Foxen Petroleum Pipeline construction extension approved
SANTA MARIA, Calif. — The controversial Foxen Petroleum Pipeline just south of Santa Maria got an extension Wednesday. This came during the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission meeting.
The commission voted to extend the Foxen Petroleum Pipeline construction permit through August 5th of 2021. The three to two vote will allow TerraCore Operating Company another year to start building the pipeline, five years after the original application was approved.
ERG Resources originally applied and started the construction process. Last year TerraCore bought ERG and continued the work to build the pipeline. In January they filed for the extension that was approved Wednesday.
Laura Bridley is the chair of the County Planning Commission. She said, "Between the California Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers a bunch of other agencies, it's a pretty complicated permitting from original permit approval 2015 to actually digging dirt and putting in the pipeline."
The pipeline would be 2.9 miles running from TerraCore's newly acquired oilfield and connect oilfields to their tie-in point with another pipeline near Santa Maria Mesa Road and Andrew Street.
A TerraCore representative said during the hearing the pipeline would replace about 7,000 truck trips along Foxen Canyon Road annually.
However, environmentalists are concerned with the impact the pipeline will have on the area. More than 100 emails were sent before the hearing and 8 public commenters urged the commission to vote no.
Elena Salinas is a volunteer with UCSB Food and Water Action. She said, "In addition to the community health effects there's also reproductions on ecosystems if there is a spill. And not to mention the drastic increase in carbon emissions that would occur."
Chair Bridley said her vote was more about procedure rather than the environment. And five years ago the commission voted with the environment in mind.
TerraCore has until August 5th 2021 to start a substantial portion of the construction.
