Resident raises concern over pipeline

DOWNEY - Responding to concerns raised by a Downey resident, the City Council has scheduled a public hearing March 8 to discuss an oil pipeline that runs underneath the city.The pipeline is in the process of being franchised to LT Pipeline Inc. The company purchased the pipeline from Pacific Pipeline System LLC last summer, which had acquired the pipeline from the city of Downey in 2006. The pipeline dates to 1995, when it was installed by Arco as a way to transport oil, gas and petroleum within public streets in Downey. The 4-inch pipeline begins on Columbia Way where it turns west on Imperial Highway, north on Paramount Boulevard, west on Quill Drive, north on Old River School Road and west on Stewart and Gray Road, where it heads into South Gate. On Tuesday, the City Council began the process of granting LT Pipeline a 20-year franchise deal that would net the city $19,553 in annual payments, with yearly adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. LT Pipeline would also pay the city a one-time franchise granting fee of $10,000, according to the proposed contract. The contract includes an option for the city to extend the deal in five-year increments. Resident Harold Tseklenis raised concerns to the City Council regarding the pipeline's safety and requested language in the contract that would mandate annual inspections of the pipeline. He cited recent examples of pipeline explosions throughout the country. The City Council is expected to discuss safety parameters at a public hearing March 8 during the regular council meeting that starts at 7:30 p.m. "If a resident has a concern, I have a concern," said Mayor Pro Tem Roger Brossmer. To see a map of the underground pipeline in the city, view this article on our website at thedowneypatriot.com.

********** Published: February 10, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 43