By Mai Nojima
Circulation Editor
E&B Natural Resources’ potential oil drilling project in the city of Hermosa Beach would have significant, unavoidable negative effects, according to newly-released impact reports.
Marine Research Specialists, an environmental consulting firm, released the Draft Environmental Impact Report on Feb. 13 to the public, along with McDaniel Lambert’s Health Impact Assessment and a Cost Benefit Analysis done by Kosmont Companies. These studies cover every aspect of the Hermosa Maintenance Yard Oil Recovery Project, including health and safety concerns and monetary issues.
“They looked at the sustainability of the environment, economy and community,” City Manager Tom Bakaly said. “Without the HIA and CBA, they might have missed other economic and community aspects.”
The DEIR said that the project would impact 10 areas: aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, water quality, land use, noise, recreation, safety and risk of upset.
According to the DEIR, there is a chance that blowouts could occur, which would release large amounts of pressurized gas and flammable liquid. The DEIR also proposes 130 mitigation measures to reduce these risks.
“I am concerned that the project will have impact on not just the area around the proposed site, but on all of the beach cities,” resident Nancy Wloch said.
The HIA states that hydrogen sulfide gas, released during operational activities, will likely cause negative health effects, such as eye and skin irritation, headaches and nausea.
“This is what we have been advocating for over a year,” Keep Hermosa, an anti-oil association, member Dency Nelson said.
The CBA estimates that Hermosa would gain $118 to $270 million in revenue from the drilling, and the Hermosa School District would obtain between $1.2 to $3.8 million over 30 years. If the project is not passed by voters, the city would have to pay a $17.5 million settlement for initially approving the project.
“Without knowing where exactly the oil is, I feel like it won’t be a huge revenue boost to the city,” resident Traci Horowitz said.
Hermosa is now in a 60-day review period, in which the public will be able to ask the city questions and discuss concerns before the final EIR is released in June. Residents will vote on the issue of oil drilling in November.
“Our hope is that the residents and public will get an understanding of the environmental impacts and how they can participate in reviewing the report,” Hermosa Beach Project Manager Ed Almanza said.
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