INTRODUCTION

This newsletter is the first of two project newsletters that will provide information on the environmental review process for the proposed Carson to Norwalk Pipeline Project.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is directing the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Carson to Norwalk Pipeline Project proposed by Santa Fe Pacific Pipeline (SFPP) Partners, L.P. Aspen Environmental Group (Aspen), a third-party contractor, under the direction of the CPUC, as the lead California State agency, is preparing a draft and final EIR to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

What is the proposed project? SFPP proposes to build and operate a new 16-inch petroleum products pipeline extending from SFPP’s existing Watson Station in Carson to the existing SFPP station at Norwalk, California (approximately 13 miles). In addition, SFPP will make changes at 4 stations, located in Carson, Norwalk, Industry, and Colton.

SUMMARY OF THE SCOPING PROCESS

The process of determining the focus and content of an EIR is known as scoping. Scoping provides an opportunity for individuals to give oral and/or written comments on the focus and content of the EIR. The Scoping process for this EIR included issuance of a Notice of Preparation (NOP), and conducting of scoping meetings. The scoping process was completed in September of 1997.

The CPUC conducted two scoping meetings: September 17, 1997 at DeForest Park in Long Beach and September 18, 1997 at Simms Park in Bellflower. Notices of these meetings were publicized in newspapers of general circulation the week prior to the meeting.

The CPUC also issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) on August 25, 1997 which was distributed to city, county, state and federal agencies, affected state and federal legislators, local elected officials and the State Clearinghouse. The NOP included the schedule for participating in the scoping process.

Over 50 individuals participated in the scoping meetings, and 32 agencies or individuals provided oral or written comments. The scoping comment period closed on September 29, 1997.

A Scoping Report was prepared in October 1997. The report summarized oral comments and included copies of all written comment letters. Public comments received were related to project description and alternatives, notification, and environmental issues areas including: air quality, cultural resources, environmental contamination, geology and soils, hydrology, land use and public recreation, noise, public services, socioeconomic issues and public services, system safety, and transportation and traffic.

FOR MORE INFORMATION . . .

If you have questions about the project or the environmental review process, and would like to obtain further information about the Carson to Norwalk Pipeline Project EIR or add your name to the project mailing list, please contact Jennifer Scholl (Aspen) or Moises Chavez (CPUC). Contact information is included on the last page of this newsletter. In addition, project information locations have been established at several libraries in the study area. Scoping documents are currently located at these locations, and other EIR documents will be sent as they become available. Also, check the project web site at:

http://www.AspenEG.com/SFPP-EIR

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT

The map on the next page shows the route of the pipeline proposed by SFPP. The 13-mile pipeline is proposed to start in Carson and end in Norwalk, also passing through the Cities of Long Beach, Cerritos, and Bellflower and a portion of Los Angeles County. Modifications would also be made to four SFPP facilities.

At Norwalk, the new pipeline will connect to an existing under-utilized 16-inch pipeline to allow increased shipments of products to SFPP’s Colton terminal. SFPP’s system can currently ship about 350,000 barrels per day (BPD) of products to Colton; after installation of this new pipeline segment it will be able to ship about 530,000 BPD. The new pipeline will transport unleaded gasoline (56%), diesel fuel (25%), and jet fuel (19%).

A detailed description of the proposed Watson to Norwalk Pipeline Project is included in the NOP and Initial Study; copies are available upon request.

ALTERNATIVES TO BE EVALUATED

CEQA requires an EIR to evaluate alternatives to a proposed project. During October and November, numerous alternatives have been studied that could meet most of SFPP’s project objectives. The alternatives evaluation process focused on finding alternatives that (1) are feasible, and (2) substantially avoid or lessen the proposed project’s significant environmental effects. Analysis of feasibility included consideration of suitability and availability of routes, consistency with local plans and policies, and availability of infrastructure.

Alternatives Eliminated from Full Consideration. Nine alternatives have been evaluated and determined to be either infeasible or not having environmental benefits over the proposed project. These alternatives eliminated include

pipeline routes on South Street, Alameda Street, Compton/Excelsior Streets, and Del Amo Boulevard; use of Edison’s transmission corridor and two railroad corridors; the 91 Freeway ROW; product transport by train or truck; and use of other existing pipelines. The rationale for eliminating each of these alternatives will be explained in detail in the Draft EIR. Operation of SFPP’s pipeline system with different parameters is still being studied.

Alternatives Evaluated in the EIR. No single alternative pipeline route was found that could replace the entire proposed route. However, four segments of the proposed route were identified that have the potential for significant environmental effects. Route segment alternatives have been developed for these portions of the proposed route.

The map on the next page shows the alternative pipeline route segments between the Carson and Norwalk stations. The alternatives that will be evaluated are summarized in the table below. These alternatives will be described in detail in the EIR, and impacts of each will be presented in the analysis for each issue area.

NEWSLETTER #2

The CPUC will continue to involve the public and will inform interested and affected parties about how they may participate in the analysis and contribute to the final decision. Other opportunities for involvement in the project decisionmaking process will be described in detail in Newsletter #2, which will be mailed at the time of publication of the Draft EIR. It will include:

• A project update and detailed EIR
• A list the specific locations and dates of public hearings on the Draft EIR and Description of ways to present written or oral comments on the Draft EIR
• How to obtain a copy of the Draft EIR, and where copies are available at libraries
• Description of and schedule for the CPUC decision process.

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE ROUTE SEGMENTS

Sources of Project Information: Carson to Norwalk Pipeline EIR

Back to Home Page