SEAL BEACH : Unocal to Address Concerns Over Plant

Unocal Corp., locked in a battle with residents over its proposal to reopen an oil-water separation plant, will hold a public meeting on the issue tonight.

The meeting comes about a month before the City Council is scheduled to vote on the controversial proposal, which is opposed by some residents who fear that reopening the plant will cause noise and pollution problems.

“This gives residents a chance to tell us what’s on their minds,” said Janet McClintock, spokeswoman for Unocal.

The Planning Commission last month approved Unocal’s proposal, but residents have appealed the decision to the council.

The Marina Drive plant would process oil from offshore wells. It was closed in 1983 after fierce winter storms destroyed the wells. The wells are now operating, and Unocal seeks to once again process oil through the facility.

Some residents, however, fear the plant will emit harmful pollutants.

A toxicologist and occupational health expert from Unocal will be on hand at tonight’s meeting to discuss safety issues. The facility’s manager will discuss how the plant would be operated.

Representatives from the Air Quality Management District and the Orange County Fire Department might also attend the meeting, McClintock said.

The meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Marina Community Center, 151 Marina Drive.