Inglewood Oil Field Remediation and Restoration

Abstract

It is apparent now more than ever that fossil fuel extraction is a primary cause of warming the Earth’s atmosphere which has impacted the environment in a multitude of ways. Since the mid 19th century oil extraction has dominated the energy sector making the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy a complicated process. However, as carbon neutrality is gaining acceptance, the state of California has decided to phase out oil extraction within the next twenty years. In order to accomplish these goals, the largest urban oil field in Los Angeles, the Inglewood Oil Field, will be decommissioned in phases over the next decade and transitioned to a sustainable, mixed-use community. Encompassing approximately 1,000 acres in Los Angeles County, including areas such as Culver City, Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, and View Park, this field has been a significant player in the region's oil industry since the discovery of oil and gas in 1924. Sentinel Peak Resources operates the Inglewood Oil Field, overseeing the largest urban oil field in the United States. Remarkably, more than one million people reside within a five-mile radius of the site, highlighting the complex interplay between industrial activity and densely populated urban areas (Los Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club).

The Inglewood Oil Field has led to fragmentation of the land, which has disproportionately affected the surrounding communities through health risks and environmental degradation, all of which may pose challenges to incorporating the site back into the community. The goal is to determine how this site can be transitioned to a more sustainable landscape which incorporates and engages the surrounding community, in addition to having a net zero impact. In order to develop the recommendations for the site, the team traveled to Los Angeles to engage in community outreach with the surrounding community of the Inglewood Oil Field. The survey aimed to gauge the community's awareness and expectations of residing near an urban oil field, as well as to discern their preferences for the future use of the remediated site. Key insights from the survey include a strong awareness of the Inglewood Oil Field, but a weak knowledge of the decommissioning of the field. Additionally, the majority of the community residents would like the site to have natural areas with green space and opportunities for walking and biking trails. Based on the insights derived from the survey and extensive research on land remediation techniques, the recommendations for the Inglewood Oil Field were formulated. The redeveloped site will focus on harnessing long-term sustainability, and our recommendations are a reflection of that idea. The most effective way to measure long term sustainability is by creating a circular system on the site. The recommendations can be grouped into four different categories: soil remediation, urban biodiversity, energy suitability and community well-being. The report goes on to assess the methods needed to measure the success of these recommendations and some limitations that may arise during this process. In conclusion, the Inglewood Oil Field remediation recommendations provide an inclusive approach, prioritizing sustainability.