Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant Spent Fuel Storage

A gas and power company obtained approvals to construct an independent spent fuel storage installation (ISFSI) at Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP). Due to the uncertainty of having a national repository for used nuclear fuel, this phased project allowed for on-site storage of the used fuel generated by DCPP. Cannon was selected to provide engineering and design services to help facilitate transportation of the 180-ton, spent nuclear fuel rod casks from the reactor building area to the storage pad in the nearby canyon.

Cannon’s scope of work included detailed drainage analysis and preparing plans and specifications for road designs, utility and drainage realignments, and retaining walls. Other work included excavation and grading plans to move approximately 100,000 yards of rock; permitting assistance; coordination with the San Luis Obispo County Building and Safety Division; development of short and long-term strategies to achieve appropriate setback from areas affected by landslides and coastal erosion; and design of a fire water protection system for the ISFSI and Used Steam Generator Storage Facility. This project received the American Public Works Association Project of the Year award.