McOsker Motion Could Lead To Closure of Rancho LPG

After decades of community activism, Councilmember Tim McOsker has introduced a motion that could finally lead to the closure of the controversial Rancho LPG facility in San Pedro. The motion, introduced on April 2, calls for an amortization study.

“Due to the continued community concern for environmental and public health and safety – McOsker is seeking an amortization study to provide the expert information that can lead to the termination of the use and help address the remediation of the site for the safety of local residents and the greater Los Angeles community,” a press release explained.

“Similar to the City experience and response to oil drilling in the city limits, an amortization study will allow us to evaluate and effectuate real change as we seek an end to the current use at the Rancho LPG facility,” McOsker said.

“McOsker is to be seriously thanked for his efforts,” said Janet Gunter, a leading activist on the issue for more than a decade, in an email. “I believe his effort is finally a genuine one and shows leadership. Let’s hope,” she said. “Big thanks are also due Noel Weiss for sticking to this issue and staying on top of it with Tim McOsker’s office.”

As noted in the motion, “The most recent studies conducted for this site indicate that a catastrophic incident at the Rancho LPG Facility, with a release of butane, could potentially cause more than 2,500 deaths, and 12,500 injuries and also major destruction for the Port of Los Angeles and its related infrastructure.”

The motion is just the first step in a long process, but it appears to be an unequivocal one — which has never been seen before with respect to the facility.

“We aren’t there yet….but, for the first time I feel hope,” Gunter said. “Catastrophes can be averted. The removal of this ticking time bomb will go a long way in minimizing any disaster to the Harbor area and its port.”