PACIFIC PIPELINE PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING,
COMPLIANCE, AND REPORTING PROGRAM
JUNE 1998 - MONTHLY REPORT

 

CONSTRUCTION MONITORING

Segment 1 Construction: Segment 1 runs from the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley at Emidio, through the Tejon Pass, to the northern boundary of the ANF in Los Angeles County. Construction of Segment 1 commenced on November 5, 1997. Primary activities during the month of June are presented in Table 1. No non-compliance events occurred on Segment 1 during June.

During June, clearing, grading, and compaction of the Emidio Pump Station (EMP 0.0 to 0.07) was completed and the site was surveyed. Vegetation clearance at the Grapevine Pump Station (EMP 15.57) also began in late-June. Cultural resources were located on Segment 1 during trenching activities. After the site was assessed by an archaeologist and a Native American in accordance with the project Cultural Resources Management Plan, trenching was allowed to resume. Excavation of bore pits for the Interstate 5 (I-5) bore (EMP 21.10) was conducted in June, while concrete-coated pipe was installed from the east side of the Lebec I-5 bore (EMP 20.77). Tie-in welding and x-ray of the Gorman Slide directional drill was conducted.

Table 1. Construction Activities for Segment 11

Activity

Milepost (approximate)

Pot-hole

12.19 to 15.45, 19.71 to 21.45

Clearing

12.29 to 15.45

Trench

13.18 to 15.45, 20.56 to 22.30

Lower-In

15.18 to 15.45, 20.67 to 22.30

Coating

15.18 to 15.45, 20.67 to 22.64

Conduit

20.79 to 22.74

Backfill

20.79 to 22.74

Emidio Pump Station

0.00

Grapevine Pump Station

15.57

Bore (Lebec I-5)

20.77

Bore (I-5)

21.20

Directional Drill (Gorman Slide) - Completed

25.94

Bore (Stream Crossing #21) - Completed

27.81

Bore (Gorman Creek) - Completed

32.40

Bore (Copco Road) - Completed

32.71

Valve Site (Copco Road) - Completed

32.81

1. Construction progress from June 1 through June 28.

Segment 2A/C (ANF) Construction: Construction within the ANF (Segment 2A) began on June 27, 1997 and was completed to Templin Highway on November 9, with the exception of some erosion repair, revegetation, valve, and conduit requirements. During June, roadway clearing and repair of wash out roads to gain access to the project right-of-way was conducted, and work at the valve sites (Copco Road and Reservoir Summitt) and installation of fiber optic cable pull boxes commenced. Review and modification of the Whitaker Station Tank Report continued during June; this report analyzes the feasibility of eliminating the pressure relief tank at the Whitaker Station. Construction of Segment 2C, Templin Highway to southern ANF boundary, commenced on June 22; pot-hole (EMP 55.95 to 56.80) and trenching (56.53 to 56.80).

Segment 2B Construction: Segment 2B runs from the southern boundary of the ANF to Sylmar, paralleling I-5. Construction of Segment 2B commenced on November 6, 1997. Primary activities during the month of June are presented in Table 2. Table 3 presents the non-compliance events that occurred on Segment 2B during June.

On June 8, a Stop Work Order was issued by the CPUC for failure to implement the requirements of the Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, Mitigation Measure SS-2 (which states that PPSI shall use hand tools in utility intensive areas and within 24 inches of underground structures). A Notice to Proceed was issued by the CPUC on June 9 after a written response to the Stop Work Order was received and reviewed. Construction activities resumed on June 10.

During June, the Los Angeles County inspector was on-site to monitor traffic controls. Work continued on the rural lands between Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway, including the bores of numerous oak trees to prevent damage to the root systems of the trees. However, on June 15, a Los Angeles County Fire Inspector suspended construction activities until brush was cleared and fire retardant was applied along the edge of the trench line. Work resumed in the area on June 17. Excavation of a 22-foot deep bore pit at Feedmill Road (EMP 63.90) commenced.

