TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the report, “Elevation Changes in the City of Long Beach, May 2013 through October 2013." (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach, through the Long Beach Gas and Oil Department (LBGO), oversees oil production and subsidence control operations in the Wilmington Oil Field. LBGO conducts elevation surveys every six months to monitor elevation changes in the oil field and adjacent City areas. This report focuses on elevation changes that were measured from May 2013 through October 2013. The LBGO survey includes the following areas: Civic Center, Central City, Alamitos Bay, Naples, Harbor District, and the offshore area encompassing the four oil islands.
The results of the six-month survey show that elevations were stable in the Civic Center, Central City, Alamitos Bay, Naples, and the offshore drilling islands. In the Harbor District, Pier A and Pier S declined up to 0.10 foot (1.2 inch). LBGO is implementing measures to increase pressure in the oil zones by stepping up water injection below the affected areas. All other piers in the Harbor District were stable during the six month period.
The LBGO survey uses a series of benchmarks to determine elevation changes. Studies by the Department’s engineers and geologists show that the benchmarks may rise and fall in such a manner as to make a survey either optimistic (slightly up in elevation) or pessimistic (slightly down in elevation). These changes in elevations may be associated with tidal cycles, temperature changes, deep earth tectonic changes, or oil field development.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony on February 6, 2014 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 7, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or local job impact associated with the submission of this report.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
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