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August 8, 2016, or come in the Los Angeles City Health Commission to order,

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clerk will call the roll, please.

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Audra's Taylor. Here. Abila.

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Griffith.

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Yeah.

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Hisorch.

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Harkis.

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Shannon.

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Here.

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Sharp.

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Here.

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Big.

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Here.

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Eight members present and a quorum.

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Thank you.

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Next we move on to approval of the minutes from July 11, 2016.

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Can I get a motion please?

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So motion.

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I'll make a motion.

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You approve?

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I'll be full.

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It's been moved and seconded for the approval of the minutes.

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All in favor?

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Please say aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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Thank you.

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Next we move on to neighborhood council comments.

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I don't believe that staff has received.

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No.

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Okay.

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Any notification for neighborhood council to get the comments.

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So we will move the agenda item number one,

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which is a presentation on health-related issues by Angelo Belomo, who is a director of environmental

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health for Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, speaking on health and other impacts

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related to oil and gas drilling in residential areas.

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Thank you so much for coming.

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I can stand if you'd like.

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I can stand if you'd like.

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Either way.

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Okay.

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Thank

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you very much.

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Thank you very much.

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Again, my name is Angela Bilomo, and I am Deputy Director for Health Protection for the County Public Health Department.

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I did try to make this presentation about a month and a half ago, and we postponed it to tonight.

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In checking with you about the available time, I thought I was asked to limit my remarks to 10 minutes.

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So I'm going to go through knowing and anticipating based on what we were told that there may

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be a number of questions.

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So I'll just go through and make a few remarks and then be happy to answer questions in

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any area related to the health department, but probably with a focus on these types of facilities.

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So when we look at oil and gas type facilities, oil and gas production facilities in

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particular.

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The extent to which we need a body of regulations or lack of regulations and maybe sometimes

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beyond regulations, the standards of care that one would have to apply really depend on

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one significant factor, and that is where the facility is located.

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For some facilities, the standard regulations that are employed may be adequate for other

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they'll be grossly inadequate and this has a lot to do with the types of scenarios we encounter

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in Los Angeles and that is that we have oil production facilities that are located

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immediately adjacent in some cases to neighborhoods.

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And that, of course, leaves no buffer, no zone for mistakes or errors.

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And even if we had a hundred percent compliance with the existing regulations, this is in my opinion,

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this is an area that has been under-regulated for many years, many decades.

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And so we have to make sure that there is, in fact, strict compliance with the regulations that are on the books,

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and then we have to ask ourselves whether that goes far enough, because in many instances it won't go far enough.

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I think that what I recall over the last let's say 15, 20 years is sort of a renewed interest

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on oil and gas production facilities within Los Angeles.

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And I think some of this had to do with controversial high school that was under construction.

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I believe it was in the mid 1990s it was called Bellmont and the school site was

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Not thoroughly studied before they began construction, and then they noticed that they were picking up methane at certain portions of the school site, and it was above the levels of significance, and really raised a lot of concern about the continued construction of this high school, which was about 30% complete.

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We studied that. I was part of the school district in that era. Actually I was called in by the school district as a consultant.

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But we studied that and we found that had they done due diligence, the type of normal due diligence that is done before you develop properties.

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They would have encountered all of the issues and they could have dealt with them systematically.

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They could have taken every one of the old wells and made sure that it was abandoned to

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appropriate standards before they began to construct the school site.

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But because they hadn't done that due diligence, they basically had to stop the project,

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and they actually had to remove what was the completed administration building.

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It was done quietly over a few weekends, but nevertheless they had to remove the administration

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And then put in the proper active gas ventilation system and then continue construction of the school.

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None of these things are beyond the ability of science to deal with.

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The question really becomes, do we want to put that many bells and whistles into a facility?

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can we safely put a school in the middle of that field? We could, but it takes almost too much

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in the way of redundancy and the costs are just outrageous. So when you look at the investments

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that were made at that school, it was probably not a good investment. And had the information

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when they were looking at the site they might have passed on that site. We certainly would have recommended it.

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So then following Belmont, there were a number of other cases.

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I want to go a little more recently here a few years ago.

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There was the Allen co-facility not too far from this site right here.

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And a couple of others that were beginning to be focused on

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because the community was aware of these oral production facilities

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had likely been complaining about them for many years.

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But I think that the typical response from the regulatory agencies

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were the either in compliance or near in compliance with the applicable regulations.

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Colleagues from the Department of Public Health studied it, long enough, and interviewed

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enough of the residents to realize that regardless of whether they were meeting the standards

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that were applicable and we still don't know whether they were.

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This facility was having impacts on the surrounding community, which was located right across the street.

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When we looked a little bit further, we realized that the production within that facility had increased by 400 percent

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in just the year that we had looked at it.

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And that was because the price of oil, I think, had increased to the point where production was significantly scaled up.

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And what might have been some residual problems historically became

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unbearable for members of in that community.

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The Department of Public Health had responded by putting together what we call

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day environmental health assessment, which said we understand that maybe

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in compliance with the applicable standards from the air district, but it is

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having an impact on the health and welfare of people living in the neighborhood.

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So it got us to be thinking about what types of additional standards may be appropriate when you

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have this industrial residential interface that is too close.

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That's really what we're talking about.

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Most of the regulations never envision that you would have a regulated facility share a property

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boundary with the backyard of a residential line.

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So, when that does occur, we really have to be extremely careful, and we have to make sure that the laws are followed, and as I mentioned even in that case, there's really no room for error.

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So, it's not an advisable course of action, but we do have this existing landscape throughout LA, and we can't solve it overnight.

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So we really have to be thoughtful which is really good some of the things I'm hearing that this commission has thought about we have to be thoughtful about what changes do we want to put in and how do we change the pattern of decision making that created some of these problems so there's two tracks we have to run how do we evaluate the current conflicts that exist and update the conflict

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So that they are not endangering or impacting public health and welfare. And then on a second track, we have to ask ourselves, how do we improve the decision making for these facilities on a going forward basis so that we don't create or add to the current landscape of these types of problems.

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I think the next point I want to make I want to make three points here, the next point I want

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to make is that we really have to ask ourselves, do we want to respond to these types of incidents?

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Do we want these facilities to find us?

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Because that's generally how we find there's a problem with one of these facilities.

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It's usually not done during the routine inspection and regulation that these facilities are subject to.

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It's almost as if the poor way in which these facilities have been regulated has become commonplace.

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And so perhaps regulatory agencies or others are hesitant to change the practice.

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It's like you get into a regulatory review and you do it a certain way for a number of years

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and you're reluctant to say, maybe that's not enough, maybe we need to change that.

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So I think to this question of, do we simply respond or do we come up with a better way

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of regulating this problem and abating the impacts that it has on the public health?

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clearly we should be looking for better ways to do that, and that brings me to the third point,

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which is I think there's two other things we can do beyond simply responding when the problem

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finds us. We could do prevention and we could do surveillance. So let me just say a word about both

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of those. On the prevention front, if we ask what could we do, we could go out proactively and

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complete an inventory of where we have oil and gas facilities throughout the

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our jurisdiction. The county is doing that now, and my sense is the city is

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joining or doing some of their own work, but it's a really good idea for us to

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know where do these facilities exist, and then put them through a triage to see

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are they problematic currently and if so what grouping should we place them in?

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Do we put them in a grouping that says we have significant impacts that are evident to the surrounding community?

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Do we put them in one saying we're not aware of any particular impacts but we probably should look at it a little bit further?

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So it's that type of triage that I think would make sense if we're going to do prevention.

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We start with an inventory and then we go out and we assess what are these facilities presenting right now in the way of public health risk or uncertainty?

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And then we can talk also in the area of prevention, developing better policies so that the decisions we make in the future are better than the ones we made in the past that contributed to some of these conditions that we're dealing with.

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And then the second element that we should be looking at is surveillance.

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And I really think of it in two ways, we should be doing surveillance in the environment

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to determine whether there are impacts or changes on environmental conditions.

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So the type of routine monitoring, air monitoring that might be done, or could actually

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be enhanced in these facilities when they're in close proximity to people, that would help

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because it would almost represent ongoing Sentinel of do we have exposures and are those

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at significant levels.

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Now because monitoring, you might get the regulatory agency like AQMD to say we're checking

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and we don't find any constituents that are at a level that is believed to cause a health

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impact.

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But we're still getting complaints from the public, and the public is still obviously impacted.

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So they may not be receiving a toxic exposure to the point where they're going to incur a long

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term chronic condition, but it still could be something maybe a little larger than a new

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But less than causing a change in their permanent change in their health status.

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And that's where we have to focus, so that we have to look at this not just in terms

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of whether we've triggered a toxic threshold and we expect to see illness develop.

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But really, are we degrading the living environment for the people that are being impacted

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to buy this.

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Joining facility, we have to look at it differently. We have to sort of change the paradigm for what we consider acceptable, not exceeding the regulatory standards, but nevertheless presenting impacts the public health should not be acceptable. And that's why we have to look at this differently.

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I'm going to just wrap up my comments so we can get into questions if there are some by saying that

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I think that the oil and gas industry has been one that many people who deal within the industry know that

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they have not had the extent of regulatory reforms that many other facilities did.

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And it had to do with the fact that when a lot of the reforms that were enacted at the federal level and the state level,

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when those reforms were made, there were certain different treatments that were done to oil and gas.

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And there were probably lots of good reasons and maybe not so good reasons as to why the oil and gas production was treated differently.

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But it's time for us now to look at how do we catch up because I don't think this is a matter of saying we can't have oil production within

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the city or county of Los Angeles.

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I think it's really a matter of deciding how do we do it in a way where it does not degrade

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on the health and well-being of our citizens.

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The answer to whether that could be done, I don't know the answer.

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I can just tell you that in a lot of the sites that I've been called out to most recently

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one, it's the Furman Street Wells, I don't know, Chairman Shannon, did you get a copy

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of a, I sent a two-page or over here talking about her an assessment we just did on the Furman

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Street Wells? Okay. Yeah, I think we sent it to a willy gentleman by the name, I'm not sure

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what his name was but we sent it to him today because I wanted you all to have it but I do

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have a copy here so I'll leave it with you but it represents an assessment we did last week

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because we were called out due to activities within the city of L.A. to abandon some wells

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and it was actually creating quite an exposure to the people in the surrounding community.

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This was an effort to try to deal with a problem but it actually exacerbated the problem

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because it wasn't conducted properly.

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So I'm going to conclude my comments.

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I would more than happy to talk about any one of the facilities

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that we've looked at, but I rather than go on on this.

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I'd just rather stop at this point and see if there are any questions.

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Great.

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Thank you so much.

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And we really appreciate you coming out.

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I have a few questions if I can start.

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And then we'll move on to the other commissioners.

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I have a few questions about Elisa Canyon and we haven't really had anyone come in present on that particular problem that happened and I wanted to start with the well itself, which was I believe SS25.

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So my understanding was that the number of caseings in that well was two.

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Is that correct?

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Well, I don't know enough about this, the physical nature of it, but suffice it to say that

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like most of these production wells, there is a, a center bore hole that casing, a well

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casing is placed in. And then there's an annual or space in that annual or space, I think

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was utilized for conveying. So you actually had two holes that were used for the movement

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of gases.

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And is it true that the number of casings went up, so the newer wells usually have more

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casings as opposed to the one in SS-25?

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Sounds right, but I couldn't answer that for sure.

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I'm not an expert in that area.

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It has a county, because I know that you talked about an inventory and that's something that

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I'm obviously very interested in and know that we talked about of the various oil wells.

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And I'm wondering if the county is looking at other wells that have a similar profile to the one that blue and a lease of canyon.

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We are. In fact, there's two things going on there. The Board of Supervisors did convene what they're calling an oil and gas strike team.

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And the purpose was to put together a inventory of oil and gas facilities within the county unincorporated area to begin with.

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and then to go through and check them do an assessment to see what we find just based on that.

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This is an effort that is being chaired by the Department of Regional Planning but it's got

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participation from Public Health County Council and a number of other organizations.

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I think it'll be a very interesting initial step assessment. I'm sorry. What was your question?

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My question was just if you were looking at other wells that have the similar profile to Lisa

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can in.

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So, that strike team was one thing that the county did. And the second thing we're doing is that we are county has filed suit against so-so-cal gas, because we were concerned about what was going on at Aliso Canyon, but we were also concerned about other facilities that are operated by this operator and we wanted to learn as a result of this case whether or not we had similar problems elsewhere.