Table 2. Construction Activities for Segment 2B1

Activity

Milepost (approximate)

Pot-hole

67.18 to 67.93

Trench

67.18 to 67.75

Lower-In

65.36 to 67.70

Conduit

65.21 to 67.37

Coating

65.36 to 67.70

Backfill

65.21 to 67.37

Paving

65.21 to 67.22

Bore (Church Street)

58.24

Directional Drill (Castaic Creek)

Completed

61.12

Valve (Santa Clara River) - Completed

63.15

Bore (Feedmill Road)

63.90

Directional Drill (Santa Clara River) Completed

64.02

Valve (Pico Canyon Road)

67.33

1. Construction progress from June 1 through June 28.

 

Table 3. Non-Compliance Events for Segment 2B1

Segment
Mitigation Measure/PC
Description/
Non-Compliance Level
First
Observed
Corrected
Status

2B

SS.2 - Hand tools shall be used within 24 inches of underground structures. A marked underground utility was hit during excavation.

6/1/98

Yes

Acceptable

2B

SS.2 - Hand tools shall be used within 24 inches of underground structures. A marked underground utility was hit during excavation.

6/2/98

Yes

See above discussion regarding shut down

1. Non-compliance reports issued from June 1 through June 28.

Segment 3 Construction: Segment 3 runs from Sylmar to Dodger Stadium, primarily within MTA right-of-way. Construction within the City of San Fernando, between Wolfskill and Jessie Streets (approximately 190 feet), began on September 30, 1997, and was completed on October 7, 1997. Construction of the remaining portions of Segment 3 commenced on October 28. 1997. On February 5, 1998, a mini-crew began work on Segment 3 in the vicinity of Los Feliz (referred to as "Los Feliz" crew). This crew worked primarily at the StorItAll facility and the Glendale Boulevard bore which were completed during April 1998. In April 1998, Segment 3 construction was divided into two spreads (Segment 3A which runs from San Fernando to south of Taylor Yard, and Segment 3B which runs from Taylor Yard to Alameda Street). Primary activities during the month of June are presented in Table 4. Table 5 presents the non-compliance events that occurred on Segment 3 during June.

Segment 3A - On June 8, a Stop Work Order was issued by the CPUC for failure to implement the requirements of the Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, Mitigation Measures B-AQ-1, PC5 (which states that PPSI shall refuel at least 0.25 miles from any wetland or stream) and A-2, PC1 (which states that construction activities shall stay within the approved right-of-way at all times). A Notice to Proceed was issued by the CPUC on June 9 after a written response to the Stop Work Order was received and reviewed. Construction activities resumed on June 10.

During June, Segment 3A construction activities were centered in Taylor Yard. Bores were completed at Broadway Street (91.68) and at Harvard Street (EMP 91.88). In addition, the bore of the tracks near Goodwin Avenue (EMP 92.35) continued and the excavation of the deep (26 feet) bore pit in north Taylor Yard (EMP 94.90) commenced.

Table 4. Construction Activities for Segment 31

Segment

Activity

Milepost (approximate)

Wolfskill to Jessie Streets Cased bore - Completed

78.52

  Pipeline/conduit installation - Completed

78.37 to 78.57

Segment 3A

Pothole

No Progress

  Trench

93.98 to 94.49, 95.32 to 95.65

  Lowering-In

93.98 to 94.23, 95.32 to 95.65

  Coating

93.98 to 94.23, 94.86 to 95.53

  Conduit

93.98 to 94.02, 94.69 to 95.57

  Backfill

93.98 to 94.02, 94.69 to 95.52

  Bore (Paxton Street) - Completed

79.11

  Bore (Pierce Avenue) - Completed

79.93

  Bore (Osborne Street) - Completed

80.74

  Bore (Branford Street) - Completed

81.29

  Valve - Completed

81.48

  Bore (Sheldon Street) - Completed

82.11

  Bore (Penrose Street) - Completed

83.48

  Bore (Sunland Avenue) - Completed

84.09

  Bore (Arvilla Avenue) - Completed

85.02

  Bore (Buena Vista Avenue) - Completed

86.43

  Directional Drill (Burbank Crossing) - Completed

86.91

  Bore (Bekins Way)

