(Update May 31, 2023)

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. to review a petition to modify Order of Abatement No. 1212-39 (Flares) regarding Hyperion.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

Click here for the notice of public hearing and zoom login details (rescheduled from May 11th, 2023 to June 1st, 2023): SCAQMD Notice of Public Hearing- Hyperion Plant (Flares) May 11, 2023

(Update May 19, 2023)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning to conduct a necessary functional test on May 23, 2023, to ensure that the 1-Mile Outfall gates will operate reliably during an emergency flow diversion. These tests are part of Hyperion’s Wet Weather Preparedness Plan.

Read the full details here: Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant 1-Mile Gate Activation Exercise

(Update May 22, 2023)

On May 18, 2023, bill AB 1216 was read in the Senate for the first time and sent to the Rules Committee for assignment.

(Update May 18, 2023)

On May 18, 2023, bill AB 1216 passed the Assembly Floor vote. Next, the bill will go to the California State Senate.

(Update May 17, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 3- May 16, 2023

Click here to watch the May 16, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On May 10th, at its assembly meeting, the Appropriations Committee passed bill AB 1216.
    • The bill will now go to the Assembly floor for a vote to see if it will go on to the senate. Once the date of the vote is determined, we’ll post details to the Hyperion page of the City’s website.
• MEETING WITH LA CITY COUNCILMEMBER TRACI PARK AND CITY OF LA
  • On May 15th, Mayor Boyles, Councilmember Baldino, and City Manager Darrell George attended a productive introductory meeting with City of L.A. Councilmember Traci Park, members of her staff and the LA City Attorney’s office. They discussed a number of items, including the situation with Hyperion and the purpose and status of bill AB 1216.

• AQMD
  • Since May 2nd, AQMD has receive 19 odor complaints and issued an NOV on May 3rd and May 5th for issues relating to AQMD rules and Hyperion’s permit conditions. Neither of those NOVs were odor related.
  • The next AQMD Hearing Board is scheduled for June 20th, an agenda for that hearing is forthcoming, and the info will be posted on the City Website.

• HYPERION
  • On Tuesday, May 23rd, Hyperion will conduct a planned functionality test on the East 1-Mile Outfall discharge gate. According to Hyperion, approximately 0.25 million gallons of fully treated and disinfected secondary effluent will be discharged to the 1-Mile Outfall. All of the discharged effluent will be immediately pumped back to the plant for treatment. Therefore, there will be no discharge of secondary effluent to the Santa Monica Bay. This will have no effect on the El Segundo community.
  • Perimeter Road Project – Saturday work continues to take place from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. throughout May with minimal construction noise anticipated.
  • Hyperion continues to share monthly AQMD report updates on the status of their odor mitigation efforts and other on-going projects directly with El Segundo City staff and Dr. Stenstrom.
• DR. STENSTROM
  • Dr. Stenstrom is tentatively scheduled to attend the City Council meeting on June 20th to provide an update regarding his efforts to City Council and answer questions.

(Update May 15, 2023)

On the morning of May 23, 2023, Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will conduct a planned functionality test on the East 1-Mile Outfall discharge gate.

According to Hyperion: "Approximately 0.25 million gallons of fully treated and disinfected secondary effluent will be discharged to the 1-Mile Outfall, which has a volume of 4.5 million gallons. All of the discharged effluent will be immediately pumped back to the plant for treatment. Therefore, there will be no discharge of secondary effluent to the Santa Monica Bay."

(Update May 10, 2023)

On May 10, 2023, the Appropriations Committee passed bill AB 1216.

(Update May 9, 2023)

On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, AB 1216 will be heard in the Appropriations Committee Hearing, which starts at 9:00 a.m.

City secured lobbyist, Jason Gonsalves, will provide support testimony for the bill on behalf of the City of El Segundo.

Click here to see the Appropriations Committee Hearing Agenda for May 10, 2023

(Update May 3, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: April 19 - May 2, 2023

Click here to watch the May 2, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On April 24th the City Manager, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Pimentel and Councilmember Ryan Baldino went to Sacramento to appear before the Natural Resources Committee Assembly hearing and provided testimony on bill AB 1216.
  • The Natural Resources passed the bill and it is currently with the Assembly Appropriations committee, which focuses on the cost of the bill.
• AQMD
  • Since April 18th, AQMD has received 24 odor complaints, 16 which were filed by the same individual. No NOVs have been issued for public nuisance (or odor) since January 17th , 2023. However, an NOV for violations relating to flare equipment was issued on April 18th.
  • The next AQMD Hearing Board is scheduled for June 20th, an agenda for that hearing is forthcoming, and the info will be posted on the City Website.