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So, obviously we're concerned about other wells within the Liso Canyon, but we are concerned

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about other facilities that are operated or have been operated by Southern California gas.

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Can you tell us what departments and agencies were involved in the evacuation of the residents in that area,

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and also about park closures and school closures?

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Well, the public health department continued to get complaints, and it looked like this massive

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hate to use the word leak, a member of the community told me one time, please don't use

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the word leak, it's not a leak, it's a blowout, but when this massive blowout took place,

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I think the expectation for members of the public and others, it was going to be wrapped up.

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is going to be sealed within a few days.

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And when it looked like it was going to go on

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for more than a few days and then more than a couple of weeks

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and then months, if it came clear that we needed to give relief

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to people who were being bombarded by these odors

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and were suffering the ill effects of them.

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So what we, the County Health Department had instructed

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So Cal Gas to provide temporary relocation for any residents that were being impacted until this massive release of gas could be capped because we really didn't know what we were dealing with at that point.

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The agencies that were involved in that, there were a number, the Fire Department, Public Health,

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the Division of Oil and Gas, Geothermal Resources, the California Office of Environmental

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Health Hazard Assessment, and I'm talking about agencies that were there to assist in the

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assessment as well as the re-location effort as well.

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There were a number of county departments that focus on consumer affairs that were involved

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and that as well. But it was, we had a responsible party who, for, for a while, had, you

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know, provided that relocation housing.

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And then, on the city end, obviously, there were council members offices, England, there's

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office in Jingland, there's office, I think, was involved as well. And I'm sure that supervisor

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are real offices where as well. So they were. Staff time as well. Yeah. Okay. When you're

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looking at the inventory of the wells and a mapping of the wells and I know you're

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looking at the county and we're looking at the city, obviously. Are you going to

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doggar for that information? Is it, are there other agencies that you utilize in order to

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the mapping? Well, a lot of that information is available, a question is how completed it is and how easy it is to compile it.

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We actually have a consultant that's working under contract with the Department of Regional Planning that is providing these maps to us.

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And I think most of them are gained through the state agencies.

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But the information is fairly available and I think it's very telling when you look at the maps that show where are all the old oil wells.

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The ones that are active as well as the ones that were active but are no longer active.

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And then can you speak to the closure of schools and parks in the area?

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Right. We never implemented at County Public Health, a mandatory evacuation because we believe

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that the major concern that members of the public had at the time was fire and explosion

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in the fire department. It assured us that because this was vending to the air, there wouldn't

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be a fire and explosion. But as time went by, first few weeks, it became clear that the

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If it was just from the Mercapten or if there was something else in the gas that was causing these symptoms, they needed to have relief.

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And we extended that ultimately to the schools, because the schools at some students actually was more faculty that were expressing symptoms as well.

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And we didn't, again, we didn't make a finding that

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We needed to close the schools, but because our advice to the school district is when you have people who are suffering from this exposure, if they're getting headaches, what happens is in a classroom or at the school you'd have a number of people saying, I don't smell anything, I feel fine, and you would have some who are obviously distressed.

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And so our recommendation was the people that are being affected by this, even though the numbers that we're looking at, we can't tell them that these numbers in themselves would cause that.

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The best way to deal with that is for them to be removed from the immediate exposure until the well was capped.

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And we extended that school district said, fine, we're going to make the voluntary decision to close our school because we can't just take a bunch of people out.

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we'd have to permanently close and relocate the school for the time it takes to get back to normal.

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And so they did go ahead and close the school down.

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There were two schools, there were two schools and then the students were relocated to

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another.

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Two other schools, they went to maybe two or three receiving schools until the schools were

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then reopened.

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OK, and I know at least one park was closed that I found because there was oily residue.

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I think it was, I think it was first, I think what happened when somebody came out and did an assessment,

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said it was fine and then the kids were playing there and someone from Mitch and Glinder's office.

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The staff member had gone there and found oily residues so they closed down the park again.

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Right, that was a county had received a complaint.

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County Public Health staff had gone out to investigate the complaint, did not find any oil oily residue.

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Subsequently, a city official did go out and close the park, and that's all I can tell you.

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I can give you a report if you'd like it. That's all I can tell you about that incident.

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And then the residents who were evacuated went to hotels in the area and sometimes places farther away from their work.

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And so, I mean, I'm guessing that we would find this fairly disruptive to their lives for several months.

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I'm unbelievably disruptive. That was clear from the people we had talked to.

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These are people that when you meet them at community meetings, it really reminds you what impact this has on people,

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because you could sort of see it in their eyes. They had had enough, and it was really remarkable.

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We have very well-trained public health staff, public health nurses, medical doctors, and they were all affected by the stories that they had heard from these residents.

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And we, you know, every once in a while you would hear, well, we don't understand why people are being impacted as if they were making it up.

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And then when your staff sits down with these individuals, actually goes through their histories, it's obvious they're being impacted by conditions in their environment.

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And then in the cleanup of their homes, I know that there was a court order to have their

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homes cleaned.

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Is that correct?

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There was.

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And then it was it properly done.

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And so I think there was a second court order for, I guess, a different company to come in and do

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a more thorough cleaning, or maybe the same company to do a more thorough cleaning.

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Well, the short version of that is that the judge did order cleaning before those people

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that were relocated would be forced to come back to their homes.

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He did not want to see them come into their homes until those homes were cleaned.

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Now, for the people that were already in their homes, the judges ordered didn't deal with that,

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but the county directive did, the public health department issued a directive saying, you're

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going to clean all the homes that have been impacted, but what we're doing now with regard

295
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to the homes that weren't cleaned properly, because we think about a half of them were

296
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clean adequately with the protocol. That, as well as the other homes in Porter Ranch that

297
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need to be cleaned and have, we're not part of the judges order. We're back in court on

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those two issues.

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00:29:15,730 --> 00:29:21,130
John. I'm in commission or his search. Thank you. John. Yes, sir. In talking about

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how these inspections are carried out, clearly the threat of fire and the odors, that's pretty

301
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obvious that those are concerns.

302
00:29:30,710 --> 00:29:34,030
But what about the quality of life issues around the sites?

303
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The noise, the working hours, the heavy equipment being brought in.

304
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Last time we were here, several people in the community talked about that as the kind of impacts

305
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that from a day to day, quality of life is kind of more important, not that they aren't.

306
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And if you will fear of a blowout, but the trucks and all that, what discretion do you

307
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you or any other agency have.

308
00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:25,520
To deal with those kinds of issues. Well, we'll see. I really appreciate that question, and I'm going to send you a document that we prepared for, not this particular type of site, but another one where we said, look, we can do a conventional risk assessment, which looks at chemical levels and whether those chemical levels will cause an exposure that could reduce a health effect.

309
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But we said that's not enough for some of these facilities.

310
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We got to look at these broader quality of life issues.

311
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And we did it quite well in one site and I'll send you that document.

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But you're absolutely right.

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We've got to look at the broader impacts on people's health and welfare.

314
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And I would say that noise is one of them.

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Oder is a big one.

316
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Sometimes it's just the feeling that people, you know, in your home,

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You can't escape some of these nontoxic exposures that are impacting you, because it's

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your home.

319
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So it's the one place people go to to try to escape all the stuff that they're entering

320
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and countering.

321
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And when you don't have that rest at home, it does have an impact on your quality of life

322
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and on your health.

323
00:31:14,700 --> 00:31:19,840
And some of the wells are pretty industrial.

324
00:31:19,840 --> 00:31:23,460
I guess you could say in their style or how they look.

325
00:31:23,520 --> 00:31:26,220
And then there are certainly some, and they tend to be more often,

326
00:31:26,440 --> 00:31:29,080
and the more comfortable parts of town,

327
00:31:29,220 --> 00:31:31,160
I guess you could say where they're really concealed.

328
00:31:31,340 --> 00:31:33,020
They're trying to make them look like a building.

329
00:31:34,360 --> 00:31:36,880
Is there any, how does that get dealt with?

330
00:31:37,020 --> 00:31:41,200
I mean, is that what is it just wealth or is it?

331
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I think you're pointing to an equity that has to be addressed.

332
00:31:46,420 --> 00:31:48,340
And I'll just give you the bottom line on that.

333
00:31:48,340 --> 00:31:55,180
we find that in areas like along the Pico corridor and the Beverly Hills area, when you do

334
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have these facilities that are paneled or offered in some way, we have less complaints,

335
00:32:04,300 --> 00:32:12,400
less complaints, and I'll give you another visual, which is we know what they look like when

336
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we're driving down Pico.

337
00:32:13,540 --> 00:32:25,720
Well, some of what we've seen in the center of the city, and I'm talking about the Furman Street example of last week, we've got oil pumpers in the backyard.

338
00:32:26,600 --> 00:32:39,440
They've got a small little fence around it, but the fence has no longer integrity, so kids have access to going in there, and kids have access to small drums or containers of oil.

339
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So, you know, those are conditions that shouldn't be tolerated.

340
00:32:45,060 --> 00:32:48,440
And in terms of sorting out jurisdictional questions about that,

341
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you mentioned what's the oil and gas agency?

342
00:32:52,020 --> 00:32:57,660
I think it's a state agency, and presumably they're dealing primarily with issues

343
00:32:57,660 --> 00:33:00,660
involved getting oil and gas out of the ground.

344
00:33:00,760 --> 00:33:04,640
Absolutely, they're looking at what's going on below the surface.

345
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and the fire department, at least tangentially, is concerned about explosions and so on.

346
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So the Department of Public Health presumably, which has a broader mandate, would be the agency to address

347
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these collateral but important issues of people's health, if you will.

348
00:33:24,240 --> 00:33:30,740
I would say at this way, the regulatory agency that issues the permit should be making sure that

349
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the society is operating in a way that does not jeopardize the health of the public.

350
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But if they fail to do that, which they have in some examples, public health has no choice

351
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but to intervene.

352
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But we're often we're intervening without the clear regulatory authority, and when people

353
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ask us because we get challenged by this, they ask us, by what authority are you coming

354
00:33:53,440 --> 00:33:53,880
in here?

355
00:33:54,020 --> 00:33:56,120
We say the broad authorities of the health officer.

356
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And we feel that strength.

357
00:33:59,540 --> 00:34:00,260
We feel that strength.

358
00:34:00,260 --> 00:34:03,840
The permit is issued by the oil and gas authority or something.

359
00:34:04,260 --> 00:34:07,300
Well, it is, but there's also a local permit that's issued as well.

360
00:34:07,540 --> 00:34:09,020
So I think, by which agency?

361
00:34:09,160 --> 00:34:10,200
Well, it depends.

362
00:34:10,400 --> 00:34:17,340
I mean, in some cases, it's the Koopa agencies, but depending on which jurisdiction it could be

363
00:34:17,340 --> 00:34:18,160
various agencies.

364
00:34:18,740 --> 00:34:24,220
But the point is, is that I think this isn't a question of whether we've got adequate authority.

365
00:34:24,920 --> 00:34:28,620
I would really like us to be at a point where we're enforcing

366
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to the full extent of the law. And then we say, it's not getting us enough. So let's increase the,

367
00:34:34,760 --> 00:34:40,080
but it's hard to go and argue for additional regulations when you're not even enforcing the regulations

368
00:34:40,080 --> 00:34:44,060
that are on the books. So we have a lot of work to do in this area and there's plenty of blame to go.

369
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I'm sure there's financial pressure on the other side from the producers and so on.

370
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Absolutely, because some of them are small operators and so it's a dilemma.

371
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Any other questions?

372
00:34:57,080 --> 00:34:57,840
Commissioner Hawkes.

373
00:34:58,500 --> 00:34:59,620
Thank you so much.

374
00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:05,380
I'm out for your very detailed report and for speaking on behalf of the Commission.

