Oil Processing Facility Decommissioning & Remediation

The Carpinteria oil and gas processing facility consists of 55 acres located in the City of Carpinteria. The existing surface facilities, including pipelines in state waters, are to be removed, and soil remediated, and site restored by Chevron, the property owner. Initial project activities will include selected tree removal, pipeline removal in tidal areas, and surface demolition of the plant facilities, followed by soil remediation and site restoration.

The City of Carpinteria is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and coordinated review with many local, state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District, . These and other agencies issue permits and approvals associated with the project and have direct oversight of project activities

During the CEQA review process, multiple public comment opportunities were available, including during circulation of the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Reports, available here. Chevron also facilitated multiple roundtables and listening sessions with the Tribal communities and governments in the region throughout the process to understand their concerns and priorities associated with the project, and incorporate them into the project.

Chevron has removed the majority of hydrocarbons from the facility. All pipelines and equipment have been cleaned and flushed and are ready for decommissioning. An Oil Spill Response Plan has been prepared for this specific project in coordination with relevant regulatory agencies.

The Final Environmental Impact Report found that impacts from noise and traffic were less than significant with mitigation. Chevron will perform noise monitoring and has a traffic management plan to mitigate impacts to traffic associated with the project. Haul Truck traffic associated with the project on HWY-101 will be limited to weekdays 9 AM-4 PM to avoid high-traffic times.

The harbor seal rookery and haul out management plan provides robust mitigations to protect the harbor seal rookery and haul out. Project activities within 1,000 feet of the rookery/haul out area south of the railroad tracks are to take place outside of the “pupping season” from December 1 to May 31 . When work is performed near the rookery, Chevron will have a marine mammal monitor observing the rookery to minimize disturbance. Chevron is also coordinating with Seal Watch and other organizations on project activities near the rookery and haul out.

Tribal cultural monitors and archaeological monitors will be observing all ground disturbance activities associated with the project and have approved procedures and plans to protect cultural resources that may be found during project activities.

Many technical studies have been completed as part of the CEQA process, and the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Reports are available on the City of Carpinteria’s website here. Additional assessments related to project execution will be developed as part of the project as it progresses, and will be submitted to appropriate regulatory agencies.

The anticipated schedule of work will last approximately three years but is subject to modification based on weather, tides, biologic considerations, and many additional factors.

Chevron’s West Coast Decommissioning Program is committed to providing open and transparent means for community members to find information, raise concerns, and have inquiries addressed in a timely manner. Email WCDProgram@chevron.comor call Chevron’s 24-hour Community Hotline at (805) 979-3500. Chevron will make every effort to respond to you as quickly as possible.

Monitor this website for additional information, as it will be updated periodically as work progresses. Additionally, Chevron is coordinating with the City of Carpinteria to provide updates to the community via the City’s e-newsletter.