• HYPERION
  • May 7th – May 14th, Hyperion will be performing annual scheduled maintenance activities that may cause flares that are permitted by AQMD. Read the notice, here.Perimeter Road Project – 85% complete. Saturday work will begin this weekend and will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. throughout May to ensure project completion in Summer 2023. Minimal construction noise is anticipated from these activities. Read the update, here.
  • Hyperion continues to share monthly AQMD report updates on the status of their odor mitigation efforts and other on-going projects directly with El Segundo City staff and Dr. Stenstrom.
• DR. STENSTROM
  • Dr. Stenstrom is tentatively scheduled to attend the City Council meeting on June 20th to provide an update regarding his efforts to City Council and answer questions.

(Update May 2, 2023)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning to perform scheduled annual maintenance activities at the Hyperion BioEnergy Facility (HBEF) from Saturday, May 7, 2023, to Sunday, May 14, 2023.

It is anticipated that while most of the digester gas will be utilized by a boiler, some excess digester gas may be combusted with flares that are permitted by AQMD.

To see the full notice of upcoming outage activities, click here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Community Outreach Team at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update April 25, 2023)

On Monday, April 24, 2023, the Natural Resources Committee passed bill AB 1216 with a vote of eight to three.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi introduced the bill, and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Pimentel and Councilmember Ryan Baldino, joined by City Manager Darrell George, provided testimony on the assembly floor at the State Capitol in Sacramento. 

Once the committee process is completed, the bill will go to the Senate.

Read the full details here: Bill AB 1216 Passes Natural Resources Committee in 8-3 Vote | NEWS | El Segundo

(Update April 19, 2023)

The Next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Click here to register to attend via zoom. Registration for this meeting is required prior to its start.

Topics will include the following:

• Maintenance and Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Construction Status Updates

Click here to read the April 2023 Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting Update.

(Update April 19, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: March 22 – April 18, 2023

Click here to watch the April 18, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • The City of El Segundo submitted its sponsorship of bill AB 1216 to the Natural Resources Committee on April 4, 2023. Read the letter of sponsorship here.
  • The City in the process of obtaining letters of support from adjacent cities, environmental groups, and regional entities to present to the Natural Resources Committee as part of the AB 1216 process.
  • The City will be providing a two-minute testimony on bill AB 1216 at the Natural Resources Committee Assembly hearing on Monday, April 24, 2023.
• FIRST JOINT MEETING OF LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES AND THE CITY REGARDING HYPERION
  • The Mayor, City Manager, and Director of Public Works met with representatives from offices of Senator Ben Allen, Congressman Ted Lieu, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to discuss Hyperion. It was the first time all of the legislative offices came together in support.
    • The meeting focused on the importance of Assembly bill AB 1216, and they all shared their enthusiastic support on moving it throughout the process.
    • It was decided that we would meet regularly in the upcoming months and year until all Hyperion impacts are addressed.
• DR. STENSTROM 
  • Dr. Stenstrom continues to coordinate with Hyperion regarding the updates for the SCAQMD Abatement Orders and Ad Hoc Committee’s 33 recommendations. Hyperion has been cooperating with these efforts.
• HYPERION
  • Hyperion is sharing monthly AQMD report updates on the status of their odor mitigation efforts and other on-going projects directly with El Segundo City staff.

(Update April 13, 2023)

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Concrete Pours Update.

The project team has confirmed that the next concrete pour on the Hyperion Perimeter Road will be performed tomorrow, and the contractor anticipates future concrete pours will occur on Tuesdays and Fridays until the end of May 2023.

To see the updated list of confirmed activities and forecasted construction schedule, click here.

If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org or call (213) 485-3221.

(Update April 7, 2023)

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Upcoming Concrete Pours and Saturday Work.

The project contractor has confirmed that the concrete pours on the Hyperion Perimeter Road will resume next week and will continue through the end of May 2023.

Additionally, due to the recent rain events, the project contractor will be performing Saturday work through May to ensure project completion in Summer 2023. The project team anticipates minimal construction noise from these activities, and the contractor anticipates performing Saturday work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

To see the list of confirmed activities and forecasted construction schedule, click here.

If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org or call (213) 485-3221.

(Update April 6, 2023)

The Next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A link will be provided on the day of the meeting.

Topics will include the following:

• Maintenance and Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Construction Status Updates

Click here to read the April 2023 Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting Update.

(Update April 5, 2023)

It has been almost seven months since El Segundo City Council declared a local state of emergency on September 8, 2022, in response to the ongoing noxious odors and gases being emitted from the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant. A lot of progress has been made since then, but there is still a long way to go.

