Erosion Threatens Nuclear Waste Near San Onofre Coast
Erosion Threatens Nuclear Waste Near San Onofre Coast
US · Published Sep 21, 2026
Powerful surf and coastal flooding in Southern California are raising concerns about the safety of 3.6 million pounds of spent nuclear fuel stored at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
The waste is housed in steel canisters on a concrete pad just 100 feet from the eroding coastline.

Impact & Risks

The proximity of the nuclear waste to the eroding coastline poses potential risks to the environment and nearby communities. Experts have expressed concerns about the possibility of storm waves or seismic activity damaging the protective seawall, which could expose the waste canisters. While utility officials assert that the storage system is robust, critics argue that more monitoring and proactive measures are needed to mitigate long-term risks. The issue highlights the challenges of safely storing high-level radioactive waste in vulnerable coastal areas.

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