Ellwood Onshore Oil Trucking to Start Friday

Source: City of Goleta

Since the California State Lands Commission assumed operation of Platform Holly and the Ellwood Onshore Oil and Gas Processing Facility (EOF) in May 2017, as a routine operation, the Commission has processed limited amounts of oil and gas from the Platform that is coming up from between casing strings (steel pipes in the wells) in order to manage pressure within the well. This limited stream of oil will continue until the wells on Holly have been completely plugged and abandoned.  The oil and gas is treated at the EOF to remove the toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the gas stream and oil.

Although the amount of oil processed as a result of this routine pressure management is minimal, over the past several years it has accumulated and been stored in tank vessels at the EOF and those vessels are nearing capacity. Now, the Commission plans to remove the oil from those vessels and has entered into an agreement with the Phillips refinery to take the oil by truck to their facilities. The Commission anticipates transporting approximately 3,000 barrels of oil in total.

This notice is to let you know that there will be one or two trucks a day removing the oil from the EOF on the short section of Hollister Avenue between the EOF and the 101 Freeway “on ramp” (north). The operation should take about two weeks and will not occur over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  It may start as soon as November 20, but should conclude by December 11, barring any delay or unforeseen circumstances. The Commission thanks you for your continued support of our decommissioning of the Venoco facilities and appreciates your patience while we work to protect the community and the environment during this process.

If you wish to comment or have any questions please contact Sheri Pemberton, the Commission’s External Affairs Officer at (916) 477-0691 or sheri.pemberton@slc.ca.gov.