Working with California Environmental Regulators on Pipeline Sites

Don O. Culbertson, James M. Waldon, and Martin B. Bloes

Petroleum pipelines have been in operation in California since the turn of the century. Formerly undeveloped lands are becoming residential developments and are being considered for municipal uses. Land use has changed or undergone reclassification over time. Pipelines are present in sensitive areas such as public rights of way, marine environments, wetlands, areas of historical significance, and endangered species habitats. As a result, environmental activities, such as site investigation and remediation, often involve a multitude of regulatory agencies and public/private entities due to land issues.

To effectively address environmental concerns, a cooperative problem solving approach is needed to reach a mutually acceptable solution for the public and industry. Regulatory oversight must consider past and present pipeline operations, along with current and future land use. Development of site investigation and remediation strategies must balance regulatory, technical, cost, and land use issues. Technical aspects of site investigations and remediation strategies must be conducted within social and political constraints. These strategies must effectively reduce the potential impact to the land while maximizing its use.

The complexity of these issues requires proactive regulatory interaction to achieve a cost efficient and effective solution to environmental concerns. This paper relates successful practices that are used in working with environmental regulatory agencies in California.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California