Suit Charges Petroleum Plant Endangers Neighbors’ Health

Twenty-five residents have filed suit against Unocal, charging that the petroleum company’s Fort Apache plant near Huntington Harbour has caused them health problems.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the residents by Santa Ana attorney Gene J. Goldsman, charges that Unocal “negligently owned, operated and maintained Fort Apache in such a negligent manner as to allow the nauseous and toxic fumes to escape and cause serious and extensive injuries.”

Goldsman said he will present medical testimony to support the claims of health impairment.

The suit, filed Tuesday in Orange County Superior Court, seeks an unspecified amount of damages, both as punishment and as compensation for alleged health damage.

Unocal representatives and officials of the state’s Air Quality Management District (AQMD) have repeatedly said their tests have found no toxics or health-endangering fumes coming from the plant, which separates water and petroleum newly drilled from offshore wells.

City and county officials also have said they have no evidence of health problems caused by the Huntington Beach plant.

Some residents of the Fort Apache area, however, have claimed that they have suffered breathing and skin problems caused by the plant’s fumes.

As recently as Feb. 1, Ben Shaw, a representative of AQMD, appeared at a City Council meeting and said the state agency had found no health risks caused by the Unocal plant. Randy Shipley, representing Unocal, also told the council that the oil company has repeatedly tested Fort Apache and has found no problems.

Unocal named the plant, located at 4541 Heil Ave., “Fort Apache” because it was in an isolated area when it was built about 30 years ago. Today, the plant is surrounded by homes and apartments.

Unocal officials in the fall held two public meetings with area residents to try to reassure them about the safety of the plant. Another public meeting hosted by Unocal is scheduled for tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Meadowlark Country Club, 16782 Graham St.