375
00:35:07,060 --> 00:35:12,960
I just have, I appreciate the concern. I just have a lot of questions because I feel like this is

376
00:35:12,960 --> 00:35:15,820
great in information from the Department of Public Health, however, we haven't had an opportunity

377
00:35:15,820 --> 00:35:22,460
to hear from the industry as well, as far as, you know, gas company, Edison, DWP, and I'm trying

378
00:35:22,460 --> 00:35:27,800
to figure out, I'm hearing the pattern of, if you came in issue, A.K.M.D said it wasn't

379
00:35:27,800 --> 00:35:33,700
issue. But Park became an issue. They came out and investigated Park was an issue. But then

380
00:35:33,700 --> 00:35:39,200
yes, I can't so came to close it down. So I'm just trying to understand what the variables

381
00:35:39,200 --> 00:35:45,640
are to make sure either we are in compliance over not. And I know that gas company at

382
00:35:45,640 --> 00:35:50,500
a Sunday WP, every utility is heavily regulated. And I'm just trying to figure out where

383
00:35:50,500 --> 00:35:55,200
are we failing or where are the issues that completely have gone the radar. We're now you

384
00:35:55,200 --> 00:35:59,540
have to step in. Like, is it a rapid epidemic? Is this something that's continuously happening?

385
00:36:00,120 --> 00:36:04,380
I mean, you see the issues, like, outside that's going on for about 20 years is being one issue.

386
00:36:04,560 --> 00:36:07,700
However, you have the issue of at least a canyon as well, which is just recent.

387
00:36:08,120 --> 00:36:12,900
So I'm just trying to get understand, and maybe that's my concern is that I'm just trying to get,

388
00:36:12,900 --> 00:36:16,860
you know, as a, you know, being appointed as commissioner, getting the whole picture.

389
00:36:17,200 --> 00:36:21,960
And I'm trying to figure out where the violations, what hasn't been addressed,

390
00:36:21,960 --> 00:36:28,360
what has been erroneously neglected, what has been found that the entity response will have

391
00:36:28,360 --> 00:36:30,720
been addressed is kind of our, or I'm trying to get it.

392
00:36:31,420 --> 00:36:33,640
Great question, and I'll be brief.

393
00:36:35,460 --> 00:36:43,300
The extent to which there are regulatory actions on these facilities, and I'm talking about

394
00:36:43,300 --> 00:36:44,080
the very basic.

395
00:36:44,420 --> 00:36:48,880
When you have a set of standards, there is a routine inspection that has to take place to

396
00:36:48,880 --> 00:36:52,380
see whether or not the facility is operating in accordance with the standards.

397
00:36:53,520 --> 00:36:57,960
The state regulators that are doing this work are not doing it frequent enough.

398
00:36:59,020 --> 00:37:03,040
And as I said earlier, I think they're more interested in, and as John had mentioned,

399
00:37:03,600 --> 00:37:08,020
they're more focused on what's going on below the service of the ground than what's going on

400
00:37:08,020 --> 00:37:08,540
on the surface.

401
00:37:08,940 --> 00:37:14,620
So what I will tell you, and it's just my opinion after working in this area for 40 years,

402
00:37:14,920 --> 00:37:17,340
there isn't enough regulation in this industry.

403
00:37:17,340 --> 00:37:22,260
There's a lot of self-regulation, but we can't rely on it.

404
00:37:22,260 --> 00:37:25,660
And if we just want to look at the Aliso Canyon example,

405
00:37:26,520 --> 00:37:29,300
and let me just tell you that when I first got started in the environmental field,

406
00:37:29,400 --> 00:37:31,660
some of my colleagues worked at the gas company,

407
00:37:31,780 --> 00:37:36,160
and they had a stellar reputation for environmental compliance.

408
00:37:36,840 --> 00:37:39,880
It's, I think these things don't always stay the same.

409
00:37:40,040 --> 00:37:45,660
Sometimes they change, but if you think about the condition of the well

410
00:37:45,660 --> 00:37:49,360
And the fact that in testing other wells,

411
00:37:49,940 --> 00:37:51,940
they're finding that there are some problems.

412
00:37:53,080 --> 00:37:55,540
These were problems that could have been predicted.

413
00:37:55,880 --> 00:37:57,740
And that's what makes it sad,

414
00:37:58,020 --> 00:38:00,340
is that we could have predicted the potential

415
00:38:00,340 --> 00:38:02,200
for a blowout like this.

416
00:38:02,500 --> 00:38:05,300
And that's why that's a field that's still not under pressure

417
00:38:05,300 --> 00:38:08,040
and producing because we can't guarantee

418
00:38:08,040 --> 00:38:09,660
the same thing won't happen again.

419
00:38:10,460 --> 00:38:14,280
So I just, I would just not mince words and tell you,

420
00:38:14,280 --> 00:38:18,940
I don't think there's been proper regulation, and I don't think it's necessarily that the

421
00:38:18,940 --> 00:38:20,440
regulations aren't strong enough.

422
00:38:20,660 --> 00:38:21,860
They're just not being enforced.

423
00:38:24,550 --> 00:38:25,130
Mr. Sharp.

424
00:38:27,480 --> 00:38:30,260
Thank you for taking the time to join us tonight again.

425
00:38:30,260 --> 00:38:34,560
One of notches your second attempt to address the commission, so thanks for your time

426
00:38:34,560 --> 00:38:34,860
and effort.

427
00:38:35,240 --> 00:38:39,600
I live a handful of blocks from firm and street, and was appointed by the Council District

428
00:38:39,600 --> 00:38:47,260
in that community to represent those residents, and so I'm keenly aware of the protective role

429
00:38:47,260 --> 00:38:49,580
that your department's playing in this regard for myself, my neighbor.

430
00:38:49,820 --> 00:38:51,020
So thank you for that.

431
00:38:52,040 --> 00:38:55,280
My question is rooted in our jurisdiction,

432
00:38:55,280 --> 00:38:58,780
which is that we are a pointy body, the city of Los Angeles.

433
00:38:59,560 --> 00:39:07,280
And I'm hopeful you could illuminate to move us to a point

434
00:39:07,280 --> 00:39:09,960
of being able to contribute, meaningfully, to the city process.

435
00:39:10,360 --> 00:39:13,920
Whether there are other municipalities under the county

436
00:39:13,920 --> 00:39:19,340
Los Angeles, umbrella that have adopted or, as you've pointed out, more effectively, enforced

437
00:39:20,140 --> 00:39:26,660
and implemented statute or regulatory approaches that prioritize the public health and welfare,

438
00:39:27,260 --> 00:39:29,620
88 cities in the county and unincorporated areas of the county.

439
00:39:29,760 --> 00:39:31,820
There must be a range of approaches to this.

440
00:39:32,040 --> 00:39:36,800
And if you could leave us with a handful of examples of other municipalities that we ought

441
00:39:36,800 --> 00:39:41,260
to be paying attention to for their regulatory approach, that would be of use.

442
00:39:41,260 --> 00:39:50,520
Matt, it's a great opening and I will probably have information for you on that later, but currently I don't.

443
00:39:50,780 --> 00:39:58,740
And I think some of it has to do with the fact that this is one of those activities that is closely regulated at the state level.

444
00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:16,020
I believe that although there are certain things the fire department can do, if somebody wants to come in and really improve and enhance the protections for these facilities, I think they're going to run into some roadblocks with the state.

445
00:40:16,500 --> 00:40:26,780
But let me check to see whether some local jurisdictions may have already increased the degree of regulation and have much more effective programs.

446
00:40:26,780 --> 00:40:32,360
I don't think this is a sad thing is I don't think this is a major change.

447
00:40:32,920 --> 00:40:38,300
I really think it's keep the regulations the way they are and have people have agencies

448
00:40:38,300 --> 00:40:43,300
report out onto what degree the facilities are complying with the existing regulations.

449
00:40:44,160 --> 00:40:50,340
I will bet you'll find that there is a high rate of substantial non-compliance, but it would

450
00:40:50,340 --> 00:40:52,060
sure be nice to have that report.

451
00:40:52,460 --> 00:40:56,700
That's one of the things we're doing in the county is we are asking the regulatory agencies

452
00:40:56,700 --> 00:41:00,940
to tell us we're we're looking not just at facility by facility we're starting to look

453
00:41:00,940 --> 00:41:06,080
now at highly impacted highly burdened communities and what we want to do is give the

454
00:41:06,080 --> 00:41:14,880
state regulators a map and say give us a report out on all of your regulated facilities within

455
00:41:14,880 --> 00:41:19,880
this boundary because this is a highly burdened community and we're going to do everything we can

456
00:41:19,880 --> 00:41:23,160
to improve the level of risk within that community.

457
00:41:23,160 --> 00:41:29,940
I think our capacity to be an effective partner for your team in that process is magnified

458
00:41:29,940 --> 00:41:30,840
at the city level.

459
00:41:31,020 --> 00:41:31,240
Totally.

460
00:41:32,040 --> 00:41:37,940
A point from the extent to which we could receive updates information regarding the applicable

461
00:41:37,940 --> 00:41:43,440
city departments and or city legislative vehicles that could be deployed to most effectively

462
00:41:43,440 --> 00:41:47,160
protect residents health that would be at area where we would be most useful.

463
00:41:47,640 --> 00:41:48,020
We'll do.

464
00:41:48,260 --> 00:41:52,860
I think a lot of these, this lack of regulation sometimes by the state agency, I've had

465
00:41:52,860 --> 00:41:56,980
operators tell me, look, the DTSC you name it.

466
00:41:57,400 --> 00:41:59,780
They're not doing a job and it's not even helping us.

467
00:42:00,380 --> 00:42:03,700
OK, so that's the thing is that I think, in some cases,

468
00:42:03,720 --> 00:42:08,460
you could probably get the industry to not fight some of these things

469
00:42:08,460 --> 00:42:14,100
if the regulatory agency was doing it in a methodical, logical way

470
00:42:14,100 --> 00:42:17,540
as opposed to just trying to come up with a political answer

471
00:42:17,540 --> 00:42:19,320
to the heat that they're feeling.

472
00:42:19,320 --> 00:42:26,060
So, I think we all want to see sensible answers, and we could probably get support for them

473
00:42:26,060 --> 00:42:32,840
because nobody wants to go through, I mean, nobody wants to go through what these communities

474
00:42:32,840 --> 00:42:36,740
and what the people responsible for the communities go through.

475
00:42:37,160 --> 00:42:42,260
It's just that when you have lacks regulation for so long, people start to make a bet

476
00:42:42,260 --> 00:42:46,360
as to whether or not you're ever going to come in and tell them to start complying with the law.

477
00:42:46,360 --> 00:42:55,220
And we don't want industry, marginal industry, because not all industry thinks that way, but we don't want anybody thinking that those laws are going to be ignored.

478
00:42:58,780 --> 00:42:59,660
Any other questions?

479
00:42:59,940 --> 00:43:01,940
Actually, I have a follow-up question, Commissioner Hawkes.

480
00:43:03,620 --> 00:43:12,800
Is this a situation lack of parties no longer in complying with the regulations?

481
00:43:13,480 --> 00:43:19,040
Is that something that is that you can point to that they can show?

482
00:43:19,640 --> 00:43:26,460
concretely, the utilities aren't following the regulations and these are their violations and you've tried working with them, and they're not

483
00:43:27,220 --> 00:43:27,780
complying

484
00:43:27,780 --> 00:43:32,780
just trying to see that the linkage is there is there like a no a no a

485
00:43:32,780 --> 00:43:34,680
conformity is there a non

486
00:43:34,680 --> 00:43:44,480
ability to work closely with the department to address the issues. I think we'd have to and again, this just I want you to know that the public health department is

487
00:43:45,300 --> 00:43:47,180
stepping ahead on these because

488
00:43:47,180 --> 00:43:53,220
We see that public health is being impacted, and when we talk with the regulatory agencies

489
00:43:53,220 --> 00:43:57,000
because again, we don't go in and do a routine inspection within these facilities.

490
00:43:57,540 --> 00:44:01,900
When we talk with the regulatory agencies, they're actually interested now in hearing from the health officer.

491
00:44:02,540 --> 00:44:08,240
So I think we're all waking up to this, and whether we have a regulation on the book to enforce,

492
00:44:08,780 --> 00:44:16,480
we still can inform the agencies that do have the regulations about the impact that the lack of compliance

493
00:44:16,480 --> 00:44:22,700
has on the public. So I think there's plenty of, there's plenty of work here for all of

494
00:44:22,700 --> 00:44:27,700
us, and I would say that I believe there are some instances where the responsible parties

495
00:44:27,700 --> 00:44:33,100
are no longer in existence. And so the government, in the case of the Furman Street, at least

496
00:44:33,100 --> 00:44:40,720
two of those wells that two of the three that were problematic last week, are really an award

497
00:44:40,720 --> 00:44:45,480
of the state for lack of a better word, and the state is having to expend the money to

498
00:44:45,480 --> 00:44:52,660
and correct them. But it doesn't make the job any less urgent. And I think we have to

499
00:44:52,660 --> 00:44:58,560
show that public health urgency in order to give the state government agencies the ability

500
00:44:58,560 --> 00:44:59,960
to go to their administration and say...

