SAN FERNANDO : City Moves to Renew Pipeline Franchise

The San Fernando City Council took the first step in renewing a franchise for an underground oil pipeline but continued a public hearing because of concerns that the pipeline could be used to transport gas and other petroleum products.

During Tuesday’s hearing, representatives of the Long Beach-based Four Corners Pipe Line Co. insisted that they have no plans to use the pipeline for anything other than crude oil.

If those plans ever changed, the company would renegotiate the ordinance granting the 15-year franchise. “It means a new franchise,” said Dick Marston, who oversees land rights of way for Four Corners.

Since the ordinance contains references to the transmission of “oil and petroleum products,” council members prefer having a written provision requiring the company to obtain approval from the council before transporting any product other than crude oil.

The council, after approving the first reading of the ordinance, continued the hearing to July 19 to give staff time to draft such a provision if it is not already contained in the lengthy document.

Two residents also expressed concerns that the wording could allow the company to switch to transporting gas or similar substances in the pipeline without notifying city officials.

“This word ‘gas’ leaves a big window open,” said resident Salvador Ponce, who lives near the pipeline’s path. “It’s a very dangerous fuel to go right under the streets.”

The oil pipeline, in operation since 1925, runs through the city’s southern edge along Jackman, Woodworth, Kalisher and Wolfskill streets and O’Melveny Avenue.