C P U C |
THE OBSERVER |
Published by the California Public Utilities Commission |
|
NEWSLETTER |
January 1999
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this newsletter is to provide local residents and businesses with information on construction of the Carson to Norwalk Pipeline Project. In addition, information on the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) environmental review and approval process for the project is provided. On October, 8, 1998, the CPUC as State Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) approved the application of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (formerly called Santa Fe Pacific Pipeline Partners, L.P.) for the construction of the Carson to Norwalk Project after completing and certifying the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for this project. The approval was based on a requirement that Kinder Morgan’s pipeline operating company, SFPP, L.P. (SFPP), comply with a significant number of impact reduction measures as conditions of project approval.
The project consists of the construction and operation of a 14-mile petroleum products pipeline from Carson to Norwalk (see map on insert) and modification of station facilities in Carson, Norwalk, City of Industry, and Colton.
CPUC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PROJECT APPROVALThe CPUC’s project review process required the preparation and certification of an EIR in compliance with CEQA. The EIR assessed the environmental impacts associated with the construction of the Carson to Norwalk Pipeline Project and recommended specific ways to avoid or minimize these impacts. These are called "mitigation measures." CEQA defines a comprehensive EIR process which requires significant involvement from the public and responsible agencies. The CPUC adhered to the CEQA requirements for preparation of the project EIR and also complied with more stringent requirements under its own Rules of Practice and Procedures.
The CPUC prepared a comprehensive EIR that analyzed six alternative route segments, after a detailed screening process of numerous alternatives proposed by the public and local jurisdictions. In accordance with CEQA, the "No Project Alternative" was also analyzed. The EIR included extensive review of 12 environmental issue areas, including review of the project design to ensure compliance with Federal and State safety standards and regulations.
The EIR identifies 96 measures adopted by the CPUC as conditions of project approval, in addition to the 90 measures proposed by SFPP to reduce environmental impacts and improve pipeline safety. These measures must be implemented by SFPP and will be monitored by the CPUC prior to and during construction of the pipeline and station modifications.
The CPUC’s environmental review also included a comprehensive public involvement program that allowed members of the public and local agencies to provide input on the EIR. Several public meetings were held, notices were placed in local newspapers, and information was mailed to residents along the proposed and alternative pipeline routes.
WHAT IS THE REQUIRED MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM? The CPUC selected Aspen Environmental Group (Aspen) to prepare the EIR and implement the Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program (MMCRP) for construction of the pipeline. The purpose of the monitoring program is to ensure that SFPP complies with the mitigation measures that were adopted by the CPUC as part of project approval. Aspen will work closely with all responsible and cooperating agencies during construction of the pipeline and station modifications. Aspen developed the MMCRP Implementation Plan that lists all of the EIR mitigation measures, Applicant-proposed measures, responsible and cooperating agencies, and detailed monitoring criteria to be used by Aspen’s field monitors. The Implementation Plan also includes a list of permits issued by local jurisdictions. The Implementation Plan can be reviewed on our MMCRP Web Site, at the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office in Los Angeles, or at the libraries listed on the last page of this newsletter.One component of the Implementation Plan requires that a CPUC monitor be present during all construction activities to ensure that SFPP fully complies with all mitigation measures. The construction activities are illustrated on the insert page of this newsletter. Examples of the mitigation requirements that the CPUC will be monitoring are:
- P Traffic control measures that minimize disruption and prevent blocked access to any residence or business
- P Local noise ordinances which limit hours of construction
- P Pipeline safety features (e.g., valve installation) in accordance with Federal and State requirements.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
In order for the CPUC to allow construction of the SFPP Carson to Norwalk Pipeline to start, SFPP was required to prepare several planning documents and technical studies. These documents were submitted to the CPUC and other agencies for review and approval. Following are some of the major plans completed prior to the start of construction:
In addition, before the start of construction SFPP must notify all residents and business owners along the pipeline route of construction dates in their areas. Finally, SFPP must secure local agency approvals (e.g., franchise permits) before the start of construction within each jurisdiction. Local agencies also review and approve detailed traffic control plans that define how traffic will flow around street construction.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
Construction of the pipeline started on November 16, 1998 in the City of Long Beach on DeForest Avenue and South Street. Construction in Long Beach (a total of about 4 miles) will continue through January. In mid-January, a second construction spread will start work in Los Angeles County (Rancho Dominguez area), and in late January, when Long Beach construction is finished, construction will start in the City of Bellflower. The project Web Site will include schedule information updated each week. Construction of the entire 14-mile pipeline is expected to be completed by July 1, 1999.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Included in this newsletter is an insert page illustrating the major construction activities that happen during pipeline construction. All of these construction activities are monitored continuously by the CPUC environmental monitor.
