SEAL BEACH : Planning Panel OKs Oil-Water Plant Plan

Unocal’s controversial proposal to reopen an oil-water separation plant on Marina Drive has won Planning Commission approval. But city officials expect the decision to be appealed to the City Council.

Last week’s 3-2 commission ruling caps three months of discussions about the plan, which is opposed by some neighboring residents who fear that reopening the plant will increase noise and pollution.

Unocal hopes to use the plant to process oil from offshore wells. The facility was closed in 1983 after winter storms destroyed the wells. The wells are now back in operation.

At last Wednesday’s meeting, the Planning Commission asked Unocal to install a security alarm system in the plant, said Lee Whittenberg, the planning director.

But some residents are not satisfied and say they will appeal the decision to the City Council.

One of their greatest concerns is that the plant will emit harmful pollutants. Data from four separate studies provided by Unocal showed that such a separation plant does not pose a health risk to residents.