90.87

  Bore (West Broadway Ave.) - Completed

91.70

  Bore (Harvard Street) - Completed

91.88

  Bore (tracks @ Goodwin Avenue)

92.35

  Bore (north Taylor Yard)

94.90

Segment 3B

Pot-hole

96.34 to 96.98

  Trench

96.34 to 96.74, 98.43 to 98.50

  Lower-In

98.39 to 98.43

  Coating

98.39 to 98.40

  Conduit

98.39 to 98.40

  Backfill

98.36 to 98.39

  Bore (railroad tracks near 110 Freeway)

97.46

  Valve

98.48

Los Feliz

Pipeline Installation - Completed

93.14 to 93.78

  Valves (StorItAll) - Completed

93.48

  Bore (Glendale Blvd.) - Completed

93.78

1. Construction progress from June 1 through June 28.

 

Table 5. Non-Compliance Events for Segment 31

Segment
Mitigation Measure/PC
Description/
Non-Compliance Level
First
Observed
Corrected
Status

3A

B.AQ.1.5 - Refuleing and maintenance will occur at least 0.25 miles away from streams and wetlands. Refueling occurred with 0.25 miles of the Los Angeles River - Level 3

6/1/98

Yes

See above discussion regarding shut down

1. Non-compliance reports issued from June 1 through June 28.

Segment 3B - On June 8, a Stop Work Order was issued by the CPUC for failure to implement the requirements of the Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, Mitigation Measures A-2, PC1 (which states that construction activities shall stay within the approved right-of-way at all times) and C-3, PC3 (which states that project personnel stay within the approved right-of-way at all times). A Notice to Proceed was issued by the CPUC on June 9 after a written response to the Stop Work Order was received and reviewed. Construction activities resumed on June 10.

During June, Segment 3B construction activities were centered in Midway Yard (daytime construction) and the MTA Taylor Yard Maintenance Facility (nighttime construction). During the week of June 15 through 19, little daytime construction activities occurred as excavation of rock under a Union Pacific Railroad spur line continued throughout the week. Daytime construction activities were completed the week of June 22 through 26, and equipment was moved to the Taylor Yard Maintenance Facility.

Segment 4 Construction: Segment 4 is being constructed by two separate crews. Construction of Segment 4A, from downtown Los Angeles to Watts Junction, began on October 20, 1997, and is being conducted from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Monday night through Friday night, to minimize traffic impacts. Segment 4B construction (daytime), from Watts Junction to the Chevron El Segundo Refinery, commenced on October 23, 1997. Primary activities during the month of June are presented in Table 6. No non-compliance events occurred on Segment 4 during June.

Segment 4A - On June 8, a Stop Work Order was issued by the CPUC for failure to implement the requirements of the Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, Mitigation Measure SS-2 (which states that PPSI shall use hand tools in utility intensive areas and within 24 inches of underground structures). A Notice to Proceed was issued by the CPUC on June 9 after a written response to the Stop Work Order was received and reviewed. Construction activities resumed on June 9.

During June, Segment 4A construction activities were focused on the north and south ends of the segment. On June 1, Segment 4A construction hours were extended from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., to 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in accordance with approved Variance Request #8 (amended). Hand-excavation continued throughout June near Commerical Street (EMP 99.38) because of the dense concentration of underground utilities. Progress on Segment 4A was slow during June due to the highly unstable soils being traversed by the right-of-way, requiring the extensive use of shoring and shoring jacks to stabilize the trench walls. Traffic controls continued to be a concern.

Segment 4B - During June, the directional drill pullback at the 110/105 interchange was completed after working throughout Sunday night. PPSI received four noise complaints which were dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Excavation for a block valve east of Crenshaw Boulevard (ESMP 6.38) was completed during June. A specialty crew began excavation of crossing at E. Alameda Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (107.5) and continued north of Fernwood Avenue (EMP 108.3).

