Night-time steam releases prompted fresh concerns over Hermosa Beach’s response to the August 28 natural gas discharge at the AES Redondo Beach power plant.
Fire Chief David Lantzer told the City Council Tuesday night that there were reports Monday night of “intermittent steam releases” from the power plant. Although the steam was just hot water vapor, it became a “noise issue for respondents.”
Lantzer was before the council to help the city prepare its response to the August 28 incident. That evening, a pressure release valve vented some natural gas as a safety mechanism, a plant representative said.
Although the plant lies in the city of Redondo Beach, it is directly across Herondo Street from Hermosa homes and several large apartment complexes. Hermosa residents at Tuesday’s meeting urged council members not to disregard residents’ concerns.
“These are true fears that people have,” said resident Barbara Ellman. “It’s a valid fear that, if you smell gas, there’s a dangerous situation.”
The council had been set to consider whether to ask city staff to compose a letter to officials at AES with questions about safety protocols at the plant. However, discussion devolved into the broader issue of Hermosa’s response to AES’ plans to build a new power plant.
Under state law, AES must seek approval from the California Energy Commission to replace its existing facility. The Hermosa Beach City Council voted in May to oppose the construction, intervening with the city of Redondo Beach before the energy commission.
Spurred by questions from mayor pro tempore Hany Fangary, some residents expressed alarm that Hermosa Beach would not have a personal representative at the energy commission meetings in Sacramento, as Redondo would be doing.
“I would hope that the council would do more than just place a phone call,” said Hermosa resident Betsy Ryan. “We need to be a presence.”
Because the issue of Hermosa’s response in the energy commission proceedings was not included on the agenda, and was considered separate from the safety concerns raised by the August 28 incident, the council voted to table action on the issue until the Setp. 24 meeting. ER
