Project FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Dominguez Channel Environmental Investigation

Who is Resource Environmental LLC?

Resource Environmental LLC (RELLC) is an independent organization formed by several major oil companies for the purpose of responding to and managing the clean-up of certain releases of petroleum fuels into the ground from retail sites, pipelines, terminals and other petroleum fuel related facilities.  For more information see RELLC’s web site www.rellc.net.

Who is overseeing the Dominguez Channel environmental assessment?

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act regulatory requirements, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) is responsible for reviewing, approving and monitoring the environmental assessment of the site.  The LARWQCB is assisted by a number of other governmental agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW), Los Angeles County Flood Control District, California Environmental Protection Agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the City of Carson.

What is RELLC’s role in the LARWQCB’s environmental investigation?

RELLC is coordinating the environmental testing and assessment on various sites of interest, including portions of the Dominguez Channel.  RELLC has contracted with URS Corporation (URS) to perform the environmental assessment work and Geosyntec has been contracted to perform outdoor air monitoring operations.

Testing results and findings are reported by RELLC to the LARWQCB.  This information is also uploaded to the agency document management website also known as GeoTracker, which is accessible to the public in the following link (https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/).  In addition, RELLC  communicates routinely with the City of Carson concerning this work and the testing results to ensure that city and community leaders are fully informed about this environmental assessment.  General project information is posted on and available on this website (http://dc.urssocal.com).

What should I know about the Dominguez Channel environmental assessment?

In January of 2011, the LARWQCB became aware of hydrocarbon sheening during low tidal conditions within the Dominguez Channel in Carson, approximately 400 feet south of Carson Street.  The LARWQCB is working in collaboration with various federal, state and local agencies to facilitate the environmental assessment and remediation of the release(s). 

As the channel operator, the LACDPW has been performing containment operations using booms and absorbent pads in the waterway.  As of January 19, 2012, RELLC has taken over boom deployment and operation within the channel.  Further recovery operations have been put in place at testing sites around the Channel in which contamination has been found. Finally, as part of the mitigation program, an outdoor air monitoring program has been established to assess any potential health risks of vapors coming off the sheen, should it be observed on the Channel. However, there has been no presence of a significant sheen on the channel since the recovery operations were implemented by URS and LACDPW.

What environmental assessment work is being performed?

In June of 2011, RELLC submitted a work plan to investigate the release area, determine its source(s) and identify the responsible party or parties.  RELLC is managing the environmental assessment and URS is performing the environmental assessment work. 

As part of an initial investigation phase, URS drilled and installed 26 monitoring wells, drilled 12 exploratory boreholes, assessed hydrocarbon conditions within the channel and sub-drains and conducted groundwater monitoring on 57 wells.  The investigation activities were performed within the Dominguez Channel south of E. Carson Street; at the former Carson Air Harbor property; at and adjacent to the former Texaco Station; and at the 76 Station.  Results of these investigations have indicated that the hydrocarbon seeping into the channel is most likely from pipeline sources.  Furthermore, URS concluded that operations at the former Carson Air Harbor, former Texaco and 76 Station properties are unlikely to have contributed to hydrocarbons entering the channel.

Based on the results of the initial phase of hydrocarbon investigation, the focus of the second investigation phase has been on the Dominguez Channel and pipeline corridors.  Part of the investigation has also focused on the former Active RV property to assess the potential impacts of any hydrocarbon release(s) into the channel from the pipeline corridor that extends along Perry Street passes through the former RV Service Center property and intersects the channel. 

What time of day will testing take place?

Activities will be performed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., as approved by LARWQCB in each work plan.

Who should I call if I am bothered by unusual odors, noise, obstructions, etc?

If you think that it may have something to do with the investigation of the Dominguez Channel, an easy way to get an answer to your concern is to call the 800 number set up for this purpose at 800-461-9960 and leave a message.  This line is constantly monitored and we will respond promptly to your concern.

Any interference with street access would be limited both in frequency and duration.  Also, should this occur, we will know about it well in advance and will make early contact with any residents affected and make appropriate arrangements with them.

 If I have a question, can I just talk to some of the people doing the work?

The personnel in the field may be subcontractors and may not be able to answer your question accurately or address your concern.  Again, a good method to get your issue addressed is to call 800-461-9960 and leave a message.  We are in constant contact with the field crews and can ensure your concern will be promptly addressed.  If you prefer to e-mail your question or concern you may do so at Dominguez-info@rellc.net. 

If you have any additional questions or concerns about this environmental investigation, feel free to contact Greg Bishop, Project Manager with LARWQCB, at 213-576-6727 or email Greg Mr. Bishop at gbishop@waterboards.ca.gov. 

We live near the Dominguez Channel.  Is it safe for my children to play in their yard, dig in the dirt, etc?

We are unaware of any hazards or risk to children playing in their yards. Work we are performing in the Dominguez Channel area should not interfere with the safety of your children’s activities in their own yards. 

I live near the construction you are doing and work at night and sleep during the day.  What will you do if your work keeps me from sleeping?

We’ll work each person and come up with a remedy.  Don’t hesitate to call 800-461-9960 and leave a message.  If you prefer to e-mail your question or concern you may do so at Dominguez-info@rellc.net. 

Is my drinking water safe?

Yes.  The Dominguez Channel is not a source of drinking water.  Drinking water sources are tested to ensure they meet rigorous state and federal drinking water standards before being delivered to the City of Carson.

How do I get more information?

RELLC encourages the review of the public web site that has been set up for this project (include link).

If you have any additional questions or concerns about this environmental investigation, feel free to contact Greg Bishop, Project Manager with LARWQCB, at 213-576-6727 or email Mr. Bishop at gbishop@waterboards.ca.gov.