Table 6. Construction Activities for Segment 41

Segment

Activity

Milepost (approximate)

4A

Pot-hole

99.38 to 99.42, 102.31 to 103.89

  Trench

99.38 to 99.42, 102.08 to 103.45

  Lower-In

101.78 to 103.30

  Coating

101.73 to 103.22

  Conduit

101.62 to 103.11

  Backfill

101.62 to 103.02

4B

Pot-hole

ESMP 1.83

  Trench

107.5 to 108.3

  Backfill

ESMP 6.47, 9.23

  Bore (Central Avenue)

ESMP 1.83

  Bore (Belhaven Street)

ESMP 1.93

  Bore (Avalon Street)

ESMP 2.53

  Bore (Main Street) - completed

ESMP 3.05

  Bore (Vermont Avenue) - completed

ESMP 4.10

  Bore (Budlong Avenue) - completed

ESMP 4.34

  Bore (Van Ness Avenue) - completed

ESMP 5.92

  Block Vavle (east of Crenshaw Blvd.)

ESMP 6.38

  Bore (Crenshaw Blvd.) - completed

ESMP 6.46

  Bore (Prairie Avenue)

ESMP 7.45

  Bore (York Avenue) - completed

ESMP 7.52

  Bore (Oxford Avenue) -

ESMP 7.58

  Bore ( Menlo Avenue) - completed

ESMP 7.64

  Bore (Freeman Ave.) - completed

ESMP 7.70

  Bore (Cedar Avenue) - completed

ESMP 7.76

  Bore (Birch Avenue)

ESMP 7.82

  Bore (Hawthorne Blvd.) - completed

ESMP 7.97

  Bore (Grevillea Avenue) - completed

ESMP 8.09

  Bore (Inglewood Avenue) - completed

ESMP 8.46

  Bore (Eucalyptus Avenue) - completed

ESMP 8.84

  Bore (Aviation Blvd.) - unsuccessful

ESMP 9.61

  Bore ( Douglas Blvd) - completed

ESMP 9.84

  Directional Drill (Aviation Boulevard)

ESMP 9.61

  Directional Drill (Douglas & Sepulveda) - Completed

ESMP 10.60

1. Construction progress from June 1 through June 28.

Segment 5 Construction: This segment involved 3 phases of operation, construction of Segment 5A (Dominguez Channel to Sepulveda Blvd. - MP 116.21 to 116.75) was completed on July 18, 1997, with the exception of a section of suspended pipe at Dominguez Channel (approximately 300 feet) and where skips between segments remain. Construction of Segment 5B (along Alameda Street south of Sepulveda Blvd. and south along Henry Ford to Anaheim Street - MP 116.75 to 118.83) was completed during September 1997. Construction of Segment 5C (remainder of Segment 5 - MP 107.95 to 116.21) commenced on August 29, 1997. No non-compliance events occurred on Segment 5 during June.

During June, crews laid and backfilled pipe through the dried-up pond at EMP 116.91. On June 2, the bore under Sepulveda Boulevard (EMP 116.80) was halted when fumes were detected emanating from the bore casing. OSHA was notified and stopped work immediately due to high levels of toxic, as well as flammable emissions. On June 3, OSHA directed the continuation of the bore using water to lower the levels of emissions to safe working levels. The bore was completed on June 9. Limited construction activities involving the tie-in and fiber optic conduit installation at Sepulveda Boulevard continued sporadically through the later half of June.

VARIANCES

During June, the following variances were approved/denied:

Table 7. Variance Approvals/Denials

Variance #

Description

Segment(s) Variance Applies

Agency Decision

77

Relocated fiber optic cable in the shoulder of The Old Road.

2B

Approved

83

Refuel within 0.25 miles of the Los Angeles River,

> 200 feet.

3B

Approved

84

Refuel within 0.25 miles of the Los Angeles River,

< 100 feet.

3B

Approved

86

Allow 24-hour operations during hydro-testing activities.

1, 2, 3

Approved

87

Request to not use reclaimed water during night construction activities in Taylor Yard.

3B

Approved

 

CONSTRUCTION YARDS/STAGING AREAS

During June, the following construction yards/staging areas were approved/denied:

Table 8. Construction Yard/Staging Area Approvals/Denials

Request #

Construction Yard/Staging Area

Applicable Segment(s)

Agency Decision

43

Extra work space within Taylor Yard near entry road off of San Fernando Road.

