By Jessie Rosenfeld
Staff Writer
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission held open dialogues on April 2 and 10 to discuss the proposed Hermosa Oil Drilling and Production Project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report.
At the meeting, the public was allowed to comment on the DEIR, a summary on the potential environmental impacts from E&B Natural Resource’s proposed oil drilling project in Hermosa before submitting final revisions to the Planning Commission.
“Some comments were very specific regarding the EIR,” Hermosa Beach City Council member Hany Fangary said. “It’s good because we can address them when the EIR is finalized.”
At the April 2 meeting, the public voiced concerns about environmental impacts that were overlooked in the DEIR. Residents expressed that they wanted a comprehensive analysis on specific impacts of the project in the EIR. Others called for a need for greater visual representation of what will be constructed.
“It’s important to provide thorough and accurate information to the citizens,” Hermosa Beach resident Katrina Bacallao said.
A 60-day comment period started on Feb. 13 and ended on April 14. During this period, residents could submit written comments to the city about the DEIR, as well as the Health Impact Assessment and Cost Benefit Analysis, which analyzed health risks and financial advantages, respectfully.
“Our first concern is that the report is accurate and complete,” City Council member Nanette Barragan said. “The public comment period provides an opportunity for people to be heard.”
Costa science teacher Teresa Nielsen had her students send letters to the Hermosa Beach City Council about their concerns regarding oil drilling in Hermosa. In response to these letters, Fangary and Barragan visited Costa on April 16 to answer questions.
“I was impressed with how much research the students did.” Fangary said. “I wanted to come to thank them and to inform other students about the project.”
Marine Research Specialist consultants will incorporate comments made during the public comment period into the EIR with responses from MRS expert consultants and E&B Natural Resource Management Corporation.
“We want the EIR to cover all areas of the project,” Keep Hermosa Hermosa, an anti-oil drilling advocacy group, representative Kevin Sousa said. “We want to make sure if it does happen, there are things to make sure it is not a bad project.”
Once the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission reviews the final EIR, it will hold a hearing to inform the City Council of the EIR’s adequacy. The City Council will then hold a public hearing to certify the EIR and submit the measure to the City Clerk to be put on the November ballot.
“In my opinion, it is too risky,” Barragan said. “The drilling here would be too close to homes.”
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