Introduction
Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) website for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review of the proposed construction of the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) Aliso Canyon Turbine Replacement Project (Aliso Canyon Project, or project). The CPUC, through its Environmental Review Team, has conducted an environmental review of the Aliso Canyon project. An application for this project was submitted to the CPUC on September 28, 2009, and the applicant’s request was granted by the Commission on November 14, 2013 (Decision D-13-11-023). Subsequently, the Commission also approved the applicant’s Petition For Modification of the project on December 22, 2014 (Decision D-14-12-058). This site provides access to public documents and information relevant to the CEQA review process.
Construction of the project began the week of March 10, 2014. Information about the CPUC’s monitoring of construction activities for environmental compliance is provided here.
Background
The CPUC is the CEQA lead agency. The environmental review of the project was conducted pursuant to the provisions of CEQA and CPUC procedures. The Final EIR prepared for the project was certified by the CPUC on November 14, 2013.
The Aliso Canyon Project, as proposed by SoCalGas, includes the removal from service of the existing gas turbine-driven compressor (TDC) station located at the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage field (storage field) in unincorporated Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles, California. The TDC station will be replaced with three variable frequency compression trains installed in a new compressor station (Central Compressor Station). Other on-site and off-site associated facilities will be upgraded as part of the project. Under Section 851 of the Public Utilities Code, an existing Southern California Edison (SCE) electrical easement on SoCalGas property will also be enlarged.
SoCalGas' application for constructing the Aliso Canyon Project was required in order to meet the terms of a Settlement Agreement (SA) between SoCalGas and parties to Phase 1 of the 2009 Biennial Cost Allocation Proceeding (BCAP) in D.08-12-020. The SA requires that SoCalGas replace the TDCs and expand the overall injection capacity at the storage field by approximately 145 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd), an increase of almost 50 percent.
The project involves coordination between SoCalGas and SCE. Components of the proposed project that will be constructed and operated at the storage field by SoCalGas include:
- A new, electric-driven Central Compressor Station at the Plant Station site to replace the existing compressors, including three variable frequency drive compressor trains, compressors, piping, coolers, and other required equipment;
- Relocated office facilities. The existing trailers at the Plant Station site will be replaced by new, permanent office and crew shift buildings at a location in proximity to the proposed Central Compressor Station;
- Relocated guardhouse. The new guardhouse will be located 200 feet north of the existing guardhouse to relieve traffic congestion at the facility entrance. The existing guardhouse will not be removed as part of the project; and
- A new, four circuit, approximately 1,800-foot, 12-kV Plant Power Line that will provide dedicated electric services to the proposed Central Compressor Station. The Plant Power Line will be interconnected from the proposed SCE Natural Substation to the Central Compressor Station, and will be owned by the applicant.
Components of the proposed project that will be constructed and operated by SCE at and in the vicinity of the storage field will include:
- A new, 56-megavolt-ampere, 66/12-kV substation (Natural Substation), which will be constructed and operated at the storage field on an approximately 1-acre site. This project component will be constructed and owned by SCE;
- Upgrades of up to 8.2 miles of electrical subtransmission lines in the area of the proposed project, along segments of SCE’s Chatsworth–MacNeil–Newhall–San Fernando 66-kV Subtransmission Line and MacNeil–Newhall–San Fernando 66 kV Subtransmission Lines. Upgrades will consist of reconductoring (conductor wire replacement), and tower/pole replacement.
- Installation of up to 34 miles of telecommunications cable on existing structures in the area of the proposed project; and
- Upgrades (installation of new equipment) at several existing SCE substations (including the Newhall, Chatsworth, and San Fernando Substations) that support the two existing SCE 66-kV subtransmission lines.
The main project site (storage field) is approximately 3,600 acres in size. Project components pass through unincorporated Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles, the City of Santa Clarita (in Los Angeles County), the City of Mission Hills (in Los Angeles County), and unincorporated Ventura County.
Construction Progress and Mitigation Monitoring
The CPUC developed a Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Plan (MMCRP) in coordination with SoCalGas and SCE to provide guidance and procedures for environmental monitoring during project construction. The MMCRP is a tool to ensure compliance with the applicant proposed measures (APMs) and mitigation measures approved in the Final EIR.
The MMCRP can be viewed here (2.5 MB).
The CPUC issues Notices to Proceed (NTPs) to the applicant for each phase of construction activity, after confirming that SoCalGas and/or SCE have complied with pre-construction environmental requirements. Each NTP for the project is listed in the table below.
