. ML25329A049), the licensee and its decommissioning contractors continued to conduct major decommissioning activities across Units 2 and 3. Open air demolition work continued in the outdoor area around the two containment buildings. The demolition work included structural removal, concrete and metal segmentation, and controlled packaging and shipment of the waste material. The material handling facility remained fully operational to support ongoing open-air demolition work and manage waste loading and shipment activities. Radiological air monitoring and dust suppression measures were observed in use during the inspection.
In Unit 2, the licensee and its decommissioning contractors continued to prepare for future cutting of the reactor pressure vessel into segments for offsite disposal. Work in progress included installation of the reactor vessel lifting system.
In Unit 3, general decommissioning work continued including cleaning of the Unit 3 containment sump. The final two segments of the Unit 3 reactor pressure vessel were being prepared for offsite shipment. In addition, the Unit 3 demolition isolation structure was being constructed to support future demolition work inside of the Unit 3 containment building.
INSPECTION SCOPES
The inspection was conducted using the appropriate portions of the inspection procedures (IPs).
Currently approved IPs are located on the public website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/insp-manual/inspection-procedure/index.html. The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel to assess licensee performance and compliance with Commission rules and regulations, license conditions, site procedures, and standards. The inspection was declared complete when the objectives of the IP were met, consistent with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 2561, Decommissioning Power Reactor Inspection Program.
IP 83750 - Decommissioning Occupational Radiation Control Radiological Work Planning and Execution (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors conducted work observations to determine if the licensee was identifying and assessing the magnitude and extent of radiological hazards and was implementing radiological controls during planning and execution of radiological work. The inspectors:
- (1) Observed various radiological controls including operating air samplers, to determine if the licensee and its contractors were effectively monitoring for potential releases from the work areas
- (2) Reviewed the Open Air Demo Nightly Reports for January 13 and 15, 2026, to verify that open air demolition work did not result in the spread of contamination outside of the work areas
- (3) Reviewed Work Order L111215, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Effluent Project, dated September 16, 2025, regarding analysis of open air demolition particulate air samples for hard-to-detect radionuclides
- (4) Observed the use of a mobile multi-sensor array detection system used to monitor for potential contamination outside of the demolition area
- (5) Reviewed procedure SONGS Decommissioning Solutions (SDS)-RP2-PGM-2000, Radiological Work Planning and Controls, revision 3, and discussed the development of radiation work permits (RWPs) with responsible site staff
- (6) Reviewed RWP 26-0-779, Perform Preparations for Containment Interior Demo, dated January 1, 2026, and discussed the RWP with the author of the document
- (7) Observed the cleanup of the Unit 3 containment sump including radiation protection controls for the work
- (8) Reviewed the following radiological free release surveys to determine if materials and equipment released from restricted areas within the facility were being surveyed prior to release:
- SDS-RP1-SRV-13873, Cargo Container, revision 0
- SDS-RP1-SRV-13991, Tripod Lights, revision 0
- SDS-RP1-SRV-14015, Hydraulic Pump Seal and Condenser Fan, revision 0
- SDS-RP1-SRV-14102, U3 Griffin JLG # AX7196, revision 0
- SDS-RP1-SRV-14252, Two Cylinders, revision 0
- SDS-RP1-SRV-14548, FSS Cart, revision 0
- SDS-RP1-SRV-U3-1702, Pump Down Containment Sump, revision 0
- (9) Reviewed the following unconditional radiological free release surveys to determine if materials and equipment released from the facility were being surveyed prior to release.
- SDS-RP1-SRV-14061, Two Hydraulic Cylinders, revision 0
- SDS-RP1-SRV-13957, Four Scaffold Clamps from U3, revision 0
- (10) Reviewed unconditional release survey package, G131 Ancillary Materials & Equipment Outside the Former Protected Area, dated December 8, 2025, to determine if the materials and equipment in the south yard facility area were being surveyed prior to release from the site
- (11) Reviewed the proposed As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) goals for 2026 and current status of 2025 ALARA goals; discussed these goals with the ALARA program coordinator Problem Identification and Resolution (IP Section 03.03)
The inspectors verified that the licensee and its decommissioning general contractor were identifying problems at an appropriate threshold and that corrective actions were being implemented in a timely manner. The inspectors reviewed the list of corrective action reports identified since the last inspection in September 2025 in radiological work planning and execution. The inspectors reviewed selected corrective action reports issued in this inspection area.