501
00:45:00,820 --> 00:45:16,500
We've got some bad situations, and we're going to need to go, we're going to need through the budget process to be able to deal with us on more than a 30-year time horizon, because they've given a certain amount of money every year, and they can't even stretch the surface with it.

502
00:45:17,060 --> 00:45:29,100
So I can't answer your question about where are the clear concrete examples that I know they're there of noncompliance, because we're not going in and routinely assessing for compliance.

503
00:45:29,100 --> 00:45:33,920
That is the designated state regulatory agency that does that.

504
00:45:35,510 --> 00:45:35,750
Commissioner.

505
00:45:36,650 --> 00:45:37,370
Just a question.

506
00:45:37,610 --> 00:45:39,150
Follow up.

507
00:45:39,210 --> 00:45:44,790
Some of the environmental impact, I mean if you're going to put up a building in Los Angeles,

508
00:45:45,530 --> 00:45:49,390
you have to tell them how many trucks are going to be coming and what time and you're limited

509
00:45:49,390 --> 00:45:52,190
when the hours work and all.

510
00:45:52,790 --> 00:46:00,490
Do you know if those kinds of types of regulations exist with relation to oil and gas

511
00:46:00,490 --> 00:46:09,610
production. Well, I think that if you're looking at a new project, we're probably going to be

512
00:46:09,610 --> 00:46:18,530
a whole lot better today, asking those questions. And when I first got at the head, got back

513
00:46:18,530 --> 00:46:19,510
to the health department,

514
00:46:21,630 --> 00:46:26,010
one of my people used to be big on reviewing these types of developments,

515
00:46:26,010 --> 00:46:32,930
And he was really zeroing in on noise, and I asked about air and he said, well, the air district, that's their subject matter.

516
00:46:33,030 --> 00:46:34,250
I go, no, it's got to be ours.

517
00:46:35,670 --> 00:46:41,230
But I don't think it says methodical as it needs to be in this area.

518
00:46:41,990 --> 00:46:45,490
Well, you know, I share, you know, for new wells.

519
00:46:46,010 --> 00:46:47,810
It'd be interesting on existing wells.

520
00:46:47,990 --> 00:46:53,010
Presumably, they periodically bring in more pipe to change it.

521
00:46:53,010 --> 00:46:58,750
In other words, they're kind of in progress all the time they're there for seeing them.

522
00:46:58,810 --> 00:47:01,590
So in the sense, the environmental impact could-

523
00:47:01,590 --> 00:47:02,210
Is ongoing.

524
00:47:02,630 --> 00:47:07,070
Conceptually be applied on going rather than just at the initial.

525
00:47:07,650 --> 00:47:13,230
And I think that once we start looking at these facilities, I think it'll be evident to us how we can improve

526
00:47:14,010 --> 00:47:22,230
the level of risk or reduce the level of risk and make conditions little more conducive to people living.

527
00:47:23,150 --> 00:47:25,010
I have one more question.

528
00:47:25,550 --> 00:47:26,410
There are any more.

529
00:47:27,750 --> 00:47:31,790
The safety valve on SS-25 had been removed.

530
00:47:31,850 --> 00:47:36,670
I think sometime in the 70s, but apparently many people were not aware of that.

531
00:47:37,310 --> 00:47:40,890
Is that something that we expect to see on these wells?

532
00:47:41,330 --> 00:47:45,510
Or is that something that is not a requirement?

533
00:47:46,150 --> 00:47:49,830
Obviously it's good to have to err on the side of caution, but is it a requirement?

534
00:47:49,830 --> 00:47:58,190
And how do safety valves get removed without, I guess, government agencies have the knowledge of that?

535
00:47:59,050 --> 00:48:03,590
Right. Well, my understanding of that well is that no, it was not required.

536
00:48:04,370 --> 00:48:08,450
It did have a safety valve, which many years ago had broken.

537
00:48:09,190 --> 00:48:19,630
And they decided we're not going to replace it because it's really not within the well is not located within, I think it was 300 feet.

538
00:48:19,630 --> 00:48:24,090
from the nearest residents, so they didn't replace it.

539
00:48:24,870 --> 00:48:29,950
Now, think about what that release did to the environment,

540
00:48:30,090 --> 00:48:31,190
at Massive release.

541
00:48:32,010 --> 00:48:34,030
So they were really looking at the wrong thing.

542
00:48:34,130 --> 00:48:37,110
When that standard was put together, it was really trying to say,

543
00:48:37,110 --> 00:48:39,350
how do we make sure that if there's a problem at that well,

544
00:48:39,690 --> 00:48:42,770
we don't get explosive gases going into a home,

545
00:48:43,170 --> 00:48:44,550
and then causing an explosion?

546
00:48:45,050 --> 00:48:47,090
So that's probably why they thought of that.

547
00:48:47,090 --> 00:48:50,470
But somebody should have said, well, what

548
00:48:50,470 --> 00:48:53,430
happens if that well without that relief valve

549
00:48:53,430 --> 00:48:54,950
below some day?

550
00:48:55,550 --> 00:48:57,830
And how long will it take us to get the equipment in here

551
00:48:57,830 --> 00:48:58,930
to abandon it?

552
00:48:59,070 --> 00:49:01,070
And I think they would have gone through this whole process

553
00:49:01,070 --> 00:49:02,830
and say this could take us four months.

554
00:49:03,310 --> 00:49:04,110
And had they done that?

555
00:49:04,110 --> 00:49:07,830
This is this perpetual environmental impact assessment

556
00:49:07,830 --> 00:49:09,150
you were just talking about?

557
00:49:09,410 --> 00:49:10,090
Had they done that?

558
00:49:10,090 --> 00:49:13,070
Somebody might have said, my God, we're really exposed here.

559
00:49:13,450 --> 00:49:15,790
Let's see their station equipment nearby,

560
00:49:15,790 --> 00:49:22,770
or let's put in those valves so that we can push a button and have it sealed off closer to the reservoir.

561
00:49:24,030 --> 00:49:26,050
So we live and learn on these things hopefully.

562
00:49:27,410 --> 00:49:35,670
Is there an inventory through a state agency where it actually shows which wells have these safety valves in which ones do not?

563
00:49:35,810 --> 00:49:37,450
I hope so.

564
00:49:37,450 --> 00:49:46,430
I think so. The state has a number of procedures and tests they have to do before they

565
00:49:46,430 --> 00:49:53,230
could re-energize that field if they ever do. But because remember what they did there,

566
00:49:53,250 --> 00:49:58,570
this wasn't just your typical oil reservoir, this was a depleted oil reservoir that was converted

567
00:49:58,570 --> 00:49:59,990
into storing natural.

568
00:50:03,740 --> 00:50:22,700
We're not going to go away from this one. We want to make sure that before there is ever any talk about repressionizing that field that they've done the test the state has already specified they need to. And hopefully that'll be enough, but we're going to have to ask that question.

569
00:50:24,010 --> 00:50:26,090
There are any other questions?

570
00:50:27,830 --> 00:50:28,810
Okay, thank you so much.

571
00:50:28,830 --> 00:50:29,150
Thank you.

572
00:50:29,650 --> 00:50:31,030
Thank you.

573
00:50:39,900 --> 00:50:42,000
Okay, we will move on to public comment.

574
00:50:50,310 --> 00:50:54,650
Okay, I don't have any cards for public comments for this particular item.

575
00:50:54,870 --> 00:50:57,030
So we will move on to item two,

576
00:50:59,660 --> 00:51:02,820
which is a discussion in action on requesting the city council.

577
00:51:04,460 --> 00:51:05,600
Oh, no, I'm sorry.

578
00:51:06,940 --> 00:51:08,320
reading the minutes.

579
00:51:08,980 --> 00:51:15,700
Discussion in Action on Resolution by Commissioners, Shannon, Sharp, and Vic relative to

580
00:51:15,700 --> 00:51:21,460
expressing the support of the Los Angeles City Health Commission for 1,500 foot buffer zone,

581
00:51:21,660 --> 00:51:24,360
an oil and gas drilling in residential neighborhoods.

582
00:51:26,950 --> 00:51:30,390
So commissioners in your packet is a copy of the resolution.

583
00:51:38,260 --> 00:51:43,200
And what I'll do is I'll read the therefore be it resolved for those who are listening,

584
00:51:43,200 --> 00:51:49,780
or who will be listening on audio, so therefore be it resolved that in order to address

585
00:51:49,780 --> 00:51:55,480
health impacts, noise, pollution, and other consequences of drilling activity, the Los Angeles

586
00:51:55,480 --> 00:51:59,720
City Health Commission recommends that the city of Los Angeles establish and enforce

587
00:51:59,720 --> 00:52:05,960
a 1,500 foot buffer zone between oil and gas drilling and nearby homes, schools, places of

588
00:52:05,960 --> 00:52:11,620
worship, parks, and other public spaces, and therefore be it further resolved that a copy

589
00:52:11,620 --> 00:52:16,220
of this resolution, be sent to all members of the Los Angeles City Council, the President

590
00:52:16,220 --> 00:52:20,920
of the City Planning Commission, the President of the Board of Fire Commissioners, the

591
00:52:20,920 --> 00:52:23,240
Chief Legislative Analyst and the City Attorney.

592
00:52:31,120 --> 00:52:35,860
So we will, right, so we will have discussion among the commissioners, and then we will

593
00:52:35,860 --> 00:52:45,310
move to public comment, and then after public comment, we can move the agenda.

594
00:52:45,310 --> 00:52:47,310
So is there a motion?

595
00:52:47,610 --> 00:52:48,150
Okay.

596
00:52:48,410 --> 00:52:49,250
Okay.

597
00:52:50,890 --> 00:52:57,290
Is this prospectively or for existing oil and gas expression?

598
00:52:57,750 --> 00:52:57,810
Yeah.

599
00:52:57,870 --> 00:53:05,610
So I did get an email from someone asking if we could do a substitute motion,

600
00:53:06,130 --> 00:53:11,310
which would be for 1500 feet around oil wells, gas wells,

601
00:53:11,310 --> 00:53:14,870
and the fall line extending downhill from such wells.

602
00:53:15,890 --> 00:53:17,470
So another dot would,

603
00:53:18,290 --> 00:53:21,450
of the intention was for it to be existing,

604
00:53:22,590 --> 00:53:25,470
but I think somebody had basically felt

605
00:53:25,470 --> 00:53:28,230
that it didn't necessarily cover that

606
00:53:28,230 --> 00:53:30,850
within the actual resolution.

607
00:53:31,110 --> 00:53:33,390
I mean, it seems to me be difficult.

608
00:53:33,690 --> 00:53:34,650
I mean, notwithstanding,

609
00:53:35,090 --> 00:53:36,410
we may want to do it.

610
00:53:36,590 --> 00:53:38,270
It seemed to me to be retroactively

611
00:53:40,530 --> 00:53:48,090
Difficult, if not impossible, to establish a retroactive relocation of those wells, you know.

612
00:53:48,310 --> 00:53:54,450
I mean, we've heard last time we were here, of course, that virtually outside people's homes.

613
00:53:54,970 --> 00:54:02,130
And I'm sympathetic with I just don't know how you just tell the operator of that well, just pick it up and move it 1500 feet.

614
00:54:02,530 --> 00:54:03,810
I don't think that's going to happen.

615
00:54:03,810 --> 00:54:11,370
So, I guess that kind of discussion is going to come up and I don't know if we want to

616
00:54:11,370 --> 00:54:17,670
address that within the context of this or not and then just another point we say residential

617
00:54:17,670 --> 00:54:23,890
neighborhoods which is a suppose we could, that is a bit of a term of art in terms of

618
00:54:23,890 --> 00:54:28,770
whether residential means something specific because then later on it talks about public

619
00:54:28,770 --> 00:54:35,510
spaces, places of worship and so on, and I agree that it's not a good place for wells,

620
00:54:35,730 --> 00:54:37,810
but those aren't exactly residential neighborhoods.

