STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PETE WILSON, Governor

PUBLIC UTILITES COMMISSION

505 VAN NESS AVENUE

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3298

March 4, 1998

Dean Shauers, Project Manager

Pacific Pipeline System, Inc.

12201 E. Arapahoe Road, C10

Englewood, CO 80112

RE: Variance Request #48 - Relocation of the project pipeline from station numbers 5899+00 to 5966+09 (a distance of 6,700 feet) to accommodate the Alameda Corridor Project(Segment 5).

Dear Mr. Shauers:

We have reviewed the above-referenced variance request and approve your request, based on the following factor:

• The requested relocation would include both a directional drill of approximately 3,000 feet and standard pipeline construction for the remaining portion. The reroute would be roughly 100 feet to the east of the currently approved route and would be located within an existing gravel road on Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) property, adjacent to Compton Creek. Variance Request #48 has been submitted in response to a request made by the Alameda Corridor Engineering Team (ACET), since as approved, the pipeline alignment would conflict with the future construction of the Alameda Corridor Project. The realignment reflected in Variance Request #48 is as proposed by ACET.

• The proposed route was examined by a PPSI biologist (D. Keefe) on January 27, 1998. Vegetation consisted of landscaped materials including pines and shrubs. No native wildlife was noted except transient birds. Since the proposed realignment is less than 100 feet to the east of the approved alignment, no additional biological impacts are anticipated. PPSI proposes to relandscape the right-of-way after the completion of construction (see below).

• Previous literature reviews of both the approved route and proposed realignment has provided no information on any known cultural resource sites, including sites of historic value. The proposed route was examined by a PPSI archaeologist (M. Carlton) on January 30, 1998 at which time no indication of cultural remains were encountered. Considering the construction of the flood control channel and levee, it is unlikely that any intact cultural resources would be present. PPSI proposes to have a Native American monitor present throughout the construction of the realignment (see below).

• The proposed realignment would be approximately 100 feet closer to Compton Creek along the flood control channel. The flood control channel is concrete lined and has a levee berm. As a result, any accidental releases from the pipeline would not be able to migrate into the flood control channel via either subsurface or overland flow.

• During construction of the proposed realignment, PPSI proposes to put into effect the refueling procedures for areas within 0.25 miles of a stream (see below). In addition, refueling would occur on the railroad right-of-way at an elevation lower than the levee berm and thus the levee itself would act as a barrier preventing spills from entering the flood control channel.

• Given the construction of the flood control channel and levee, no environmental contamination is expected along the proposed realignment. PPSI proposes to have full-time monitoring for contaminants during the construction of the realignment (see below).

• Fencing along the flood control channel would be removed during construction. This fenced area is currently not secured by locks and the public can currently enter the area. Removal of the fencing would not result in greater or lesser access to the channel. No increased public safety impact would result from the proposed realignment.

• No increased impacts would result from the proposed realignment for the following issue areas: air quality, socioeconomics, geotechnical (the Inglewood-Newport fault zone crosses the right-of-way in both locations), public utilities, system safety, visual resources, or minority-low income. The proposed realignment would reduce traffic impacts along Alameda Street.

• The following measures shall be implemented:

- All applicable mitigation measures for the project shall be implemented at the subject location.

- Prior to the commencement of construction, a permit shall be secured from the LACFCD for the use of their right-of-way. A copy of the subject permit shall be immediately forwarded to the Lead Environmental Monitor upon receipt.

- As proposed, a Native American monitor shall be present during construction. If any signs of cultural resources are identified, work shall cease immediately, and the site shall be evaluated using the procedures in the Cultural Resources Management Plan.

- As proposed, a full-time monitor for environmental contamination shall be present during the duration of construction of the realignment.

- As proposed, the following fueling kit shall be installed around each piece of equipment fueled on the proposed site. The kit shall consist of an 8 by 8-foot area of plastic sheeting placed underneath or adjacent to the vehicle and the refueling truck. A 3 by 3-foot by 6-inch deep pan shall be placed underneath the vehicle being refueled. Each refueling truck shall also be equipped with automatic shutoff nozzles to prevent spillage from overtopping. In addition, absorbent material shall be placed around the filler pipe and the fueler shall be present throughout the entire fueling operation.

- Each refueling truck shall contain a fully stocked spill containment kit which includes absorbent pads, shovels, and appropriate spill containers.

- The subject realignment shall be relandscaped in coordination with the LACFCD.

- Fencing along the flood control channel shall be replaced in coordination with the LACFCD.

- Implementation of this variance in accordance with the provisions noted above shall be verified on a random basis by a CPUC/ANF Environmental Monitor.

Sincerely,

Andrew Barnsdale

Project Manager

cc: R. Borden, ANF

H. Rastegar, Aspen

Back to Variances Pages

Back to MMCRP Home Page