The San Onofre nuclear power plant reported a non-radioactive ammonia leak on Tuesday afternoon. Plant operators conducted a precautionary evacuation of workers nearby, according to a spokesman for Southern California Edison. Edison declared an alert – the lowest of four possible emergency classifications used by the nuclear industry – according to company spokesman, Gil Alexander.
The County of Orange activated and staffed the Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. to direct and control activities related to the incident. The County is in close communication with San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station for immediate updates on the incident status at the plant. The County is also working with State and Federal agencies for any assistance needed.
The Public Information Hotline is staffed to answer inquiries regarding the incident. The Public Information Hotline phone number is (714) 628-7085. The Emergency Operations Center has asked that all persons requesting additional information regarding the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station incident contact the Public Information Hotline at 714-628-7085. Unless there is a life-threatening emergency, do not call 911.
The public is not at risk and there are no protective actions needed for the public to take at this time. Residents should review the Nuclear Emergency Information contained in the “Customer Guide” section of the South Orange County AT&T telephone book and/or information they received in the mail. They may also visit www.songscommunity.com for additional information.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available. Please continue to monitor your local television and radio stations for the most current information.