621
00:54:38,790 --> 00:54:45,670
So I just a little maybe wordsmithing here, I guess, is when I'm dealing with a little

622
00:54:45,670 --> 00:54:46,550
bit.

623
00:54:46,850 --> 00:54:46,970
Okay.

624
00:54:47,310 --> 00:54:52,070
Would you like to make a substitute most of you to make that more clear?

625
00:54:53,650 --> 00:54:55,090
I think we're still on a discussion, correct?

626
00:54:55,690 --> 00:54:55,970
Yeah.

627
00:54:57,010 --> 00:54:58,110
It's not a motion at this time.

628
00:54:58,110 --> 00:54:59,950
Okay, do we want to entertain emotion?

629
00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:03,280
In order to have discussion first, discussion first, okay.

630
00:55:05,280 --> 00:55:17,000
But I had several, thank you, commissioner Hawkes. I had actually a lot of concerns about this resolution. First of all, I understand the spirit of the request.

631
00:55:18,060 --> 00:55:28,060
However, I believe like former commissioner has mentioned, the fact that if you're dealing with, you know, like you mentioned, 70% of the city's active oil wells are within 1,500 feet of homes,

632
00:55:28,060 --> 00:55:29,900
schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

633
00:55:31,140 --> 00:55:32,200
So how does that work?

634
00:55:33,240 --> 00:55:34,720
How does that implement it?

635
00:55:35,040 --> 00:55:37,340
The other issue in the resolution, also discusses

636
00:55:37,340 --> 00:55:38,840
that we've heard a variety of tests,

637
00:55:38,840 --> 00:55:40,400
the money, however, we still have not heard

638
00:55:40,400 --> 00:55:43,080
a variety of tests, the money from the entities

639
00:55:43,080 --> 00:55:44,280
that will be directly impacted.

640
00:55:44,440 --> 00:55:46,620
We've heard from communities, we've heard from county

641
00:55:46,620 --> 00:55:50,280
department, however, we haven't heard from any of the public

642
00:55:50,280 --> 00:55:53,420
or I mean from LAWP, we haven't heard from Edison,

643
00:55:53,660 --> 00:55:55,920
we haven't heard from gas, or any of the other entities

644
00:55:55,920 --> 00:55:57,660
will be directly impacted by this.

645
00:55:57,660 --> 00:56:02,100
just to be fair and balanced, I want to make sure as a commission before we make a decision

646
00:56:02,100 --> 00:56:07,080
whether or not to proceed on something like this that we have every entity represented so that

647
00:56:07,080 --> 00:56:13,820
we can ask those questions in addition to although I appreciated Mr. Butler's testimony that was great.

648
00:56:14,080 --> 00:56:17,100
There were a lot of other answered questions. There was a lot of let me get back to you on the report.

649
00:56:17,280 --> 00:56:22,120
There were a lot of questions that were answered. So I personally, at this point, don't feel comfortable moving forward.

650
00:56:22,120 --> 00:56:26,580
And then I'm also question, where do we get the 1500 foot set back issue from?

651
00:56:26,820 --> 00:56:27,880
Like, where is that number from?

652
00:56:28,040 --> 00:56:32,900
Is that the number, you know, proposed by LA County, AQMD?

653
00:56:33,300 --> 00:56:35,780
I just feel like there's so many questions on this issue.

654
00:56:36,060 --> 00:56:40,100
And to be honest with you, I only saw this resolution as of today.

655
00:56:40,180 --> 00:56:45,540
And I didn't have time to adequately prepare and read and have a lot of these questions

656
00:56:45,540 --> 00:56:46,000
answered.

657
00:56:46,340 --> 00:56:50,500
So for me to move forward on improving a resolution that I just saw within a couple of hours

658
00:56:50,500 --> 00:56:57,260
Without feeling like I had, you know, every entity here or so that we can discuss it, just makes me look at how this gives me pause.

659
00:56:57,740 --> 00:57:09,740
And I'm not saying to something that we should have the shit or shouldn't have stopped in just feeling like there's a lot of holes in this process that I would like to figure out how one, I do like the idea that we're as a commission to get a discuss idea of taking a position on things.

660
00:57:09,900 --> 00:57:18,200
So I think we need to be a protocol set up for that. But too, I just feel like there's a lot of unanswered questions regarding this resolution and trying to figure out how we got to all of these numbers.

661
00:57:18,200 --> 00:57:27,500
Okay, I can answer at least a 1,500 foot setback, so the only regulatory precedence that I know of,

662
00:57:27,500 --> 00:57:31,080
or that's been brought to our attention, was for two cities.

663
00:57:31,240 --> 00:57:35,340
One is Dallas, Texas, and the other is Flower Mount, Texas.

664
00:57:35,760 --> 00:57:38,180
That both have a 1,500 foot setback.

665
00:57:38,680 --> 00:57:43,700
So there is regulatory precedence, it's the only regulatory precedence that I know of.

666
00:57:43,700 --> 00:57:47,020
So it's not something that we were just making up.

667
00:57:47,300 --> 00:57:51,380
It's actually something that's been vetted through two municipalities.

668
00:57:52,800 --> 00:57:58,980
And for one, has had four lawsuits against it, all of which were dismissed by the courts.

669
00:57:59,760 --> 00:58:02,680
So that's the background that I know on that.

670
00:58:03,060 --> 00:58:11,360
In terms of hearing from I suppose LEDWP and so Cal Gas, I think the charges that we were

671
00:58:11,360 --> 00:58:15,760
have been from the city council, which weren't charges really was a request, was to look

672
00:58:15,760 --> 00:58:17,580
at the health impacts of residents.

673
00:58:19,020 --> 00:58:24,300
And so we've been looking at that, I don't know how they specifically would be impacted

674
00:58:24,300 --> 00:58:31,760
other than from maybe a business standpoint, which maybe something that you want to look at

675
00:58:31,760 --> 00:58:39,360
or not look at, but I don't find it to necessarily be, you know, the charges of this particular

676
00:58:39,360 --> 00:58:45,420
commission which is looking at health impacts specifically and trying to do as best for

677
00:58:45,420 --> 00:58:54,280
the residents of the city. So while I think if I were a council member I might take a lot of

678
00:58:54,280 --> 00:59:00,640
things into consideration. I think for the purposes of this resolution it was dealing specifically

679
00:59:00,640 --> 00:59:11,020
with health impacts and setbacks and looking at regulatory precedents and what we have had

680
00:59:11,020 --> 00:59:16,080
two hearings on this already or at least people coming to speak. Get two different hearings so

681
00:59:16,080 --> 00:59:22,460
the 1500 foot setback has come up at least on from three different speakers that we've had

682
00:59:22,460 --> 00:59:28,760
come here and speak to us. I don't remember anyone raising an issue about a thin but I do know

683
00:59:28,760 --> 00:59:34,280
And I did ask where the 1,500 feet came from, and it was from Dallas, and since then I've

684
00:59:34,280 --> 00:59:39,840
done a lot of research to make sure that that is true in two municipalities now in Texas,

685
00:59:40,380 --> 00:59:47,480
which is a fairly virtual producing state, have enacted a 1,500 foot set back.

686
00:59:48,560 --> 00:59:49,180
I'll follow a question.

687
00:59:49,580 --> 00:59:55,220
How did the city of Dallas, or did these two Dallas entities be referring to?

688
00:59:55,220 --> 00:59:58,500
How did they address the issue of existing wells?

689
01:00:00,270 --> 01:00:08,810
I don't think those particular ordinances actually were applicable to existing wells.

690
01:00:09,710 --> 01:00:13,110
But this resolution is referring to existing wells that correct.

691
01:00:13,850 --> 01:00:22,090
Right. Well, this resolution is referring to a 1,500 foot setback. The intention was due to the health impacts that we've heard,

692
01:00:22,090 --> 01:00:27,030
basically from community members and two different hearings from Mr.

693
01:00:27,130 --> 01:00:33,910
Ballomo today, is that what is in the best interest of residents, what are the health

694
01:00:33,910 --> 01:00:40,050
impacts, is it fair for them to be living in these conditions and what can we do to alleviate

695
01:00:40,930 --> 01:00:41,490
that?

696
01:00:41,890 --> 01:00:48,790
I mean, I know that people are also concerned about the business angle of this, which, when

697
01:00:48,790 --> 01:00:55,010
You hear that 8,000 families were evacuated when you hear that people weren't able to get to

698
01:00:55,010 --> 01:00:59,470
their jobs, when you hear that parks have been closed, when you hear that faculty members

699
01:00:59,470 --> 01:01:04,830
at schools were detrimentally impacted, that's also a business impact.

700
01:01:07,650 --> 01:01:12,990
And so, you know, and health-related issues are also an impact to a family, to their ability

701
01:01:12,990 --> 01:01:21,130
to make money, to go to work, and so, you know, it's, it's, it's, it's on both ends.

702
01:01:22,210 --> 01:01:26,090
I can't, Commissioner Hawkins, I'm sorry. And and please don't, don't, and interpret my

703
01:01:26,090 --> 01:01:29,650
question line of question as looking at more as if it's an impact. I'm just looking at more

704
01:01:29,650 --> 01:01:34,710
holistically, as far as addressing the issues. And that's my question. And like I said, somebody

705
01:01:34,710 --> 01:01:40,330
who's worked on environmental justice issues for a while, I understand and I get it, but to me,

706
01:01:40,330 --> 01:01:53,510
It always comes down to making sure you have every person who's impacted and also the folks who are at the hands of whatever the issue is you need to have everybody in every stakeholder at the table before you can move forward.

707
01:01:53,670 --> 01:01:55,210
And that's just what I was getting.

708
01:01:55,370 --> 01:01:56,490
It's not about a business angle.

709
01:01:56,610 --> 01:01:58,530
It's not about being a prophet or anything like that.

710
01:01:58,750 --> 01:02:02,470
It's just the issue of been making public policy or recommendations public policy.

711
01:02:02,610 --> 01:02:04,810
Why it is important to have every entity at the table.

712
01:02:05,130 --> 01:02:07,090
That was basically what I was trying to get up.

713
01:02:07,230 --> 01:02:08,330
Thank you.

714
01:02:09,110 --> 01:02:17,890
I would also like to say that maybe, rather than a resolution, it would be a recommendation

715
01:02:19,450 --> 01:02:26,830
and that it would be a date, you know, that we'd have to have some kind of date on this.

716
01:02:26,830 --> 01:02:35,410
So, and since we're going to be charged with a report, that's a big function of what we're

717
01:02:35,410 --> 01:02:42,870
to do, that this might be one of a recommendation, rather than a separate resolution.

718
01:02:43,430 --> 01:02:46,350
That might also be another path forward.

719
01:02:49,150 --> 01:02:49,690
Mr. Vick?

720
01:02:51,070 --> 01:02:53,610
This is going to actually agree with Commissioner Hakez.

721
01:02:54,050 --> 01:02:58,570
I just facilitated an event in my day job, which I'm not representing right now this time.

722
01:02:59,430 --> 01:03:04,470
to make that clear, but where there was some folks that came and talked about environmental health issues

723
01:03:04,470 --> 01:03:08,430
and there was someone that was representing sort of the other side, and I think it was important

724
01:03:08,430 --> 01:03:14,190
that that person was in the room because the folks that were advocating for some protections

725
01:03:14,190 --> 01:03:19,290
for the community and the residents were able to, I think, give him some things to think about

726
01:03:19,290 --> 01:03:23,790
because he had made a couple of comments that were quickly and swiftly sort of dealt with

727
01:03:23,790 --> 01:03:25,930
by the, the, the advocates in the room.

728
01:03:25,930 --> 01:03:36,690
So, I think it is important for that voice to be heard, even if it's just for them to come here and hear what the residents and the community members are dealing with in the advocates that are working with be hard.

729
01:03:37,110 --> 01:03:43,770
So, the spirit of this resolution is fabulous. I think it's in line with what a lot of folks that are working on is are about.

730
01:03:44,910 --> 01:03:54,370
But, yeah, I do think that perhaps having that other side come in and at least under here and maybe not that they haven't heard it before, but I guess to be balanced would be appropriate.

731
01:03:56,530 --> 01:03:58,410
It's a great commissioner, hashrich?

732
01:03:59,350 --> 01:04:03,830
Yeah, I'm becoming more persuaded that we need to hear a bit more.

