The Long Beach City Council has unanimously voted to deny an appeal challenging the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Ribost Terminal Tank Installation Project, clearing the way for the long-anticipated project to move forward. This decision concludes an extensive two-year evaluation process, during which the port staff conducted a thorough review and recommended approval based on findings that the project would not have any significant environmental impacts.
Sue Gornick, Vice President of Environment, Health, and Safety at World Oil, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are pleased that the conclusion of the full EIR confirms the original finding that this project presents no significant environmental impact. We have provided opportunities for public comment, strengthened our commitment to local job creation, and partnered with the Building and Construction Trades to ensure quality jobs for local workers.”
The Ribost Terminal Project involves the addition of two smaller storage tanks at the facility, designed to enhance operational flexibility and improve efficiency. These upgrades are necessary for supporting the terminal’s ongoing operations, which include the storage of materials used in the production of low-sulfur marine fuels. The project aims to bolster the terminal’s capabilities, ensuring it can meet the growing demands of the shipping industry while maintaining environmentally responsible practices.
Ribost Terminal is part of the World Oil family of companies, a privately owned business with over 80 years of experience, Gornick noted. “We remain committed to responsible business practices, and this project is essential to the continued success of Ribost Terminal and our tenants. It ensures we can meet current and future energy needs in a responsible and efficient manner.”
The appeal was filed by several environmental justice groups, which argued that the project’s environmental impact had not been sufficiently addressed. Despite these concerns, the appeal was thoroughly reviewed by the port staff and was ultimately deemed insufficient to discredit the EIR during the public hearing. The City Council reaffirmed the Board of Harbor Commissioners’ certification of the Final EIR, confirming that the project meets all environmental regulations and poses no significant risks to the environment.
Councilmember Roberto Uranga, who had originally requested the EIR two years ago, expressed his gratitude for the rigorous process. He thanked World Oil and the Long Beach Harbor Commission for conducting the review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines. We have to trust the process, Uranga said, before motioning to adopt the resolution to deny the appeal. Mayor Rex Richardson echoed this sentiment, summarizing, “It was appealed to the council, the council made a different decision, and the EIR was conducted. This is what the process looks like.”
Looking ahead, Ribost Terminal is also taking proactive steps to adapt to California’s transition to cleaner energy. The company is exploring the potential for storing alternative fuels at the terminal as part of its commitment to aligning with the state’s energy goals. “This forward-thinking approach ensures that we remain resilient and aligned with California’s energy goals,” Gornick explained.
In addition to improving operational efficiency, the Ribost Terminal Project is expected to provide significant economic benefits to the region. The project will create jobs, support local infrastructure, and contribute to the overall growth of Long Beach’s economy. By enhancing the capacity of the terminal to store and distribute fuel, the project will ensure the continued success and competitiveness of one of the busiest ports in the United States.
With the City Council’s decision to move forward, the Ribost Terminal Tank Installation Project is now set to proceed, with construction slated to begin in 2025. The project represents a critical step in enhancing the port’s fuel storage capabilities and reinforcing its role as a key player in global trade. Throughout the development and construction phases, World Oil remains committed to meeting all regulatory standards and ensuring that the project proceeds in an environmentally responsible manner.
