The history of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Coastal Commission Permit began in December 1973 when the new California Coastal Zone Conservation Commission, now called the California Coastal Commission (CCC) denied SCE a permit to construct Units 2 and 3 at SONGS.

The CCC based its decision, in part, on nuclear safety matters that were within the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As a result, in February 1974, the CCC reversed its decision and approved the SONGS permit with the condition that SCE fund formation of an independent, three-member Marine Review Committee (MRC). The Commission directed the MRC to predict and monitor the effects of SONGS on the marine environment and recommend mitigation measures for any impacts. The MRC studies lasted from 1974 through 1989, at a cost to the SONGS owners and electric utility ratepayers of $48 million.

In 1983, SONGS Unit 2 began commercial operation; Unit 3 followed in 1984. By this point, spending by the MRC had approached $30 million.

In 1989, the MRC submitted its final report to the Commission. As a result, the CCC amended the SONGS permit to require 150 acres of wetlands restoration, 300 acres of kelp reef construction, fish protection improvement studies, and the funding of staff and technical experts. Spending by the MRC continued as it supported CCC staff and began to wind down its operations, which ended in December 1993.

In 1993 and 1997, the CCC additionally required SCE to provide $4.7 million and San Diego Gas & Electric to provide a site for the Hubbs Sea World white sea bass hatchery in Carlsbad.

In 1995, the SONGS' owners presented scientific findings indicating less impact than originally predicted by the MRC had occurred on the San Onofre kelp bed. To review and verify SCE's findings, CCC staff chose another independent panel of experts. In 1996 the panel verified the SCE findings and concurred that the impact of SONGS on kelp was "much less" than originally predicted by the MRC.

Consequently, in 1997 the CCC reduced the kelp reef mitigation requirement from 300 acres to 150 acres. In addition, the CCC reconfirmed San Dieguito Lagoon as the preferred site for the 150-acre wetland restoration project. The CCC also required that SCE fund independent monitoring of the wetlands and kelp reef projects by the Commission staff. This monitoring currently costs SCE about $1.2 million annually.

In 1997, the CCC approved SCE's preliminary plan for the wetlands restoration at San Dieguito Lagoon. Based on that plan, the San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park Joint Powers Authority (JPA) prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project. After months of public input and revision, the EIR was certified by the JPA on September 15, 2000. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working with the JPA as joint state/federal lead agencies, will similarly adopt the EIR.

In September 1999, SCE completed construction of the 22.4-acre Experimental Kelp Reef offshore of San Clemente. The reef consists of 56 test modules using quarry rocks and recycled concrete. To date, CCC monitoring shows excellent kelp recruitment and development of a kelp forest community including fish and invertebrates on all 56 modules.

Since 1991, SONGS' owners have spent over $40 million to accomplish the following actions to comply with the CCC permit:

• The White Seabass hatchery has been constructed and is producing juvenile white seabass.
• Computer systems have been purchased and the MRC database is available to the public through the Commission's San Francisco office.
• The owners have provided $5.2 million in funding for CCC staff monitoring, oversight, and scientific support.
• San Dieguito Lagoon has been selected and approved by the CCC as the best site for the wetlands restoration project.
• A total of 143 acres of land in the San Dieguito River Valley have been purchased for part of the restoration project.
• Working with all agencies and interested parties to approve plans for the restoration project.
• Completed planning, permitting and construction of a 22.4 acre experimental reef for kelp.
• Tested a variety of enhancements to the in-plant fish return system and implemented procedural improvements.

SCE has prepared and submitted a final wetlands restoration plan for CCC approval. Following CCC approval, SCE will seek all required federal, state and local permits, including a CCC Coastal Development Permit, for the construction of the wetlands project. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2003 and end in 2006. Monitoring will continue for the operational life of SONGS, currently expected to last 40 years. Total cost of the wetlands project is estimated at $86 million.

In 2005, SCE will build out the experimental reef to the full 150-acre required size. Total cost of the reef, including post-construction monitoring, will exceed $40 million.