733
01:04:04,190 --> 01:04:08,790
I'm also still concerned about since it is 70% of them are within that.

734
01:04:09,270 --> 01:04:15,450
We could probably have some small producers come in here and say that if this is put into place,

735
01:04:15,490 --> 01:04:17,070
say, be out of business and so on.

736
01:04:17,290 --> 01:04:21,310
I mean, we'd like them to be out of business, but I think we ought to hear them say it.

737
01:04:23,750 --> 01:04:35,790
And I know that one other commissioner who's not present commented to me after the previous meeting that nobody had clearly established a specific health impact.

738
01:04:36,370 --> 01:04:45,490
There's certainly quality of life impacts, but the clear link for, and now I'm sure there are some folks that are affected by it,

739
01:04:45,490 --> 01:04:51,530
still to make the assertion at this point in a resolution that it's only the health impacts

740
01:04:51,530 --> 01:04:53,270
may be a little premature,

741
01:04:55,980 --> 01:05:00,000
so I appreciate the lively.

742
01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:19,800
It's a change of views. It's helpful. I look forward to hearing from some of the stakeholders that have taken the time to join us tonight, and would love to reserve a moment to regroup our discussion after we've heard from input from those that have gathered around here, as there's unique expertise in the audience that I don't want to suggest.

743
01:05:20,420 --> 01:05:29,780
I'm a resident within one of these 1,500 foot zones around the Furman Street. Well, so I'm sort of keenly aware of this from a number of vantage points.

744
01:05:29,780 --> 01:05:32,240
But I certainly use the lens and I think it's helpful

745
01:05:32,240 --> 01:05:36,220
that we're lifting this up to try and forge a sort

746
01:05:36,220 --> 01:05:38,540
of a common approach through which we're seeing the problems

747
01:05:38,540 --> 01:05:40,160
and therefore any potential solutions.

748
01:05:40,720 --> 01:05:44,560
I certainly see the scope of my responsibility here

749
01:05:44,560 --> 01:05:47,660
to be narrowly determining whether the evidence presented

750
01:05:47,660 --> 01:05:50,240
to us in any personal professional judgment

751
01:05:50,240 --> 01:05:52,020
of accumulated prior to joining the commission

752
01:05:52,020 --> 01:05:55,840
enables me to make a health protection recommendation.

753
01:05:56,120 --> 01:05:57,600
I guess, certainly the lens switch.

754
01:05:57,600 --> 01:06:02,580
I look at it, I am optimistic that the council members and the mayor in the city departments

755
01:06:02,580 --> 01:06:08,740
are better positioned than we are to assimilate a variety of other important considerations

756
01:06:08,740 --> 01:06:14,120
in the formulation of the public policies that are to be promulgated, but I certainly attempt

757
01:06:14,120 --> 01:06:21,640
to only in this context assess the health impacts and at least to me it has been persuasive

758
01:06:21,640 --> 01:06:29,560
in the remarks to date that the extraction activities and particularly the residential dwelling

759
01:06:29,560 --> 01:06:36,160
where someone may be there 18, 24 hours a day even as a senior are absorbing an adverse

760
01:06:36,160 --> 01:06:41,520
health consequence. I believe there have been important legitimate concerns raised about exactly

761
01:06:41,520 --> 01:06:45,980
what the causality is, whether it's the hydrocarbons or other industrial activity on the site.

762
01:06:46,380 --> 01:06:51,220
But to me there's no question that there are simply incompatible uses in how the city has been

763
01:06:51,220 --> 01:06:56,780
own and its responsibility. I feel as my responsibility here to when given set opportunity

764
01:06:56,780 --> 01:07:01,800
to illuminate that it's important for policymakers to consider these health impacts in their

765
01:07:01,800 --> 01:07:06,980
ultimate formulation of policy. In this particular case it just seems that the industrial hydrocarbon

766
01:07:06,980 --> 01:07:13,160
uses incompatible with the residential areas. This is occurring right where I live now and I'm

767
01:07:13,160 --> 01:07:20,040
hopeful that we can be supportive of in the right form potentially this or some version of it

768
01:07:20,040 --> 01:07:28,020
efforts to align the uses of industrial activity with residential in particular as the council

769
01:07:28,020 --> 01:07:30,460
formulates policy on this.

770
01:07:30,980 --> 01:07:32,600
I just want to say very quickly.

771
01:07:33,840 --> 01:07:40,380
I think I see this from the point of view of prevention and early intervention approach

772
01:07:40,380 --> 01:07:46,320
because we know what's happening and looking towards the future.

773
01:07:46,320 --> 01:07:57,540
I think the motion in some sense serves to me as something that could be utilized with

774
01:07:57,540 --> 01:08:03,940
prevention or intervention, but I do agree to that other aspects need to be brought

775
01:08:03,940 --> 01:08:05,200
into play.

776
01:08:07,890 --> 01:08:15,320
But we would have to rely on a lot of assistance from the county and other agents to get

777
01:08:15,320 --> 01:08:23,720
most of the questions and answers, but I do see it as a good predictor on a going forward basis.

778
01:08:24,260 --> 01:08:27,760
Some of the contents of the motion.

779
01:08:29,780 --> 01:08:29,940
Okay.

780
01:08:31,300 --> 01:08:36,720
Timeline, why is we have two more meetings for this make up of this commission?

781
01:08:39,160 --> 01:08:44,220
We have a lot of speakers coming in September because there were a number of issues that came

782
01:08:44,220 --> 01:08:50,060
up that the commissioners wanted to address and a lot of, unfortunately, a lot of the speakers

783
01:08:50,060 --> 01:08:55,860
that we wanted to come were not available either last month or this month.

784
01:08:56,960 --> 01:09:03,880
So we do have a lot of people coming in September, so I don't know that we could pretty

785
01:09:03,880 --> 01:09:10,020
sure that we can't agendize that unless people want to stay for a very long time in September

786
01:09:10,020 --> 01:09:17,860
for the meeting. So I think that's something to take into consideration for everyone. And we do need to

787
01:09:17,860 --> 01:09:26,820
issue the report. So if we're not on record for specifically specific policy issues for the report,

788
01:09:27,420 --> 01:09:35,170
it becomes a little problematic. So just putting that out there. Any other questions or comments from

789
01:09:35,170 --> 01:09:38,490
commissioners and I just want to just address that issue. I understand the

790
01:09:38,490 --> 01:09:43,130
construction time sensitivity, however we were all entrusted by our council

791
01:09:43,130 --> 01:09:46,870
members to make sure that we serve on this commission and that we service

792
01:09:46,870 --> 01:09:50,810
commission at the almost representing them in their constituents and making

793
01:09:50,810 --> 01:09:54,870
sure that if we do make a decision policy wider moving forward, that we should

794
01:09:54,870 --> 01:09:58,470
have all the facts from getting out. So I don't mind if it goes into several

795
01:09:58,470 --> 01:09:59,670
hours, that's fine with me.

796
01:10:00,000 --> 01:10:19,900
Because I don't want to move forward and just feel like it's a time constraint. I made a commitment to this commission and I believe all my other fellow commissioners it is well. So I'm just wanted to put that out there as well that it's it's okay if we need to put that and maybe the meeting is a little bit longer and we have all entities represented and then I'm totally okay with that. So thank you.

797
01:10:21,160 --> 01:10:26,200
I don't have any comment cards for this particular item. Is anyone holding comment cards?

798
01:10:29,020 --> 01:10:31,120
Please come forward.

799
01:10:44,000 --> 01:10:47,840
There are any members of the public who would like to address item three.

800
01:10:48,580 --> 01:10:48,600
Two?

801
01:10:48,820 --> 01:10:49,660
I mean item two?

802
01:10:50,120 --> 01:10:51,540
To see several folks here.

803
01:10:57,700 --> 01:11:00,000
So we should move to motion.

804
01:11:00,840 --> 01:11:08,080
And the way that I see this sort of unfolding is we can...

805
01:11:08,080 --> 01:11:11,200
They're making motion to pass the resolution,

806
01:11:11,200 --> 01:11:19,340
make a motion to amend it, or make a motion to postpone to a date certain.

807
01:11:26,100 --> 01:11:28,560
Shall we can address this or not?

808
01:11:29,760 --> 01:11:30,700
Caucus sticking.

809
01:11:33,710 --> 01:11:36,810
Yes, I would just first of all say it I'll turn in my card in one second.

810
01:11:37,330 --> 01:11:42,830
How much we appreciate the amount of time that the commission has put into studying this issue and hearing from the community.

811
01:11:42,830 --> 01:11:55,910
We were also, I'm a shop preacher, by the way, with the Liberty Hill Foundation, and our foundation has been greatly concerned with this issue as we have heard from communities throughout the city about the health at safety impacts and neighborhood quality of life.

812
01:11:56,730 --> 01:12:05,670
So, we also have just found out about the resolution and your hope to pass something substantive on this issue just on Friday.

813
01:12:05,670 --> 01:12:09,430
So we really even had a chance to thoroughly look at the resolution.

814
01:12:09,430 --> 01:12:17,790
I know that we thought it could be strengthened around the notion of clarifying the new and expanding and current oil wells.

815
01:12:17,970 --> 01:12:29,410
It's a long discussion, but we really want to salute your effort to hear our plea for a buffer zone to separate these industrial uses from from sensitive land uses.

816
01:12:29,950 --> 01:12:46,510
So with that said, you know, whether it's tonight that you pass the resolution, or if it is in another, at the next meeting, you know, I don't want to speak on behalf of the whole coalition, but I think our overarching goal is we would love to see the health commission pass a resolution like this.

817
01:12:47,870 --> 01:12:53,450
So that's kind of I think where we are and I invite other members to speak, we're trying to figure this out.

818
01:12:53,450 --> 01:12:56,930
I did want to respond quickly on just a couple of things that came up.

819
01:12:57,230 --> 01:13:01,370
First of all, with regard to Commissioner Hock has this question on the 1,500 foot buffer,

820
01:13:01,910 --> 01:13:06,770
I was the coordinator of this publication that drilling down report that Liberty Hill put

821
01:13:06,770 --> 01:13:12,150
out about a year ago, and in addition to the two Texas examples, I just wanted to say that

822
01:13:12,150 --> 01:13:18,670
I found here, I remembered, the South Coast Air Quality Management District also has established

823
01:13:18,670 --> 01:13:24,790
to 1,500 foot radius for purposes of air monitoring and responding to odor complaints from

824
01:13:24,790 --> 01:13:29,490
oil drilling operations with a heightened level of response time and corrective action.

825
01:13:29,770 --> 01:13:32,770
So that's in the ACMD protocol from 2013.

826
01:13:33,790 --> 01:13:33,970
Number one.

827
01:13:34,190 --> 01:13:38,730
Number two, Dr. Jim Sad, who was here, I think, for your main meeting, and only had one

828
01:13:38,730 --> 01:13:39,690
minute to testify.

829
01:13:41,230 --> 01:13:44,650
Because the minute a letter, and I will distribute it, I brought hard copies of it.

830
01:13:44,650 --> 01:13:49,930
And he will also be, and we have Dr. Shama Sunder from Oxidental College here tonight, too,

831
01:13:50,410 --> 01:13:56,750
will be completing some research in the next 30 days with regard to the 1500s foot buffer

832
01:13:56,750 --> 01:14:02,510
proposal. So, that's coming. So, thank you for the time. Sorry, we're no great. Thank you.

833
01:14:02,810 --> 01:14:08,230
Thank you. Just make comment on that particular point. I appreciate the comment about the 1500

834
01:14:08,230 --> 01:14:14,470
feet that did say for Air Monitor, and that doesn't say that you preclude the operation from

835
01:14:14,470 --> 01:14:22,410
I mean, that's just a kind of clarification that I think we need to do to make this a little stronger.

836
01:14:23,750 --> 01:14:24,850
Time is with me.

837
01:14:26,370 --> 01:14:26,530
Okay.

838
01:14:27,610 --> 01:14:29,190
Actually, I just wanted to Chris Ramakaskin.

839
01:14:29,210 --> 01:14:32,370
I just wanted to point, I'd love to hear more about the letter.

840
01:14:32,830 --> 01:14:34,730
And, you know, but I'm talking about like that's what I mean.

841
01:14:34,850 --> 01:14:36,790
I just want to follow up questions that be good to have.

