Irvine collaborates with local agencies to tackle radioactive waste management at San Onofre.
In an ongoing debate regarding the future of radioactive waste storage, the Irvine City Council is evaluating the possibility of assuming a leading role in the relocation and management of approximately 3.6 million pounds of spent nuclear fuel currently housed at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Plant. This site, which is situated near the northern edge of Camp Pendleton and south of San Clemente, has been at the center of safety concerns since its decommissioning in 2013 due to faulty steam generators.
The nuclear facility has been storing its waste in 123 stainless-steel canisters, which have remained in place much longer than originally anticipated. Although the federal government had pledged to secure a permanent disposal site for this nuclear byproduct, as of 2025, no progress has been made in terms of waste removal. The proximity of this storage site poses risks to approximately 8 million residents living within a 50-mile radius, including the city of Irvine, which is located merely 25 minutes away.
In September, Mayor Larry Agran initiated discussions on the need for a proactive approach to address the logistics of waste removal. During a recent City Council meeting, members reviewed a proposal advocating for Irvine’s involvement in the Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition—a collection of local governments, elected officials, and civic organizations dedicated to securing an off-site, federally licensed facility for the nuclear waste.
While a majority of the council expressed support for joining the coalition, Agran and Councilmember Mike Carroll encouraged a more ambitious approach. Councilmember Kathleen Treseder voiced significant concerns about the current storage conditions and emphasized the importance of collaboration with established entities on Congressman Mike Levin’s Spent Nuclear Fuel Task Force, yet she also noted apprehensions regarding the potential financial burden on the city for any relocation efforts.
Agran proposed the formation of a specialized city-led task force aimed at strategizing on the logistics of waste relocation. This initiative, if adopted, would trigger the city staff to return in February with recommendations for the team, timeline, and financial framework. Other council members echoed concerns about fiscal responsibility, questioning whether such an initiative would directly benefit Irvine residents and improve local safety or services.
The discussions reflect a critical juncture for Irvine as it navigates the complexities of nuclear waste management and its responsibilities towards public safety. The council has expressed commitment to recruit congressional allies in support of the Spent Nuclear Fuel Solutions Caucus and to advocate for the safe removal of spent nuclear fuel, thereby positioning Irvine as a key player in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the future of nuclear waste management in California.
As the situation evolves, it remains imperative for the city to balance both the urgency of addressing the local environmental risks and the financial implications of proactive waste relocation strategies.