P
Surveying and Marking: The location of other buried utilities is marked on the pavement.P
Potholing: Small holes are made in the roadway to identify locations of other buried utilities.P
Pavement Breaking: The road above the trench is broken and paving material taken to disposal sites.P
Trenching: A trench is excavated using a backhoe. Soil from the trench is loaded into dump trucks and taken to disposal sites.P
Plating: The open trench is covered by steel plates when active construction is not underway.P
Pipe Stringing: Coated pipe is delivered to the ROW on trucks and is positioned next to the trench.P
Pipe Bending: The pipe is bent to fit the turns and elevation variations of the trench bottom.P
Welding: The lengths of pipe are then welded together.P
X-Ray Inspection: Every weld on the pipe is then x-rayed. If a flaw in a weld is visible on the x-ray, the weld is inspected and necessary repairs are made.P
Weld Coating and Testing: The pipe welds are then buffed clean and a heat-installed shrink sleeve is applied. The entire pipe coating is then tested to detect any punctures in the coating and sleeve. Any nicks or punctures are repaired.P
Lowering In: Slurry or rock-free soil is placed in the bottom of the trench to act as padding for the pipe. A length of welded pipe is put in slings attached to sidebooms and then lowered into the trench.P Tie-in Welding: Welders then weld the lengths of pipe together in an excavated work area in the trench. These welds are also x-rayed.
P
Backfilling: Once the pipe in the trench has been padded with rock-free soil, the trench is filled with a sand and one-sack slurry.P
Temporary and Permanent Repaving: The roadway is repaved according to the requirements of the local jurisdiction.Traffic Control: During pipeline construction, SFPP will use flaggers, signs, and barricades for traffic control. The goal of traffic control is to reduce accidents, to minimize the potential for injury to construction workers and the public, and to expedite the flow of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians through a work zone. Prior to the start of construction, SFPP must prepare a detailed Traffic Control Plan for the review and approval of each local jurisdiction. City and County inspectors, as well as the CPUC’s Environmental Monitors, make sure that SFPP is using appropriate traffic control methods.
CONSTRUCTION REPORTING
The CPUC's Implementation Plan requires daily, weekly, and monthly reports to document daily construction activities and SFPP's compliance with the required mitigation measures. These reports are filed with the CPUC and other interested agencies, and are available on the Internet Web Site.
SFPP Project Hotline
(800) 682-3483
The toll-free number above is answered by a SFPP representative, as required by the CPUC’s mitigation measures. This number can be used during construction hours for questions or complaints regarding the construction of the pipeline. All public complaints are reported to the CPUC.LIBRARIES WITH PROJECT INFORMATION
Libraries located near construction locations have been established as information centers where you can review project-related documents such as the 1998 EIR, the CPUC’s project approval and EIR certification decision, and the MMCRP Implementation Plan. These libraries also have access to the Internet, where the public can use computers to access the Web Site that shows construction progress. The addresses of libraries along the pipeline route are listed below. Libraries in the immediate vicinity of the pipeline route are identified by number on the project route map (on insert page). Project information can also be accessed at the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office in Los Angeles, telephone number: (213) 897-3544.