842
01:14:36,870 --> 01:14:38,810
I had a time so we can dissect it a little bit.

843
01:14:38,890 --> 01:14:40,190
We'll go do a deeper dive into.

844
01:14:40,790 --> 01:14:41,390
Thank you.

845
01:14:43,660 --> 01:14:45,520
Can you tell this again what our options are?

846
01:14:46,220 --> 01:14:59,960
Okay, the way that I see it unfolding and obviously anyone can make a motion outside of these, but I think one would be to move to pass the resolution as written, move to amend the resolution.

847
01:15:01,980 --> 01:15:26,040
Moving to postpone, bringing the resolution forward to a date certain, although at the October meeting, which the date will be changed because it falls on a holiday, we will be looking at our annual report and most likely the report recommendations on oil and gas that the council has requested.

848
01:15:26,040 --> 01:15:27,220
So,

849
01:15:30,880 --> 01:15:56,270
in some cases we may just be looking at this particular policy issue in the context of the report that comes out, which I would rather have us bet this issue and this policy statement prior to the report because at that point it's unclear what we would do if the report were rejected by the commission.

850
01:15:57,930 --> 01:16:02,290
I moved to postpone the resolution until October 2nd.

851
01:16:02,950 --> 01:16:05,690
Can I amend that as well or no?

852
01:16:07,130 --> 01:16:08,770
Well, it's been moved in seconded.

853
01:16:09,330 --> 01:16:13,410
So it would have to, unless you want it to put through a substitute motion.

854
01:16:13,630 --> 01:16:16,790
And then the substitute motion, if that passes, becomes the main motion.

855
01:16:17,010 --> 01:16:17,550
Got it.

856
01:16:18,070 --> 01:16:18,730
Substitute motion.

857
01:16:19,190 --> 01:16:23,210
I would like to postpone to it later time, but make sure ensuring all entities are invited

858
01:16:23,210 --> 01:16:24,890
to attend a testify at that point.

859
01:16:27,090 --> 01:16:33,310
second. Okay, so we'll have to vote on the substitute motion. So all in favor, is there any discussion?

860
01:16:34,170 --> 01:16:43,490
Okay, all in favor of the substitute motion please. Yes, I'm just for purposes of the record to make sure that the instruction is clear that it could be briefly

861
01:16:43,490 --> 01:16:50,950
enumerated what some of the other additional entities are that would be valuable contributors so that can be at least considered.

862
01:16:52,630 --> 01:16:56,510
No, I'm asking right now, just for discussion purposes, when we say other entities.

863
01:16:57,210 --> 01:16:58,570
I'm who I would like to identify.

864
01:16:59,190 --> 01:17:01,410
Yeah, definitely the utilities directly impacted,

865
01:17:04,230 --> 01:17:08,190
as well as, you know, and also an open it up to Liberty Hill to go to the discussion,

866
01:17:08,810 --> 01:17:09,710
and the other entities.

867
01:17:10,050 --> 01:17:15,130
So we have community, we have entities directly impacted, and any other interested entities.

868
01:17:19,160 --> 01:17:19,860
So everyone's cool.

869
01:17:20,060 --> 01:17:20,880
We say additional entities.

870
01:17:21,760 --> 01:17:22,100
Okay.

871
01:17:22,100 --> 01:17:30,540
So that would okay, so all in fate is there any discussion on this okay all in favor of the substitute motion, please say aye

872
01:17:31,640 --> 01:17:36,880
Okay, so that was a vote on the substitute motion now the substitute motion becomes a main motion

873
01:17:36,880 --> 01:17:39,420
So unfortunately we have to vote on it again

874
01:17:40,100 --> 01:17:41,760
As our main motion

875
01:17:41,760 --> 01:17:49,980
So the main motion being that we will take resolution up again at a time when all stakeholders can be present including

876
01:17:49,980 --> 01:17:57,080
utilities, Liberty Hill, other community partners, so all in favor, is there any discussion?

877
01:17:57,880 --> 01:17:58,720
Okay, all in favor.

878
01:17:58,860 --> 01:18:00,480
I'm sorry.

879
01:18:01,180 --> 01:18:03,800
Are we going to specifically say the October meeting?

880
01:18:04,440 --> 01:18:05,060
Or is it?

881
01:18:05,060 --> 01:18:11,420
I don't think that's a good idea because I think our October meeting will be vetting our annual report.

882
01:18:11,800 --> 01:18:18,440
So if we can make it happen in September, as long as people are willing to stay late and we don't lose our quorum.

883
01:18:19,660 --> 01:18:24,940
Our biggest, you know, the biggest worry for me is that we would lose our quorum.

884
01:18:25,520 --> 01:18:31,400
So as long as we are resolving to do this, we can attempt to make it happen in September.

885
01:18:32,260 --> 01:18:36,100
There is subcommittee formulated as a subdivision of this body.

886
01:18:36,260 --> 01:18:37,620
There is a subcommittee, yes.

887
01:18:37,680 --> 01:18:43,200
Look at this that could potentially provide some information to commissioners in advance

888
01:18:43,200 --> 01:18:46,920
that would potentially synthesize in the form of, you know,

889
01:18:47,760 --> 01:18:52,200
There seem to be some questions asked today that maybe a small group could convene and

890
01:18:52,200 --> 01:18:55,820
provide some information that would reduce the risk that I think is legitimate that

891
01:18:55,820 --> 01:18:59,080
you're raising that this just goes on to one that we wouldn't have enough people to vote on it.

892
01:18:59,300 --> 01:19:03,120
I think that's an important risk and I'm wondering if there's something we could do between now and what

893
01:19:03,120 --> 01:19:08,820
I believe September 12th, Ms. Rosales, is our next September 12th?

894
01:19:08,900 --> 01:19:16,900
There's something that could occur between now and then to prepare so that the discussion could be

895
01:19:16,900 --> 01:19:22,720
Subcommittee is the venue or if there's some other consolation of Triad or a team that could

896
01:19:22,720 --> 01:19:27,280
try and at least enumerate a couple of these kind of from a Q&A standpoint that could help

897
01:19:27,280 --> 01:19:29,580
mitigate what's a legitimate concern that you've brought up.

898
01:19:29,900 --> 01:19:34,300
Right, so my understanding from the motion is that we're inviting people to come and testify

899
01:19:34,820 --> 01:19:42,620
as part of our speaker presentations, giving them a certain allotment of time and then questions.

900
01:19:42,620 --> 01:19:48,880
So invariably that will take a bit even if the subcommittee prepares a report in advance.

901
01:19:51,030 --> 01:19:53,810
All right, so the report which is being augmentation of right.

902
01:19:53,830 --> 01:19:54,670
There's need to be a report.

903
01:19:54,770 --> 01:19:59,990
I'm just trying to find a way to efficiently bring together enough content that you know with.

904
01:20:00,180 --> 01:20:05,640
We can, at least, formulate a view, even if there's a number of kind of two-minute remarks.

905
01:20:06,260 --> 01:20:20,540
Okay, and there could also be a situation where we do invite people from the various entities, I'm guessing the LADWP and so-called gas, and they're not able to make the meeting, in which case, what do we do?

906
01:20:20,540 --> 01:20:31,540
do we just hear from some people in September and then maybe have a special meeting in order to hear from the rest of the entities or

907
01:20:32,120 --> 01:20:39,680
certainly be most useful for me. I can't speak for others is to receive this sort of correspondence where someone puts their views together in kind of a two-page

908
01:20:41,180 --> 01:20:53,100
If someone can't come if they can provide a reaction response to this draft resolution, folks can read that with enough advance time, you know, acknowledging Commissioner Hakez requests for a little more lead time.

909
01:20:53,340 --> 01:20:55,220
Written comment is just as useful to me.

910
01:20:55,900 --> 01:20:57,680
So that would be in the spirit of your motion.

911
01:20:57,920 --> 01:20:58,500
Is that correct?

912
01:20:58,920 --> 01:20:59,360
Commissioner Hakez?

913
01:21:00,400 --> 01:21:05,360
We get to receive information at least for at least 48 hours at the least.

914
01:21:05,500 --> 01:21:05,700
Okay.

915
01:21:05,820 --> 01:21:08,260
So it doesn't have to actually be present here.

916
01:21:08,260 --> 01:21:12,200
in addition to. So if they can be here, that'd be great for the presentation. If they want

917
01:21:12,200 --> 01:21:16,640
to submit the report ahead of the their presentation to make their points more concise

918
01:21:16,640 --> 01:21:21,780
and that's fine. I think one limitation needs to be extended into if they have information

919
01:21:21,780 --> 01:21:25,420
they want to afford the commission prior to. I think that's as a possibility of making sure

920
01:21:25,420 --> 01:21:30,840
the commission receives it at least 40-40 hours per year. Okay, but my question was, what if

921
01:21:30,840 --> 01:21:36,740
they cannot come to present to the commission? I think we just need to select the date and that's

922
01:21:36,740 --> 01:21:38,120
It's going to be the day to afford.

923
01:21:39,280 --> 01:21:44,860
So if they can't make it, then at least the invitation has been extended, we have asked

924
01:21:44,860 --> 01:21:52,580
that they present a two-page, at least a two-page report back in the form of a letter.

925
01:21:53,420 --> 01:21:55,780
And then that would meet the spirit of the...

926
01:21:55,780 --> 01:21:57,740
I just want to make sure that I understand the parameters.

927
01:21:58,740 --> 01:22:04,440
If I make, I just make sure that you mentioned DWP in some of the and gas company.

928
01:22:04,440 --> 01:22:11,700
And what the opportunity for spokespersons for the oil and gas industry directly, they may

929
01:22:11,700 --> 01:22:12,460
not show up.

930
01:22:12,560 --> 01:22:17,800
They may blow it off by the elite show that the intent was there to invite them.

931
01:22:18,020 --> 01:22:23,080
And similarly, there were mentioned a couple of other agencies involved, such as the state

932
01:22:23,080 --> 01:22:24,100
oil and gas folks.

933
01:22:24,680 --> 01:22:28,780
Now again, they may not want to show up, but it would be useful to hear from them as to what

934
01:22:28,780 --> 01:22:31,640
their view is about what they do or don't do in enforcement.

935
01:22:32,300 --> 01:22:37,400
In addition to, I would like to recommend eight UMD as well that was also brought up today.

936
01:22:38,380 --> 01:22:46,600
And those in attendance that chose not to address the microphone you're welcome to provide written comments in advance of the hearing it to further inform us of your views.

937
01:22:48,300 --> 01:22:50,220
Okay, so there's a motion on the table.

938
01:22:51,500 --> 01:22:54,640
Do I need to repeat that or are we fairly okay?

939
01:22:55,500 --> 01:22:57,260
I think I've repeated it twice now.

940
01:22:57,420 --> 01:22:59,660
All right, all in favor of the motion please say aye.

941
01:22:59,660 --> 01:23:01,060
I proposed.

942
01:23:02,300 --> 01:23:03,180
Okay, great.

943
01:23:04,240 --> 01:23:04,680
So.

944
01:23:04,780 --> 01:23:05,560
I'm going to clarify.

945
01:23:05,860 --> 01:23:07,060
So it'll be at the September.

946
01:23:07,880 --> 01:23:12,580
Well, I'm going to attempt to make it in September as long as people are willing to stay,

947
01:23:12,640 --> 01:23:16,140
because I think October is cutting it too close.

948
01:23:16,580 --> 01:23:17,780
And then point out clarification.

949
01:23:17,940 --> 01:23:19,900
How did Candie, how did the invitations?

950
01:23:20,260 --> 01:23:22,560
Will you be sending those out to the other stakeholders?

951
01:23:23,980 --> 01:23:24,420
It's.

952
01:23:24,800 --> 01:23:28,560
It's either me or one of the other commissioners that send out the invitations.

953
01:23:28,560 --> 01:23:31,040
it usually depends on who has connections.

954
01:23:32,560 --> 01:23:34,540
In this case, it'll probably be me.

955
01:23:34,820 --> 01:23:36,140
Can you also send the commissioners

956
01:23:36,140 --> 01:23:37,300
a copy of the invitation?

957
01:23:37,680 --> 01:23:37,760
Of course.

958
01:23:38,040 --> 01:23:39,980
Great, thank you.

959
01:23:40,540 --> 01:23:43,120
It becomes public record then, just like, you know.

