DMSB Rotary began the new year with an informative talk by Mr. Torgen Johnson about the future of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
Johnson holds two Masters’ degrees in Urban Planning in addition to a professional degree in Architecture. Since 2013 he has organized eight public forums titled “Fukushima – Ongoing Lessons” in San Diego, New York, Boston and Japan featuring the former prime minister of Japan – Naoto Kan – and other regulatory leaders and industry experts.
Following the closure of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and early closures of other nuclear reactors throughout the US and Japan, Mr. Johnson has continued to advocate for public safety and public discussion regarding long term storage of the nuclear waste at San Onofre.
At a meeting of the CA Coastal Commission it was stated that nuclear waste should not be stored near the ocean indefinitely because of possible contamination through the use of thin-walled storage containers that are susceptible to cracks and leaks. Nuclear waste is also being buried on the beach. This creates "exclusion” zones – one can leave the area, but you can never come back because of the contamination. Johnson suggested that nuclear waste should be stored in robust thick-walled canisters that should be kept in safe elevated buildings far from the ocean.
Johnson concluded his speech by urging all concerned citizens to contact Governor Gavin Newsom and the CA Public Utilities Commission about developing a safer nuclear waste plan, such as the system used in Switzerland. He can be contacted at: Torgen@SamuelLawrenceFoundation.org, and his (foundation) phone number is 858-342-1664.