3B

Approved

44

Extra work space within Taylor Yard south of MTA maintenance building.

3B

Approved

45

Extra work space at MTA’s Lot "C" in Taylor Yard.

3B

Approved

 

Compliance Documentation: PPSI’s general plans and reports have been submitted and approved by the CPUC and ANF. Outstanding plan issues relate only to proposed revisions to approved plans (submitted by PPSI as variance requests, documented above) or updated plans. The remaining compliance issues that must be documented prior to or during construction on each segment relate to: (1) obtaining permits or landowner agreements from local jurisdictions and landowners, (2) completion of Traffic Control Plans and their approval by local jurisdictions, and (3) completion of the landowner, resident, and business notification processes.

The review and modification of the Whitaker Station Tank Report continued during June to determine if the elimination of the pressure relief tank is feasible (as concluded by the report); construction of the Whitaker Station will not proceed until a final determination is made regarding tank elimination.

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

Table 9 presents the current construction schedule for Pacific Pipeline.

Table 9. Construction Segment Schedule

Segment

Original Construction Schedule

Revised Construction Start Date

Estimated Construction Completion Date1

Segment 1

July 1, 1997

Under construction since November 5, 1997

August 18, 1998

Segment 2A2

June 2, 1997

Erosion repairs, valve & conduit completion, & revegetation underway since June 18, 1998

August 22, 1998

Segment 2B

Mid-August, 1997

Under construction since November 6, 1997

August 11, 1998

Segment 2C3

Originally scheduled for completion as part of Segment 2A

Under construction since June 22, 1998

August 4, 1998

Segment 3

July 1, 1997

Under construction since September 30, 1997

June 17, 19984

Segment 4A1

July 1, 1997

Under construction since October 20, 1997

August 14, 1998

Segment 4A2

Originally scheduled for completion as part of Segment 4A1

July 1998

July 17, 1998

Segment 4B

August 25, 1997

Under construction since October 23, 1997

June 15, 19984

Segment 5

July 1, 1997

Under construction since July 14, 1997

May 28, 19984

Emidio Pump Station

October 1997

Under construction since June 11, 1998

July 29, 1998

Grapevine Pump Station  

Under construction since June 29, 1998

July 29, 1998

Whitaker Pressure Relief Station  

Contingent upon approval of Whitaker Tank Report

August 10, 1998

Lynwood Station  

July/August 1998

June 9, 19984

El Segundo  

July/August 1998

July 27, 1998

Wilmington  

July/August 1998

August 10, 1998

Ultramar  

July/August 1998

August 14, 1998

1. Estimated construction schedule per PPSI, March 9, 1998.
2. Initial construction completed from June 27 through November 9, 1997.
3. Templin Highway to ANF southern boundary.
4. Construction has not been completed as planned.

PPSI has been informed in the past that delays and the addition of multiple crews/spreads per segment could cause additional costs due to monitor costs. We try to reassign monitors to multiple spreads, if at all possible. In some cases, the addition of multiple spreads requires the need for additional monitors.

PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAM

• Due to the lack of public interest in visiting the MMCRP Walk-In Sites (that was in operation from July 1997 through February 1998), our Student Interns no longer staff the Valley Family Center site in San Fernando, and the Parents of Watts site in Watts on a scheduled basis. However, project documents and PPSI computers remain at the sites for public use, and MMCRP Student Interns available on an as-needed basis (i.e., by appointment). The project information hotline and project newsletter, provide information on how to make an appointment for the Walk-In Sites

• During June, no members of the public made appointments to visit the MMCRP Walk-In sites in San Fernando and Watts.

• The hotline message and project web site continue to be updated as the project progresses. During June, no messages were left on the hotline, and the web site received 257 hits.

Environmental Justice: As of June, PPSI is in compliance with all construction-related aspects of the mitigation measures applicable to minority populations and low-income populations. These measures include: ML-1 (Community Outreach and Communications Program), ML-2 (Community Partnership Program), ML-3 (Local Community and MBE Hiring Program), and ML-6 (implementation of the BIMP).

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