Getting worse: Quote An investigation into possible sabotage by an employee is underway at Southern California Edison's (NASDAQ: SCE) 2,200 MW San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) after engine coolant was found to have been poured in the oil reservoir of a backup generator last October, according to The Huffington Post. "The comprehensive investigation has included rigorous tests, a review of station logs and employee interviews to determine the cause of the presence of the residual engine coolant," the article quoted SCE as saying. "Based on the unexpected discovery of the coolant in the diesel oil system and the ongoing investigation, security at the plant has been enhanced." The entire plant has been offline since early 2012 after significant degradation in steam-generation tubes was discovered in Units 2 and 3, leading to a small leak in Unit 3. Rancorous negotiations between the union and management, combined with pressure from anti-nuclear groups and a frustrated general public, have led to a steep decline in morale at the plant, according to the article. "While morale is as low as it has ever been and the environment is as chilled as it has ever been, no one I know could imagine doing such a thing," an unnamed plant employee was quoted as saying. "First of all, the chances of getting caught are so high. But more importantly, what are you accomplishing? You're only endangering yourself and your coworkers and the surrounding public. I can't understand the logic behind it. "On the other hand," he said, "I'm also not completely surprised because the environment really is so harsh. People can do crazy things when they are under extreme stress." http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2012/11/sabotage-suspected-in-san-onofre-nuclear-plant-investigation.html
