Greater Baldwin Hills Alliance Demands that County Fix Flawed Oil Field Regulations
The Greater Baldwin Hills Alliance is demanding that the Baldwin Hills oil field regulations be consistent with the Final Environmental Report that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved on October 21, 2008, and the actions of the Regional Planning Commission. The Board is scheduled to take action on October 28, 2008.
In order to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (”CEQA”), the oil field regulations or Community Standards District (“CSD”) approved by the Board must ensure that the average rate of new oil wells allowed by the CSD does not exceed the average increase of wells studied in the Final Environmental Impact Report (”EIR”). The CSD presently would permit a total of 600 new oils wells to be drilled over the next 20 years without further environmental analysis and with only ministerial permits. The EIR studied a net increase of only 453 new oil wells. The CSD does not take into account the abandonment of existing wells contemplated by the EIR. This is not lawful. The CSD must restrict the net number of new wells to an average increase of no more than 22 new wells per year. Alternatively, the EIR must be recirculated.
In addition, the Board took actions that are inconsistent with the Regional Planning Commission, without any prior discussion or deliberation. First, the Board adopted a provision that would allow the oil company, PXP, to retain an existing gas plant flare at the site if the South Coast Air Quality Management District approves. The vibrations from that flare “have been so distressing for the community,” according to Supervisor Yvonne Burke. Second, the Board changed the procedure for the oil company to seek modifications of the CSD. Third, the Board eliminated independent third-party audits of the oil field every five years, contrary to the requirements of the Planning Commission. These changes cannot be made unless the CSD is first referred back to the Planning Commission. Alternatively, these amendments must be withdrawn.
Download theGreater Baldwin Hills Alliance demand letter to the County here.
Visit www.baldwinhillsoil.org and www.greaterbaldwinhillsalliance.org.
