More stringent controls are needed for an urban oilfield slated for a major expansion over the next two decades, residents of surrounding communities told county planners Wednesday.
About 50 residents told the Regional Planning Commission that the proposal to drill 1,000 new wells at the Inglewood oilfield will bring increased air and noise pollution, as well as higher risk of spills and pipeline ruptures.
"Our hope is to get more protective measures," said Ken Kutcher, a member of the Greater Baldwin Hills Alliance, a residents' coalition formed to tackle expansion of the field in southwestern Los Angeles County.
Houston-based Plains Exploration and Production, which currently produces 8,700 barrels of crude a day from 436 active wells on the field, has submitted a proposed ordinance regulating expanded operations at the field, which has been operating since 1924.
The proposal, which includes items such as noise barriers and limiting deliveries to between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., is "far above and beyond what is required," said Steve Rusch, PXP's vice president of environmental, health & safety, and governmental affairs. "PXP is willing to move ahead with more comprehensive regulations."
Residents' concerns "can all be mitigated," he added. "That seems to be lost in all the hyperbole."
Residents say they're also concerned about items such as soil subsidence caused by drilling. They want drilling restricted to the center of the oil field, farther away from residential areas.
Gary Gless, president of the Windsor Hills Homeowners Association, displayed photos of cracks in walls, pavements and ceilings of homes that he claimed were caused by subsidence.
"We need independent geologists and oil experts to review this," he said.
The planning commission continued the public hearing until Oct. 8 in order to consider the issues raised by residents.
State Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas, who has been working with the residents, said he hoped neighbors' concerns would be addressed in a new draft of the ordinance, not just the company's. "PXP should not be permitted to proceed until every 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed," he said.
No new drilling is currently allowed at the oilfeild under a moratorium imposed by the county Board of Supervisors in 2006. The ban is set to expire Oct. 21.
Rusch said renewed drilling will pump millions of dollars into the local economy.
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