San Luis Obispo -- County leaders are making a recommendation against PG&E's plan to conduct the third phase of seismic testing in the water off the Central Coast. PG&E is asking for approval from the California Coastal Commission to begin the next phase of seismic testing in the water near San Luis Bay, Estero Bay and Point Sal.
The Utility Company says the 64-million dollar seismic study is necessary to fully understand earthquake safety at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in Avila.
Following the Fukishima nuclear disaster in Japan the federal government placed new safety requirements on the Diablo plant.
The County Board of Supervisors heard more than four hours oaf public comment from people on the Central Coast who expressed concern about the testing. Some are worried about the safety of the power plant in the event of an earthquake while others are worried about the effects of the proposed seismic testing on the local fishing industry and marine life.
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson says, "We certainly have a responsibility to represent the interest of our citizens especially those near the plant who would be most directly affected by any mishap there."
The County Board of Supervisors decided last night to recommend against the proposed seismic testing. The Board is sending the recommendation to the Coastal Commission, but the board has no actual authority in this area.