960
01:23:45,640 --> 01:23:52,020
And if we could clarify the date for the October meeting?

961
01:23:54,380 --> 01:23:57,280
Yeah, so, Kelly, do you want to speak to the survey

962
01:23:57,280 --> 01:23:59,020
that you've been doing to change the date

963
01:23:59,020 --> 01:24:00,260
for the October meeting?

964
01:24:02,340 --> 01:24:04,400
We're trying to show that I don't think we're going to do that.

965
01:24:04,440 --> 01:24:08,440
We'll move the agenda and we'll talk about that at the end where we take up future meetings.

966
01:24:09,160 --> 01:24:10,380
Sorry about that.

967
01:24:13,650 --> 01:24:16,290
Okay, so we've had public comment on item two.

968
01:24:16,830 --> 01:24:18,910
Item three is items for future discussion.

969
01:24:19,690 --> 01:24:21,590
Now we can talk about the next meeting.

970
01:24:22,790 --> 01:24:25,730
Candy, can you under items for future discussion?

971
01:24:26,030 --> 01:24:28,310
Can we talk about the meeting date for October?

972
01:24:29,970 --> 01:24:38,530
The dates were selected were October 17, October 24, to see who's available, but there's

973
01:24:38,530 --> 01:24:42,990
been one, two, three, four, five commissioners that have not responded.

974
01:24:47,450 --> 01:24:51,390
Seven of the other commissioners said they're available on October 17.

975
01:24:51,710 --> 01:24:58,770
One member isn't available, and for October 24 there's also seven members that are available.

976
01:24:58,770 --> 01:24:59,730
but there's one

977
01:25:01,960 --> 01:25:20,000
Okay, so in both cases we're one away from quorum, so maybe we can send out another email to the commissioners who haven't responded, and then we'll see where we get quorum, or the majority, the highest number of people who can make it.

978
01:25:20,000 --> 01:25:27,020
Okay. Great. Okay. So for items of future discussion, we have a number of issues that we've

979
01:25:27,020 --> 01:25:34,140
wanted to take up and we're just trying to find a date where the actual speakers can

980
01:25:34,140 --> 01:25:43,000
come on the date that we actually have our meetings. One is have the lead person from the CLA

981
01:25:43,000 --> 01:25:50,780
homelessness to come and address the commission. We wanted somebody to speak on health access

982
01:25:50,780 --> 01:25:57,980
issues, post-ACA. There was someone that we've been trying to get for the past few months

983
01:25:57,980 --> 01:26:07,080
on the birth of doctors and specialists in the city of Los Angeles.

984
01:26:09,100 --> 01:26:10,350
So I think those are

985
01:26:10,350 --> 01:26:16,110
Or at least three speakers that we would likely need to look at for September.

986
01:26:16,670 --> 01:26:22,130
But we also have work groups who will start meeting, and there will be, I think, holes

987
01:26:22,130 --> 01:26:24,810
in information that need to be filled.

988
01:26:24,910 --> 01:26:29,530
And so we will likely have other requests for speakers coming for September.

989
01:26:29,530 --> 01:26:31,450
It doesn't have to be today, obviously.

990
01:26:32,010 --> 01:26:38,270
But if your work group meets and you find that there are specific issues that any clarification

991
01:26:38,270 --> 01:26:43,130
on it with like speakers, if you could let us know as soon as possible.

992
01:26:45,330 --> 01:26:47,790
And also to just the status of the report.

993
01:26:49,790 --> 01:26:59,230
Yeah, that should be an item. And even the, from the minutes last time we had the motion to

994
01:27:00,510 --> 01:27:06,190
request to the council to leave the word all, and I wanted to say that's in the words. That's in the work.

995
01:27:06,190 --> 01:27:08,230
So I don't know when that will come up at Council.

996
01:27:08,950 --> 01:27:10,390
I haven't heard back.

997
01:27:10,890 --> 01:27:14,990
We also discussed the idea of revisiting the subject topics

998
01:27:14,990 --> 01:27:16,330
that we originally came with, and we're

999
01:27:16,330 --> 01:27:19,770
also discussing this meeting, and I agree as a commission,

1000
01:27:20,090 --> 01:27:22,190
which items were going to go out and highlight in the report.

1001
01:27:22,370 --> 01:27:24,930
Since there was a number, I wanted to make sure

1002
01:27:24,930 --> 01:27:28,270
and verify that the commission is okay with the proposed subjects

1003
01:27:28,270 --> 01:27:31,110
or they wanted to reduce or increase.

1004
01:27:32,010 --> 01:27:39,510
Okay. So some of that can actually be done in the working groups. So the working group

1005
01:27:39,510 --> 01:27:45,930
some cells can decide which issues they would like to bring forward for the report or not.

1006
01:27:47,850 --> 01:27:53,870
So I think at that level when people are discussing what goes into the report or what goes

1007
01:27:53,870 --> 01:28:01,050
into the draft, it's probably easier in a smaller group of people who are specifically speaking

1008
01:28:01,050 --> 01:28:04,130
on that issue or have specific expertise on that issue,

1009
01:28:07,660 --> 01:28:09,720
but that's just sort of I think how

1010
01:28:09,720 --> 01:28:15,560
we had originally envisioned it in back in November or December when we had established

1011
01:28:15,560 --> 01:28:16,220
work groups.

1012
01:28:16,940 --> 01:28:21,060
The last meeting we had, we discussed that we would, as a commission, we would revisit now that

1013
01:28:21,060 --> 01:28:22,180
we're looking at the reports.

1014
01:28:22,440 --> 01:28:23,560
I mean, that was my understanding.

1015
01:28:26,000 --> 01:28:28,920
Unless, like I said, I was looking at the minutes.

1016
01:28:29,280 --> 01:28:29,600
I suppose.

1017
01:28:29,600 --> 01:28:30,460
I don't know.

1018
01:28:30,500 --> 01:28:31,980
There's no detail in the minutes.

1019
01:28:32,800 --> 01:28:36,020
We had Dr. Boyce, I believe, or Wayne Boyne's?

1020
01:28:36,020 --> 01:28:40,080
It was my motion, or my request, so I'm saying that it's David.

1021
01:28:42,390 --> 01:28:49,530
Just to clarify, so I'm tracking, referring to when Dr. Boyne's presented from Cal State

1022
01:28:49,530 --> 01:28:52,970
Northridge, he asked us for some direction in guidance.

1023
01:28:53,170 --> 01:28:59,390
We talked about, you know, from that report, we mentioned that there were originally eight

1024
01:28:59,390 --> 01:29:04,550
I don't select a correct, and so at that point we said do we want as a commission revisit

1025
01:29:04,550 --> 01:29:10,750
Are these eight focuses we want to focus on or do we want to reduce from that or add and that's that was what was you know

1026
01:29:10,750 --> 01:29:14,590
I proposed and I believe was it was the proved on at the last meeting

1027
01:29:16,030 --> 01:29:18,330
Yeah, I don't remember that. I'm sorry

1028
01:29:18,330 --> 01:29:25,070
And it's not in the minutes the eight items the same is the working groups just right right so there are eight working groups

1029
01:29:25,070 --> 01:29:30,590
and my basic feeling is said if people don't want to populate those working groups or if the

1030
01:29:30,590 --> 01:29:38,250
working groups don't want to bring anything forward for the report than that likely would take

1031
01:29:38,250 --> 01:29:44,190
care of that specific issue as opposed to agendizing it on a, I honestly don't remember

1032
01:29:44,190 --> 01:29:51,170
that coming up but instead of agendizing it on a commission agenda, it seems that the individual

1033
01:29:51,170 --> 01:29:58,810
work groups could just decide either not to bring issues forward within that specific.

1034
01:30:03,940 --> 01:30:04,740
Or not.

1035
01:30:07,000 --> 01:30:14,320
I'm just like it was just kind of my focus, just to make sure that because I mean if you're going to dress one of the issues and be homeless, this is going to be a substantial portion of that.

1036
01:30:14,340 --> 01:30:31,320
And understanding we have a few months and those work and groups have to work with the university. So I just wanted to be the spirit of my discussion was to ensure that we have a report that is in reflective of the major issues direct, you know, impacting and substantive versus

1037
01:30:31,320 --> 01:30:37,480
is just a lot of, you know, a lot of them quantitative, which is qualitative, was my concern,

1038
01:30:37,700 --> 01:30:46,000
which is why I raised it. Okay, any other discussions about future agenda items?

1039
01:30:46,840 --> 01:30:48,600
Can I just bring up a real life initiative?

1040
01:30:51,680 --> 01:30:54,840
For instance, community has involved in...

1041
01:30:54,840 --> 01:30:56,980
I prefer this location, yes.

1042
01:31:03,650 --> 01:31:11,050
I'm approaching health services, but someone to come to talk about health posts before the

1043
01:31:11,050 --> 01:31:11,190
care.

1044
01:31:13,250 --> 01:31:17,310
That was the one that I mentioned, so the next meeting we're looking for.

1045
01:31:18,150 --> 01:31:26,230
You want to ask Dr. Katz, you want to ask Dr. Katz to come back or Mark Galley from

1046
01:31:28,890 --> 01:31:28,890
Mark Galley?

1047
01:31:28,890 --> 01:31:34,130
Sure, if you want to send me an email on suggestions and speakers, that would be great.

1048
01:31:34,130 --> 01:31:38,170
Okay. Okay. I'd love to hear from Dr. Katz anytime.

1049
01:31:39,690 --> 01:31:41,210
I can ask where I can.

1050
01:31:42,850 --> 01:31:43,150
Okay.

1051
01:31:45,740 --> 01:31:50,120
Any other future agenda items that anyone is interested in bringing forward?

1052
01:31:51,600 --> 01:31:55,780
Okay. Item four, then, is public comments.

1053
01:31:56,020 --> 01:31:59,280
We have Adam Cohen from Needs Health Care Foundation.

1054
01:32:00,860 --> 01:32:04,760
I'm quick. Good evening. My name is Adam Cohen. I am the... I'm a new title.

1055
01:32:04,760 --> 01:32:08,640
the Director of Advocacy and Policy Research at AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

1056
01:32:09,980 --> 01:32:15,500
As of July, sorry, actually as of August 8th, I believe today there have been 27 cases

1057
01:32:15,500 --> 01:32:20,600
of meningitis in Southern California, half of which are in Los Angeles County, and half

1058
01:32:20,600 --> 01:32:26,560
of those occurred based on Los Angeles County data occurred among men who have sex with men.

1059
01:32:26,980 --> 01:32:31,860
And so for organizations that provide healthcare services for LGBT, community members, this

1060
01:32:31,860 --> 01:32:37,940
is very disconcerting and raised many alarms and I ask that the Health Commission issue a statement

1061
01:32:37,940 --> 01:32:42,620
to ask the LA County Department of Public Health to vaccinate, make recommendations to

1062
01:32:42,620 --> 01:32:46,980
LA City Council. This is a great opportunity for the LA City Health Commission to take

1063
01:32:46,980 --> 01:32:53,080
a position, outbreaks like the meningitis outbreak currently and still occurring is the

1064
01:32:53,080 --> 01:32:56,460
exact reason why this Health Commission was formed. Thank you.

1065
01:32:57,100 --> 01:33:00,700
Great. That actually was another agenda item that I had for September

1066
01:33:00,700 --> 01:33:06,400
along with Zika virus and to get an idea of where we are with both of those things

1067
01:33:06,400 --> 01:33:13,980
the county. So we'll have one, two, three, four, five. So we'll have at least six

1068
01:33:13,980 --> 01:33:20,320
presentations or items and the six one being multiple presentations on oil

1069
01:33:20,320 --> 01:33:20,940
and gas.

1070
01:33:25,150 --> 01:33:27,930
Okay, motion to adjourn, please.

1071
01:33:30,700 --> 01:33:32,780
Okay, moved in seconded to adjourn on

1072
01:33:32,780 --> 01:33:33,040
I'm a baby.

1073
01:33:33,640 --> 01:33:33,980
Hi.

1074
01:33:35,040 --> 01:33:35,480
I'm a post.

1075
01:33:35,800 --> 01:33:36,540
Thank you.

1076
01:33:37,160 --> 01:33:37,780
Thank you.

1077
01:33:38,560 --> 01:33:38,740
Thank you.

1078
01:33:39,260 --> 01:33:39,740
Thank you.