Press Release: The City of El Segundo is Making Headway Regarding Hyperion - Six Months After Declaring a Local State of Emergency

(Update April 4, 2023)

On April 4, 2023, the City of El Segundo submitted a letter of sponsorship for bill AB 1216 Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitoring of Air Pollutants which would require wastewater treatment plants, like Hyperion, in the state of California to monitor the air quality for H2S, NOX, and VOCs.

To view the letter in its entirety: City of El Segundo Letter of Sponsorship for bill AB 1216, April 4, 2023.

(Update April 3, 2023)

On April 3, 2023, the Los Angeles Water Quality Control Board announced that it is issuing a proposed $21.7 million dollar penalty to the Hyperion Water Treatment Plant in connection with the plant's release of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Pacific Ocean in July 2021.

This is the largest penalty the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has ever proposed for violations of a waste discharge permit.

 Click here to read the full press release: Los Angeles Water Board proposes $21.7 million penalty for sewage spill at Hyperion facility.

(Update March 29, 2023)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has completed various activities within the past month to continue the improvements and maintenance of the wastewater treatment processes. Details of this important work can be viewed below and on LASAN's Hyperion Odor Control page.

Read LASAN's March 2023 update about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: Hyperion's Monthly Update - March 2023

(Update March 23, 2023) 

Per the Order of Abatement from SCAQMD, 1212-40, LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN), utilizing a third-party contractor — Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC — will be performing two air quality tests in El Segundo near the Hyperion facilities at the same location where samples were taken on September 27 and 28, 2022. Test samples will be collected within canisters made of stainless steel and roughly the size of a basketball, for a 24-hour period. The tests are schedule to begin on Tuesday, March 28 at approximately 9:00 a.m. and end on Wednesday, March 29 at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The canisters will be placed at the following locations:

• On W. Mariposa Avenue, west of Virginia Street, on the northside sidewalk.
• At the cul-de-sac at the west end of Maple Avenue, on the sidewalk.

LASAN, at the direction of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), identified the sampling locations, per the Order of Abatement Case 1212-40. The samples will be analyzed by Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC, for the levels of various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) using the EPA TO-15 method.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Please refer to Hyperion's March 24, 2023 Notification - Upcoming Air Sampling and Testing

(Update March 22, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: March 8 - 21, 2023

Click here to watch the March 21, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • City Manager Darrell George and City Staff have continued to meet with Al Muratsuchi’s office regarding bill AB-1216, titled “Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitoring of Air Pollutants” which would require Wastewater Treatment Plants, like Hyperion, in the state of California to monitor the air quality for H2S, NOX, and VOCs. If passed, the bill would be enacted January 1, 2025
  • The City has pushed for this legislation since September of 2022 and it’s finally on its way.
  • The bill was introduced by Al Muratsuchi in February and was sent to committee on March 16, 2023.
  • Assemblymember Muratsuchi will be taking a tour of Hyperion on Friday, March 24th.
• DR. STENSTROM 
  • the City had 3 meetings with Dr. Stenstrom, in those meetings he provided input on the language of bill AB-1216 and followed up on Hyperion’s compliance with the orders of abatement issued by AQMD.
• MEETING WITH BARBARA ROMERO
  • On March 22, 2023, the City is meeting with Barbara Romero, the Director and General Manager of L.A. Sanitation and her staff, who runs the Hyperion Plant.

• AQMD
  • Received 30 odor complaints in the last 2 weeks, 10 of those complaints were made on March 9th.
  • No new Notices of Violation since January 17, 2023.
  • AQMD is continuing to evaluate Hyperion’s compliance with the conditions under the Orders of Abatement.

(Update March 21, 2023)

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. to review a petition to modify Order of Abatement No. 1212-39 (Flares) regarding Hyperion.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

Click here for the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant (Flares) March 23, 2023

(Update March 20, 2023)

On March 16, 2023 bill AB-1216 was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources with amendments.

Bill AB-1216 Status Update

(Update March 6, 2023)

Starting March 7 until March 17, 2023, there will be measurement activities for new primary tank covers.  During the work, old covers will be lifted up for the accurate measurements which may release some odor.  In order to reduce the odor nuisance, only a limited number of covers will be removed at a time.  The work hours will be limited between 7 am and 4 pm during weekdays. Accurate measurements are necessary for better fit and seal of the new covers.

Please refer to Hyperion Update - Primary Battery Tank Cover Measurement Activities

(Update March 1, 2023)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has completed various activities within the past month to continue the improvements and maintenance of the wastewater treatment processes. Details of this important work can be viewed below and on LASAN's Hyperion Odor Control page.