IP 86750 - Decommissioning Solid Radioactive Waste Management, Demolition and Transportation of Radioactive Materials Transportation of Radioactive Materials (IP Section 03.02)
The inspectors reviewed selected records associated with the packaging and shipment of the final two segments of the Unit 2 reactor pressure vessel shell. The inspectors:
- (1) Reviewed the documents that characterized the two segments of Unit 2 for shipment as Class A wastes and associated U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) package types (DOT Type A, LSA-II) including WMG Memo 23-453-011, U3 Rx Vessel Box E-1, dated January 2026, and WMG Memo 23-453-012, U3 Rx Vessel Box E-2, dated January 2026
- (2) Reviewed procedure SDS-RP1-PCD-1001, Radiological Surveys, revision 25, regarding requirements for surveys of radioactive shipments
- (3) Reviewed the preliminary radiological survey results for the two segments of Unit 2, as documented in Surveys SDS-RP1-SRV-14578, E Box #1 Shipping Survey, revision 0, and SDS-RP1-SRV-14573, E Box #2 Shipping Survey, revision 0
- (4) Reviewed the draft Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest Shipping Paper for the two packages
- (5) Conducted a radiological survey of the accessible areas of the two boxes staged for shipment
- (6) Observed a representative from the rail company conducting an onsite inspection of the boxes prior to shipment Demolition and Disposition Radiologically Impacted Structures (IP Section 03.03)
The inspectors:
- (1) Observed open air demolition activities to determine if the work was performed in accordance with the guidance provided in procedure SDS-RP1-TSD-24-01, Open-Air Demolition Plan for San Onofre, revision 4
- (2) Observed sorting of waste debris in the former turbine building footprint and packaging of these wastes within the material handling facility
- (3) Reviewed Unit 2 work packages SDS-2-M-CO-2069, RV Initial Equipment Preparation and Installation, revision 0 and SDS-2-M-CO-2074, Installation of the RV Lifting Equipment, revision 0, and discussed the work in progress with the applicable supervisor
- (4) Reviewed work package SDS-3-M-CO-2413, Cleaning and Encapsulation of the U3 Containment Building Sump, revision 0
- (5) Observed the cleanup of the Unit 3 containment sump including radiation protection controls for the work
- (6) Reviewed procedure SDS-RA1-PGM-0005, SDS Corrective Action Program, revision 12 and discussed selected condition reports with the SDS program manager
- (7) Reviewed procedure ADM-5, SCE Corrective Action Program, revision 7 and discussed the selected condition and action request reports with the Southern California Edison (SCE) program manager
- (8) Reviewed procedure SDS-RP4-PCD-1002, Performance Testing of Common Portable Survey Instruments, revision 9
- (9) Reviewed procedure SDS-RP4-PCD-2003, J.L. Shepherd Model 89 Gamma Calibration System, revision 6
- (10) Reviewed portable radiation survey instruments calibration records and discussed the calibration of the instruments with contractor staff Problem Identification and Resolution (IP Section 03.04)
The inspectors verified that the licensee and its decommissioning general contractor were identifying problems at an appropriate threshold and that appropriate corrective actions were being implemented in a timely manner. The inspectors reviewed the list of the licensees contractor condition reports and the licensees action request reports identified since the last inspection in September 2025. The inspectors further reviewed selected licensees contractor condition reports and licensees action request reports including the corrective action reports issued in the program areas (see the Attachment for the list of documents reviewed).
IP 71801-Decommissioning Implementation and Status Status of Decommissioning (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors assessed the status and conduct of facility decommissioning in progress; reviewed changes to the Units 1-3 Defueled Safety Analysis Reports (DSARs); and assessed the licensees Employee Concerns Program. The inspectors:
- (1) Participated in the daily SDS plan of the day meeting which discussed daily work activities
- (2) Interviewed SDS senior management on the upcoming project schedule
- (3) Toured the Unit 1 footprint
- (4) Reviewed procedure SDS-RA1-PCD-005, Control of Defueled Safety Analysis Report (DSAR) Changes, revision 6
- (5) Reviewed procedure ADM-15, Control of Licensing Document Changes, revision 2
- (6) Reviewed SONGS Units 2 and 3 DSAR, revised November 2024 (ML24341A038)
- (7) Reviewed DSAR Units 2 and 3, revision 9, Change 001, dated March 3, 2025
- (8) Reviewed DSAR Units 2 and 3, revision 9, Change 003, dated October 29, 2025
- (9) Reviewed SONGS Unit 1 DSAR, dated June 2024 (ML24166A276)
- (10) Reviewed DSAR Unit 1, Change Notice DR761062
- (11) Reviewed DSAR Unit 1, Change Notice DR164976
- (12) Reviewed procedure ADM-2, SONGS Safety Culture, revision 5
- (13) Reviewed the 2024 Annual Safety Conscious Work Environment Survey Report
- (14) Reviewed procedure ADM-5, SCE Corrective Action Program, revision 7
INSPECTION RESULTS
No findings or violations of more than minor significance were identified during this inspection.
