The Seal Beach Environmental Quality Control Board on June 27 raised concerns about the potential impact of Long Beach’s proposed Haynes Generating Station Sewer Pipeline Project.
A Long Beach document called an Initial Study/Negative Declaration confirmed that Edison Park and Gardens are part of the project area, as well as Rush Park and Rossmoor Park both of which are in Rossmoor. (“A negative declaration is a written statement that an EIR is not required because a project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment,” according to the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.)
The Seal Beach Environmental Board voted 4 to 0 to forward their comments on the Haynes Generating Station Sewer Pipeline Project to the city of Seal Beach. Board Member Susan Perrell had an excused absence from the meeting.
“The Project would construct a new 12-inch-diameter high density polyethylene sewer force main to convey existing industrial and stormwater discharges from the LADWP [Los Angeles Department of Water and Power] HGS [Haynes Generating Station] to the Los Angeles County Sanitation District’s (LACSD) Long Beach Water Reclamation Facility (WRF),” according to the Initial Study.
During the discussion, Horning said he didn’t believe the Long Beach sewer pipeline project would have any kind of significant impact on Seal Beach.
Massetti said according to a map, the pipe would cut through Edison Park (which is in Seal Beach). He said he didn’t understand why Long Beach don’t go on their own property and then cut over the other side of the park to save Seal Beach’s park from “being destroyed”.
Temple said Massetti was correct. He said city staff was reviewing the document. He said the city would comment on the project.
“Would they need a permit to cut through our park?” Massetti asked.
Staff confirmed that Seal Beach would be discussing some sort of permit with Long Beach.
According to Temple, city staff had not completed the review of the proposal. He said staff would appreciate any comments that the Seal Beach Environmental Board had.
Showalter said comments on this project were due on July 15. Horning said he agreed with Massetti.
Temple said Seal Beach was one of the specifically notified parties. He said Seal Beach staff would provide comments.
Showalter said that something that was good about this project was that it would benefit the re-use of millions of gallons of water. However, she said she heard the concerns the other board members raised.
Massetti said as he read through the document, Long Beach asserted that the the closest residence was in long Beach, but according to Massetti the closest Leisure World residence was 400 feet away from the project. “We at least ought to make a comment that Leisure World exists and it’s within so many hundred feet and probably out to be included,” Massetti said.
Horning asked if Long Beach would be trenching or doing underground piping. He said that would make a significant difference.
According to the Long Beach Initial Study/Mitigated Declaration, the project would include a permit to remove trees. District One Board Member James Villanueva said that was a little concerning about what Long Beach might want to do to Seal Beach’s park.
“In general, out comment ought to be, ‘Please avoid our park,’” Massetti said.
“Unless you can give us a good reason,” Massetti said.
Temple said this project would come back to the Seal Beach Environmental Board.