Read LASAN's February 2023 update about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: Hyperion's Monthly Update - February 2023

(Update February 13, 2023)

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Upcoming Activities and Remaining Construction Schedule.

The project contractor has completed the sheet pile installation work along Hyperion’s Perimeter Road. As such, the contractor is now progressing with other remaining activities to complete the project this summer.

To see the list of confirmed activities and forecasted construction schedule, click here.

If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org or call (213) 485-3221.

(Update February 11, 2023)

After many months of El Segundo City staff meeting with various elected officials, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's office announce that they will introduce a new state bill that would require plants like Hyperion to do more to mitigate odors and test emissions. Read the full article below.

Future State Bill Aims to Speed Up Hyperion Odor Recovery

(Update February 8, 2023)

Please find a transcript of the City Manager's Public Statement made at the February 7, 2023, El Segundo City Council Meeting regarding AQMD's expanded order of Abatement issued to Hyperion on January 25, 2023. The statement includes a summary of the 28 additional conditions issued to Hyperion. 

Hyperion Public Statement for February 7 2023 Council Meeting

(Update February 3, 2023)

The SCAQMD held its hearing board public meeting on January 25, 2023, and expanded the Abatement Order for Hyperion, read the findings in the document below.

Hyperion - AQMD Findings and Decision January 25 2023 Hearing

(Update January 26, 2023)

The Wednesday, January 25, 2023 proceedings of the South Coast AQMD vs. Los Angeles City Sanitation Bureau, Hyperion Plant - #1212-40 webcast can be viewed at the link below:

Live Webcast (aqmd.gov)

(Update January 25, 2023)

Hyperion staff has informed the City that new covers on all four tanks at Primary Battery A have been installed. Hyperion crews are now repairing Primary Battery C, with Primary Batteries B and D to be repaired soon after.

Read LASAN's January 2023 update about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: Hyperion's Monthly Update - January 2023

(Update January 23, 2023)

Today, City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Treatment Plant - Flaring Operations) Board Hearing- continued hearing date January 25, 2023.

The letter addresses City concerns and makes eight specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to SCAQMD Board Hearing 1.23.23

(Update January 20, 2023)

At the Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting held on January 19, 2023, it was announced that the LA City Board of Public Works has approved a motion to expedite the refurbishment of Primary Clarifiers Battery B, C, and D. This work includes the replacement of the covers as well as refurbishment of internal equipment for these primary clarifiers. Hyperion stated that the refurbishment is now scheduled for completion by June 2024.

Click here to see Hyperion's full presentation: Hyperion Citizens Forum Presentation Jan 19 2023

(Update January 19, 2023)

LASAN's Next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom tonight, January 19th, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Below is the Zoom meeting link:

Webinar Registration - Zoom

Registration for this meeting is required prior to its start.

Topics will include the following:

• Upcoming Construction at Hyperion
• Maintenance Update
• Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Biosolids and Environmental Management Update

Click here to read the full LASAN news bulletin.

(Update January 18, 2023)

Hyperion's primary tank covers are in need of replacement. In preparation of that work, and to mitigate odors, the staff plans to clean out Primary Battery C (PBC) tanks starting on Monday, January 16, and will continue through mid-March. 

During these activities, the four primary tanks within the PBC will be cleaned one at a time, and this will take place between Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Mitigation measures will be in place to minimize odors. 

This cleaning is required to conduct other work essential to reliable operations of the primary treatment process, such as the replacement of the internal components and taking measurements of new tank covers. 

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at   LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update January 10, 2023)

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Wednesday, January 25th, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. to hear a status update on implementation of the Order for Abatement (relating to nuisance odors) regarding Hyperion.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

Click here for the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, January 25, 2023

(Update January 9, 2023)

The Next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, January 19th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A link will be provided on the day of the meeting.

Topics will include the following:

• Upcoming Construction at Hyperion
• Maintenance Update
• Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Biosolids and Environmental Management Update

Click here to read the full LASAN news bulletin.

(Update December 27, 2022)

The activated carbon for the faulty filter was replaced on December 26, 2022 and, after going through the startup checklist, came online at 1:30pm, December 27, 2022.

Hyperion staff is aware of the high hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reading spike of 77.2 ppb that occurred around 12:00 p.m. on December 25, 2022 and reports that there was no obvious one reason for the reading.  According to Hyperion, it is believed that the primary sedimentation tanks are one of the main sources of odor at Hyperion. To better contain the odor, well-fitted primary tank covers are important. As shared previously, Hyperion is in the process of replacing its primary tank covers. Hyperion has completed all of the Primary Battery A tank covers and expects to replace the remaining covers by the end of 2024.  According to Hyperion, there are other factors, such as wind, high temperatures, and humidity, that contribute to spikes of high H2S levels measured at the fence line monitoring stations.

