State regulators in California last week dealt a setback to Pacific Gas and Electric Co.'s efforts to map offshore fault lines near the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant.
One of a number of seismic studies PG&E is undertaking would have used air cannons directed at the seabed as part of a process to model the underlying geology. The California Coastal Commission on Wednesday voted against approval for the testing, citing its potential to deafen or kill nearby wildlife, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Last year PG&E asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to delay relicensing requests for its Diablo Canyon reactors until results from seismic studies are in hand. Much of that work onshore has been completed.