Clarifying Stand on Kelt Oil Proposal

The article on the rejection by the Torrance City Council of a proposed water-flood injection project (Times, Dec. 1) commands further clarification. Southeast Torrance Homeowners Assn. (SETHA) is not in an adversarial position with its City Council.

As quoted, I sound as though I was surprised the City Council listened to the homeowners. The intent of my statement was to reflect pleasant surprise that there were six votes. The members of the council were very much aware of our unhappiness that the entire neighborhood was not being treated in an equitable manner when information was disseminated by Kelt Energy. They had an overall picture of what was happening. They listened to all the homeowners’ concerns and acted upon them in an admirable way.

Your reporter was aware through previous conversations that SETHA, rather than opposing the project from the beginning had taken a position of “wait and see” by requiring as much information be given and safeguards required as to meet the best interests of all area residents. We opposed the project only after the Oct. 25 hearing when we felt there were inadequate answers to our concerns and no attempt by the developer to be up front with everyone, whether or not mineral rights were involved.

SETHA will continue to monitor activities of interest to our area. We’ll share our concerns with the City Council as necessary. We will have to work a little harder on building our sense of community after this incident, but we’ll sure keep trying.

SUE HERBERS

President

Southeast Torrance

Homeowners Assn.

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