BREA : Shell, City Close to Pipeline Agreement

Shell Oil Co. and Shell California Pipeline Co. will be granted franchises to continue operating two oil pipelines under city streets if they convince the city that they will pay the cost of cleaning any spills, should they occur. And the city wants proof in writing.

The Brea City Council last week gave unanimous preliminary approval to the 10-year agreements, which will cost the companies $2,637 annually in fees. Final approval is expected in January.

The two eight-inch pipes, which stretch nearly 10,000 feet, were originally approved in 1954 by the county, said Jim Cutts, director of development services.

“There have never been any spills, but should there be a leak, the City Council wants to have some assurance that the city would not be responsible for the cleanup costs,” he said.

One pipeline starts on the west end of Central Avenue and ends at the Shell Oil facility on Site Drive. The other pipeline starts at Brea Canyon Road, crosses under Brea Boulevard, Orangewood Drive and Tamarack Avenue and joins the Central Avenue pipeline into the station on Site Drive.

Shell officials said the company has enough insurance to cover the cost of spill damage and that if the pipelines rupture, they would automatically stop pumping and emergency crews would respond. They said they are preparing proof in writing and will submit it before the next council meeting.