STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PETE WILSON,
Governor
December 8, 1997
RE: Variance Request #35; Reduce the refueling distance requirements (0.25 miles) stipulated by Mitigation Measure B-AQ-1 at four direction drilling locations (Gorman Slide, Castaic Creek, Santa Clara River, and Los Angeles Aqueduct)
Dear Mr. Shauers:
We have reviewed the above-referenced variance request and approve your request based on the following factors:
• Directional drilling at the noted locations is to be conducted to avoid the significant construction impacts associated with using open-cut construction methods and potential operation impacts (crude oil spill) at these sensitive aquatic and landslide areas.
• Since directional drilling equipment requiring refueling would need to be disassembled in order to travel the required 0.25 miles for refueling, additional construction time and associated impacts would occur (e.g., air quality, noise, and transportation).
• As proposed, directional drilling equipment would be staged at a minimum of 200 feet (and in many cases approximately 1,000 feet) from the subject waterways. As noted below, equipment refueling procedures would be implemented to minimize any potential spill.
• The following measures shall be implemented:
- All applicable mitigation measures for the project shall be implemented at the subject locations.
- The following fueling kit shall be installed around each piece of equipment fueled within the 0.25 mile zone. 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.
- Refueling trucks shall only remain at the directional drilling sites long enough to refuel and maintain equipment. All equipment repairs shall be made in accordance with the distance stipulations of Mitigation Measure B-AQ-1.
- This variance approval allows for refueling and routine maintenance at the subject locations (Gorman Slide, Castaic Creek, Santa Clara River, and Los Angeles Aqueduct) only if the measures stipulated above are followed. Storage of fuel or other hazardous materials, or vehicle/equipment repair shall not be allowed under the provisions of this variance.
- All drips, leaks, and/or spills from vehicles and/or equipment shall be excavated immediately and disposed of in appropriate, labeled containers.
- 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,
