POPCP (Pacific Offshore Pipeline Co. ) taps gas from hondo a

For many years, modest volumes of natural gas have been produced from fields located in waters off the S. California coast. However, huge gas volumes discovered in the late 1960s are just now under development. Exxon was delayed for several years because of regulatory requirements and permitting and because the country and city involved wanted the oil transported by pipeline to refineries in Los Angeles. Exxon took the initiative and resolved the problem by installing an offshore storage vessel permanently anchored near their production platform. The crude, high in sulfur and metal content, is treated before shuttle tankers transport the oil from the storage/treatment vessel, to refineries on the Gulf coast. Exxon currently is producing at a rate of ca 40,000 bopd. The gas that is produced along with the oil is being reinjected into the field until gas transportation and treating facilities become operational.