EXIT MEETING The inspectors verified that no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
- On January 15, 2026, the inspectors presented the inspection results to Frederic Bailly, Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer, and other members of the licensees staff.
ADDITIONAL
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Inspection
Procedure
Document
Type
Designation
Description or Title
Revision or Date
83750
Corrective
Action
Documents
Condition
Reports (CRs)
SDS-002328
SDS-002332
SDS-002335
SDS-002339
N/A
86750
Corrective
Action
Documents
Condition
Reports (CRs)
SDS-002300
SDS-002303
SDS-002336
SDS-002342
SDS-002375
SDS-002376
SDS-002377
SDS-002380
SDS-002381
N/A
86750
Corrective
Action
Documents
Action
Requests
N/A
ATTACHMENT
Document request sent to licensee prior to inspection date
Document Request for Upcoming Inspection
at San Onofre Units 1, 2 & 3
January 12-15, 2026
Inspection Report 2026-001
Inspection Procedures:
1.
IP 86750, Decommissioning Solid Radioactive Waste Management, Demolition and
Transportation of Radioactive Materials
2.
IP 83750, Decommissioning Occupational Radiation Control
3.
IP 71801, Decommissioning Implementation and Status
Please have the requested information available and uploaded to SharePoint by Friday,
December 19, 2025.
Inspectors:
Linda Gersey, Lead, Sr Health Physicist
Robert Evans, Sr Health Physicist
Muhammadali Abbaszadeh, Sr Health Physicist
Jazmin Flores, training
If there are any questions, please contact Linda Gersey, 972-746-6984, Linda.Gersey@nrc.gov
1.
IP 86750, Decommissioning Solid Radioactive Waste Management, Demolition and
Transportation of Radioactive Materials
- A. Copy of the following documents, as applicable:
1.
Open Air Demo Plan
2.
Surgical Demo Plan
3.
Demolition planned for the inspection week
B. Copy of the Waste Management Plan and all shipping procedures
C. We will request copies of shipping records while on site.
2.
IP 83750, Decommissioning Occupational Radiation Control
A. Last two ALARA Committee meeting minutes
- B. List of locations for any HRAs, LHRAs at the facility
C. Copies of ALARA program procedures
D. A list of the following SDS and SCE procedures:
1.
Radiation surveys
2.
Air sample collection and analysis
3.
Contamination survey (including alpha monitoring and hard-to-detect
isotopes)
4.
Surveying and releasing material from radiologically controlled areas for
unrestricted use
5.
Radiological posting, labelling, and marking
6.
Airborne monitoring and respiratory protection procedures
E. List of Radiological Work Package and ALARA Work Package generated since the
last inspection on September 15, 2025
F. List of Condition Reports and Action Requests issued in this program area since the
last inspection on September 15, 20
3.
IP 71801, Decommissioning Implementation and Status
a.
Org charts for SDS and SCE with names and titles
b.
DSAR for Unit 1
c.
All 10 CFR 50.59 evaluations conducted since July 7, 2025
d.
Copies of all procedures related to the corrective action program
e.
Copies of all procedures related to the Quality Assurance (QA) program
f.
All procedures related to training of personnel
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT
This letter contains voluntary information collections that are subject to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) approved these information collections (approval number 3150-0011). The
burden to the public for these information collections is estimated to average 90 hours0.00104 days <br />0.025 hours <br />1.488095e-4 weeks <br />3.4245e-5 months <br />
per response. Send comments regarding this information collection to the FOIA, Library
and Information Collection Branch, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Mail Stop: t6-
A10M,
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, or by email
to Infocollects.Resource@nrc.gov, and to the Desk Officer, Officer of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, NEOB-10202, (3150-0011) OMB, Washington, DC 20503.