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The Log • April 8 - 21, 2016 • 21


by Rep. Janice Hahn, said the harbor’s recreational boaters need better repre- sentation at all levels of government. “[Istra Ace leaves] and they go on to make a billion dollars for the rest of the year and the residents of Wilmington, especially those here in the harbor, are left to deal with it,” Musante said. “I think that is symptomatic of the prob- lem that goes on in the harbor.” Musante questioned whether


Wilmington’s elected representatives – such as Hahn and Los Angeles Council member Joe Buscaino, among others – are doing enough to address boater’s issues in light of the oil spill. “Not one single elected official, on any level, contacts the constituents, and says here’s what happened, here’s what we’re doing about it, and here’s how we’re going to make you whole,” Musante said. “What I’d like to see is the Congresswoman do something with the Coast Guard and let us know how this harbor isn’t going to become the most toxic, disgusting harbor in America. You have residents here who won’t let their children dip their feet


Cabrillo Mole, interestingly enough, is one of the only places in Avalon where someone could fish without a license. Flint pointed out pier fishing actually adds to the character of Cabrillo Mole. Her final report would include possible solutions to address community con- cerns without sacrificing fishing from Cabrillo Mole altogether. Requesting additional funds, Flint said, would help RGS properly address these and other issues raised by com- munity members. Flint added RGS plans to meet with


The Santa Catalina Island Co., Catalina Conservancy, ferry companies, cruise ship and vacation rental representa- tives, and local business owners, among others, to further determine how best to revitalize Cabrillo Mole. The firm also plans to host a com- munity open house before submitting its final report to council members in May. The final report would likely rec- ommend a public-private partnership to execute the Cabrillo Mole revitaliza- tion. Cabrillo Mole is the official boat landing for travel in and out of Avalon and Catalina.


into the water. “These elected officials care more about the oil companies than they do the residents,” Musante continued. Hahn, whose congressional district includes Wilmington, coincidentally reintroduced pipeline safety legislation three weeks before the March 13 oil spill. The bill aimed to require pipeline inspections and third party verifica- tions to prevent accidents similar to what happened in March 2014, when 1,200 gallons of oil reportedly leaked out of a pipeline owned by Phillips 66 and into the Wilmington area. The Log reached out to Hahn’s and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; nei- ther returned requests for comment at press time. The Port of Los Angeles is redirect- ing all inquires about the March 13 oil spill to the Coast Guard. “Oftentimes, initial estimates can be


inaccurate and should not be reported as the actual amount spilled,” the Coast Guard stated. “Typically, when calculating the amount of oil released, a variety of information is considered


which may include amount of fuel oil transferred, fuel oil remaining onboard, areas of slicks or sheens observed, and the amount recovered.” A persisting question is how does a


local port work with vessels owned by an entity outside the United States or flying under a foreign flag? The Port of Los Angeles, for example, boasts being a green harbor, requiring companies based in San Pedro or Wilmington to abide by strict environmental laws. Istra Ace, however, sails out of the Bahamas and is owned by a Japanese shipping firm. Is the carrier required to abide by any environmental regula- tions? Could following regulations have prevented what the Coast Guard deter- mined to be the ultimate cause of the spill? Istra Ace, which sails under the


Bohemian flag and is owned by the Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K Lines, reportedly left the Port of Los Angeles for South Korea. The carri- er made port in New Zealand and Japan prior to its arrival at the Port of Los Angeles in mid-March.


Istra Ace was responsible for an oil spill incident at the Port of Los Angeles on March 13 (left). Boaters in Wilmington sought assistance for damages to their respective vessels, which they claim were caused by the spill (right).


“The lesson to be learned is you have to be very careful who you vote for,” Mosante said. “If you don’t pay attention and you believe the spin you don’t realize that the oil companies have the politicians. We need the oil here … [but] this is an industrial wasteland, the harbor. City Hall wants it the way it is because they make prof- its off boats like [Istra Ace]. Someone needs to fight for the people of this area.” Anyone who believes they are


affected by the oil spill and wants to file a claim can contact the responsible party at 888-850-8486. At least three birds were injured by the oil spill, according to news reports. A second oil spill occurred at the


Port of Los Angeles on March 31, according to the Coast Guard. How this second oil spill affects boaters has not yet been determined.


Carnival Cruises to use the other side of Float 5; the tender boats are 80 to 90 feet long. One mooring is on a city lease and the other is privately owned. City officials approached the


owner of the privately owned moor- ing, who, according to city staff, is willing to sell his space, and offered him an opportunity to make a trade for one of two moorings. One of the moorings, a 50-footer,


Construction of the Avalon Fuel Dock will be overseen by a diver who will ensure that the dock is being installed correctly on the ocean floor.


Mooring Exchange


Council members approved pur- suit of a mooring exchange to allow Carnival Cruises to use both sides of Float 5 for its tender boats. Carnival Cruises has been using


Float 5 at Cabrillo Mole to run its ten-


der boats and transport passengers to and from the island since July 2014. The cruise line has only been using one side of the float but now, in an effort to ease congestion, seeks to unload passengers on both sides. Two existing 40-foot moorings would have to be dropped in order for


was recently returned to the city after its lessee passed away. The owner of the 40-foot mooring, according to city staff, is willing to either trade his 40- foot and 30-foot mooring for the 50- foot mooring. Alternatively he is also willing to do an even exchange of 40- foot moorings to allow the city-leased spot by Float 5 to open up and allow Carnival Cruises expand its uses of the area. The exchange will result in the city potentially losing up to $7,392 annu- ally from two 40-foot moorings. City staff stated Avalon would be able to recoup the lost fees if council mem- bers agree to increase the cruise ship wharf fees at a later meeting.


U.S. Coast Guard photo


City of Avalon photo


Photo courtesy Morgan Griffin


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