The Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program Quarterly Newsletter - No.2 August, 1997

INTRODUCTION

This is the second in a series of quarterly newsletters intended to inform agencies, affected communities, and other interested parties about monitoring activities related to the construction of the Pacific Pipeline Project. This newsletter provides construction schedule, the status of monitoring activities, and ways to obtain project information.

Commonly Used Acronyms/Abbreviations

ANF - The U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National Forest (Lead Agency)

Aspen - Aspen Environmental Group (MMCRP Contractor)

CPUC - California Public Utilities Commission (Lead Agency)

MMCRP - Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program

PPSI - Pacific Pipeline System, Inc. (Pipeline Owner)

CONSTRUCTION STATUS & SCHEDULE

Construction of the Pacific Pipeline Project has been divided into five different segments (see map on page 3). The status of construction at each segment is as follows (from north to south):

Segment 1 starts at Emidio (southern Kern County) and travels approximately 33 miles to the northern boundary of the ANF. Construction of Segment 1 is expected to start in mid- to late-August and is anticipated to take 35 weeks.

Segment 2 is 41 miles long, traverses the ANF, and terminates in Sylmar. Construction of Segment 2 within the ANF began on June 27, 1997 and is expected to be completed by October 30, 1997.

Segment 3 travels from Sylmar to downtown Los Angeles and is about 25 miles in length. Construction of this segment is expected to start in mid- to late-August and take about 42 weeks.

Segment 4 includes a 10-mile portion from downtown Los Angeles to Watts Junction and an 11-mile portion that goes from Watts Junction to the Chevron El Segundo Refinery. Construction of both portions are scheduled to begin in late-August and last about 38 weeks. The downtown Los Angeles portion will be constructed at night.

Segment 5 is 11 miles long and runs from Watts Junction to Wilmington. Construction of Segment 5 began in the Alameda Corridor on July 14, 1997 and is expected to take about 34 weeks.

MONITORING PROGRAM STATUS

Prior to the start of construction of Segments 2 and 5, Aspen on behalf of the CPUC and ANF completed the review of all major pre-construction plans and compliance submittals required for project construction. Similar reviews are currently underway for Segments 1, 3, and 4. Construction will not be allowed to start until all pre-construction compliance requirements are met by PPSI.

For construction of Segments 2 and 5, daily monitoring reports are submitted by Aspen’s Environmental Monitors describing the construction activities of the day and compliance of these activities with the required mitigation measures. Weekly reports are also prepared summarizing the week’s construction activities. Both the daily and weekly monitoring reports are available on the project Web Site under "reports" (see Page 2).

PSI has submitted requests to Aspen for approval of construction staging areas and a number of modifications to the mitigation measures. These modifications are referred to as variances. Each request is reviewed in accordance with the Final Implementation Plan for the project to ensure PPSI’s compliance with the intent of the mitigation measures. Final decisions by the CPUC and ANF, such as approvals and denials, are available for review on the project Web Site under "variances."

PROJECT HOTLINE & WEB SITE

A 24-hour multi-lingual Monitoring Program telephone hotline and Web Site provide the following types of project information:

• A description of the Pacific Pipeline Project and the Monitoring Program
• Construction status and progress including daily, weekly, and previous reports from field monitors
• The roles of the State and Federal Lead Agencies, and the Pipeline Owner

Project documents such as back issues and current issue of The Monitor, and the MMCRP Implementation Plan

Links to the CPUC Web Site and PPSI’s Web Site.

WALK-IN SITES

The CPUC and ANF currently staff two locations along the pipeline route where you can view project information, access the Web Site, and/or ask questions regarding the project or construction activities. Monitoring Program staff are available to answer questions during the hours listed below.

PROJECT DOCUMENTS

Project-related documents such as the 1993 and 1996 environmental documents, the CPUC’s certification decision and decision on re-hearing, the ANF’s Record of Decision, are available for public review at the libraries listed below. These libraries also have access to the Internet, where the public can use computers to access the project Web Site.

For complaints about pipeline construction or details on construction scheduling please contact PPSI directly at:

(800) 987-4737 (toll free)

http://www.ppsi.org/

Map Insert

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