Notices to Proceed
The CPUC issues Notices to Proceed (NTPs) to the applicant for each phase of construction activity, after confirming that SoCalGas and/or SCE have complied with pre-construction environmental requirements. Each NTP for the project is listed in the table below.
| NTP No. | Project Components/Phase | SoCalGas or SCE? | Date NTP Approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guardhouse relocation and entry road widening | SoCalGas | February 24, 2014 |
| 2 | Crew-shift office buildings, removal of existing offices, temporary office trailers and staff parking, and development of fill sites P-41 and P-43 | SoCalGas | May 27, 2014 |
| 3 | Construction of new Central Compressor Station, grading and paving activities related to the Natural Substation, and installation of five tubular steel poles (TSPs) and associated conductor stringing | SoCalGas | July 18, 2014 |
| A | 66-kV subtransmission work and upgrades at five existing substations | SCE | October 28, 2014 |
| B | Partial installation of Telecommunications Route #3 | SCE | February 24, 2015 |
| C | Construction and telecommunication installation activities associated with the 66-kV subtransmission work | SCE | April 14, 2015 |
| D | Remaining construction and telecommunication installation activities associated with the 66-kV subtransmission work, and construction of the Natural Substation | SCE | June 8, 2015 |
| E | Additional construction and telecommunication installation on Telecommunications Routes 1, 2, and 3 | SCE | September 21, 2015 |
Construction Monitoring Reports
Monthly reports issued on construction progress as part of mitigation monitoring and compliance are listed here. If you would like more information, please see the contact information provided in the For Additional Information section below.
| Construction Month | Associated Notice to Proceed |
|---|---|
| April 2014 | 1 |
| May 2014 | 1, 2 |
| June 2014 | 1, 2 |
| July 2014 | 1, 2, 3 |
| August 2014 | 1, 2, 3 |
| September 2014 | 1, 2, 3 |
| October 2014 | 1, 2, 3 |
| November 2014 | 1, 2, 3, A |
| December 2014 | 1, 2, 3, A |
| January 2015 | 1, 2, 3, A |
| February 2015 | 1, 2, 3, A, B |
| March 2015 | 1, 2, 3, A, B |
| April 2015 | 2, 3, A, C |
| May 2015 | 2, 3, A, C |
| June 2015 | 2, 3, A, C, D |
| July 2015 | 2, 3, A, C, D |
| August 2015 | 2, 3, A, C, D |
| September 2015 | 2, 3, A, C, D |
| October 2015 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| November 2015 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| December 2015 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| January 2016 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| February 2016 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| March 2016 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| April 2016 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| May 2016 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| June 2016 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| July 2016 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| August 2016 | 2, 3, A, C, D, E |
| September 2016 | 2, 3, C, D |
| October 2016 | 2, 3, C, D |
| November 2016 | 2, 3 |
| December 2016 | 2, 3 |
| January 2017 | 2, 3 |
| February 2017 | 2, 3 |
| March-April 2017 | 3 |
| May-June 2017 | 3 |
| July-August-September 2017 | 3 |
| October 2017 – April 2018 | 3 |
Non-Compliance Reports
Non-compliance reports (NCRs) are issued by the CPUC to SCE or SoCalGas for non-compliance incidents. NCRs include a non-compliance level of 1, 2, or 3, depending on the potential or actual risk to environmental resources caused by the non-compliance event. More information about the levels and NCRs is included in the MMCRP.
| NCR No. | Type of Incident/Resources at Risk | Level | SoCalGas or SCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Use of area without approval, noise | 2 | SCE |
| 2 | Use of area without approval, cultural and biological resources | 2 | SCE |
| 3 | Hydrological and biological resources | 3 | SoCalGas |
| 4 | Hydrological and biological resources | 2 | SoCalGas |
| 5 | Use of area without approval | 1 | SCE |
| 6 | Hydrological and biological resources | 3 | SoCalGas |
| 7 | Air Quality | 2 | SCE |
| 8 | Hydrological and biological resources | 3 | SoCalGas |
| 9 | Hydrological resources | 1 | SCE |
| 10 | Hydrological and biological resources | 3 | SoCalGas |
| 11 | Biological resources | 1 | SoCalGas |
| 12 | Hydrological and biological resources | 3 | SoCalGas |
| 13 | Hydrological and biological resources | 3 | SoCalGas |
Minor Project Refinements
SoCalGas and/or SCE may submit Minor Project Refinements (MPRs) for project changes that are not major enough to warrant potential revision of the certified CEQA document. The CPUC will review any MPRs submitted by the applicant or SCE per the process described in the MMCRP. Each MPR request submitted for the project is listed in the table below.
