Venoco Wins for Losing

On Monday, the City of Goleta denied Venoco’s August 7 emergency permit application to transport 5,500 barrels of crude oil from its Ellwood Onshore Facility to an undisclosed location 50 miles north; however, the work will be allowed under Venoco’s existing permit. As requested, Venoco will move 34 truckloads of oil over 17 days — making two trips per day with one truck — in order to inspect and maintain its Ellwood facility and pipeline. Pursuant to city regulations, trucking is restricted to non-rush hours, in other words, it shall not occur during 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. The city will conduct daily inspections.