The Pittsburg Energy Infrastructure Project
Project Overview
WesPac Energy–Pittsburg LLC (WesPac) proposes to modernize and reactivate the existing marine terminal, oil storage and transfer facilities at the GenOn Pittsburg Generation Station. The marine terminal, storage tanks, and all of the existing equipment will be replaced, upgraded or repaired.
Bay Area marine oil terminals and storage facilities are near capacity and many times ships need to wait in the Bay for a place to berth, adding to local air pollution and congestion in shipping lanes. This project will relieve some of that congestion, help reduce local air pollution and help stabilize the supply base of crude oil.
These upgraded and improved facilities will be used to transport and store virgin and partially refined crude oil. All products handled at the facility will be transported by pipeline, ship or barge.
The storage tanks, marine terminal, pipeline, transfer facilities, Terminal control building, and equipment will meet best available technology standards and the companies will ensure environmental compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
This project will create 250 union construction jobs and 10-15 jobs for ongoing operations and will result in significant property tax revenue for the city. WesPac is committed to working with the city to ensure the hiring of as many local Pittsburg residents as possible.
Terminal Operations
Ships will dock at the marine terminal where a hard-pipe flexible “discharge arm” will offload crude oil from the tanker into storage tanks located on the property. From the storage tanks, the crude oil will be shipped to local refineries through an existing pipeline. A short pipeline, less than one mile in length, is proposed to connect to another nearby regional pipeline.
This entire process will be controlled by operators and automatic control systems. Certain facilities will be remotely monitored and operated from an on-site control center. The entire facility will be monitored for safety 24 hours per day.
The proposed new pipeline will have a special coating to prevent corrosion and a corrosion control system along the length of the pipeline. It will be regularly inspected by an internal inspection device and will have pipeline shut off valves.
Environmental Impact Report
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is being prepared for the project to determine the effect the project will have on the environment in accordance with requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. The City of Pittsburg is the lead agency and is directing the preparation of the EIR. A Notice of Preparation of an EIR was issued by the City of Pittsburg to local residents and appropriate government agencies on July 21, 2011. A public EIR Scoping Meeting was held in the City of Pittsburg City Hall on August 4, 2011. The Draft EIR is expected to be completed in January 2012 and released for public review at that time. For additional information about the EIR, please visit the City of Pittsburg web site.
Timeline
WesPac estimates that all permits will be received by mid 2012 and construction will start shortly thereafter. It is estimated that the Terminal will begin operation after about nine months of construction (mid 2013). Total construction time is estimated at 15 months.