

AZGS has been involved in Palo Verde siting and safety since at least the mid-1970's. Our Field Notes story from 1976 [right, available online] describes the site characterization and excavation prior to the first unit going up in 1982.
The 7-page report refers to the 1887 Sonora earthquake as a magnitude 8 event occurring about 250 miles from the plant location, so that a similar sized event was planned for on the nearest known fault, about 72 miles away. Ironically, the 1887 Sonora quake was subsequently determined to have been in the 7 - 7.5 magnitude range, meaning the plant may have been designed for a larger event than was expected.