| MPR No. | Associated NTP | Description | Date CPUC Approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Relocation of glycol and lube oil storage tanks | May 27, 2014 |
| 2 | 2 | Addition of the PS-42 fill site | October 20, 2014 |
| 3 | 2 | Temporary relocation of portable containers | July 11, 2014 |
| 4 | 3 | Kiewet parking and office trailers | August 14, 2014 |
| 5 | 2, 3 | Use of additional staging areas at the Aliso Canyon Storage Field | January 29, 2015 |
| 6 | 3 | Installation of drainage devices associated with the new Natural Substation | February 23, 2015 |
| 7 | 2, 3 | Installation of utility lines for the new Central Compressor Station and office buildings | March 24, 2015 |
| 8 | 3 | Addition of nighttime construction for the new Central Compressor Station | November 20, 2015 |
| 9 | 3 | Final engineering and road grading for 12-kV Plant Power Line | April 15, 2016 |
| 10 | 3 | Modification of 12-kV Plant Power Line configuration | November 18, 2016 |
| 11 | 2 | Leave office trailers in place for storage field operations | July 18, 2017 |
| A | A | Additional undergrounding work at San Fernando Substation | October 28, 2014 |
| B | A | Relocation of TSP 49 | November 6, 2014 |
| C | B | Installation of a temporary San Fernando Substation tap | February 24, 2015 |
| D | C | Use of additional staging area along the 210 Freeway | March 20, 2015 |
| E | A, C, D | Establishment of a helicopter landing zone and additional staging areas, and the installation of guard poles | June 29, 2015 |
| F | A, C, D | Temporary installation of guard poles and construction trailers | July 29, 2015 |
| G | C | Reestablishment of an access road to TSP 42 | August 4, 2015 |
| H | A | Reconfiguration of access road to TSP 49 | September 25, 2015 |
| I | E | Temporary reroute of telecommunication components at the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Field | March 3, 2016 |
| J | C | Placement of a wood ‘interset’ pole at TSP 32 | May 6, 2016 |
Commission Decisions
The Commission approved the project on November 14, 2013, in Decision D-13-11-023.
The Commission approved the applicant’s Petition For Modification of the project on December 18, 2014 (Decision D-14-12-058).
Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) and Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) for the project are available here. If you are unable to download these documents please see the contact information provided in the For Additional Information section below.
Addendum to Final EIR
- Addendum with Attachments (10 MB)
Final EIR
- Final EIR Volume I (49 MB)
- Final EIR Volume II - Appendices (60 MB)
Draft EIR
- Draft EIR (22 MB)
-
Appendices to Draft EIR
- Settlement Agreement
- EIR Scoping Summary Report (4 MB)
- Alternatives Screening Report (8 MB)
- 66-kV Subtransmission Line Reconductoring Routes, Existing Structures, and Vegetation Communities (9 MB)
- Biological Resources Studies (11 MB)
- Additional Biological Resources Maps and Figures
- Construction Schedule and Equipment Lists
- Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Calculations
- Additional Cultural Resources Information
- Traffic Impact Study (6 MB)
The public review and comment period for the Draft EIR commenced April 4, 2012 and ran through May 22, 2012. This period was extended by two weeks, to June 5th, so that comments submitted to the CPUC after the public review period could be considered.
The CPUC held two public meetings to explain the Aliso Canyon Project, discuss the identified impacts that would result from the project, and receive comments on the Draft EIR from the public. The public meetings were held at the following days, times, and locations:
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 (6:30 to 9:00 PM)
Wiley Canyon Elementary School
24240 La Glorita Circle
Newhall, CA 91321
Thursday, May 3, 2012 (6:30 to 9:00 PM)
Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Drive
Northridge, CA 91326
Copies of the Draft EIR were made available for review at the following public libraries:
San Fernando Library
217 North Maclay Avenue
San Fernando, CA 91340
Newhall Library
22704 West Ninth Street
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Simi Valley Library
2969 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Other Documents Available
- Application Deemed Complete Letter (March 24, 2010)
- Revised Notice of Preparation (October 26, 2010)
- Errata Sheet for Notice of Preparation (October 26, 2010)
- Scoping Summary Report (December 2010)
- Notice of Availability (April 4, 2012)
Application and Proponent's Environmental Assessment (PEA)
The application and PEA for the Aliso Canyon Project may be viewed here (39 MB). The application was deemed complete by CPUC on March 24, 2010.
For Additional Information
To request additional information or to be added to the project mailing list, please contact us by email, fax, or phone, as follows:
Project email: AlisoCanyonNG@ene.com
Project fax: (415) 398-5326
Project voicemail: (877) 676-8678
U.S. Mail or Courier:
Andrew Barnsdale
c/o Ecology and Environment, Inc.
425 Market Street, 17th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
The CPUC Project Manager is:
Andrew Barnsdale, CPUC Project Manager
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel. (415) 703-3221
Fax (415) 703-1758
Email: andrew.barnsdale@cpuc.ca.gov