Regarding the fence line monitoring update on the air quality monitoring website, according to Hyperion staff, the one-hour average reading of 77.2 ppb on December 25, 2022 was not the one-hour average, but was an instantaneous reading at that time. Hyperion reports that the actual one-hour average for 12:00 p.m. on December 25, 2022 should be below 10 ppb. According to Hyperion, the third-party vendor, Montrose, manages the fence line monitoring system and will make the related corrections to their website regarding the erroneous readings.

The air quality monitoring notification is sent out when the one-hour average H2S concentration is over 27 ppb. This alert system is opt-in, click here to sign up.

(Update December 23, 2022)

Per Hyperion staff, replacement of the faulty activated carbon filter is scheduled for Monday, December 26, 2022.

(Update December 22, 2022)

On December 20, 2022, Hyperion staff became immediately aware of the equipment malfunction of an activated carbon filter which is part of the Primary Centralized Scrubber System (PCSS), and functions as an augment to the PCSS.

Typically, when an activated carbon filter is used up or saturated, it will no longer work properly. The saturated activated carbon will have to be replaced before the filter resumes its normal operation. On December 20, 2022, the Hyperion operation staff, in response to the high H2S reading measured at the Central Monitoring Station, determined that the activated carbon filter was no longer working effectively. The unit was immediately secured.  Hyperion staff is working on replacing the activated carbon unit and placing the filter back online. Hyperion is working with its vendor to replace this unit as soon as practical.

El Segundo City staff are in touch with Hyperion and as soon as we receive the information as to when this unit will be replaced and Hyperion can resume its normal operation, this information will be posted on the City website.

(Update December 21, 2022)

Hyperion staff determined that due to a temporary carbon tower malfunction, at 5:00 p.m. on December 20, 2022 36 parts per billion (ppb) of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was measured at the Central Monitoring Station. By 7:00 p.m., the reading came down to 5.9 ppb and AQMD was notified at 6:45 p.m. Hyperion is working on replacing the faulty carbon filter and getting it back online.

(Update December 20, 2022)

Hyperion has established a website that shows the 24/7 results of the fence line air monitors. Currently, the monitors only detect hydrogen sulfide:

Hyperion Air Monitoring (hyperionla.azurewebsites.net)

(Update December 20, 2022)

Below is the link to the recording of the South Coast AQMD Hearing Board hearing held on December 15, 2022 for the Hyperion Treatment Plant:

Live Webcast (aqmd.gov)

(Update December 15, 2022)

City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Treatment Plant - Flaring Operations) Board Hearing on December 15, 2022.

The letter addresses City concerns and made specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to SCAQMD Board Hearing 12.14.22

(Update December 1, 2022)

Due to rain delay, December 5th - 9th, 2022, LASAN will be rehabilitating the sewer system along the 600 western block of Imperial Avenue between Loma Vista Street and Hillcrest Street. The project will repair sewer pipelines to address deterioration and make the sewer more reliable. 

Construction activities will intermittently affect parking and traffic. All sewer service will remain operational.

Click the link below for additional project details:  

REVISED-Imperial Ave Construction Notice December 5-9 2022

(Update December 1, 2022)

There was a polymer leak at Hyperion December 1, 2022, around 12:00 pm.

The leak was immediately contained and AQMD was notified as a precautionary measure for possible odor release.  The polymer is currently being cleaned up.

(Update November 30, 2022)

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SQAMD) vs. Los Angeles City Sanitation Bureau, Hyperion Plant - # 1212-40 Hearing Board Agenda for Thursday, December 15, 2022, is below:

SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda_Dec_15

 (Update November 22, 2022)

Hyperion reported to AQMD, at around 10:00 a.m. today, November 22, 2022, a release of primary sludge that resulted from a pressure gauge breaking off a sludge pipe. Some sludge was discharged inside the Waste Activated Sludge Thickening Facility between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. There could be some odor released by the discharge. The clean up of the sludge should be close to completion by 12:00 p.m. today.

(Update November 18, 2022)

November 28 - December 2, 2022, LASAN will be rehabilitating the sewer system along the 600 western block of Imperial Avenue between Loma Vista Street and Hillcrest Street. The project will repair sewer pipelines to address deterioration and make the sewer more reliable. 

Construction activities will intermittently affect parking and traffic. All sewer service will remain operational.

Click the link below for additional project details:  

Construction Notice Imperial Ave W600 Block_November 2022

(Update November 9, 2022)

On November 3, 2022, the South Coast AQMD Hearing Board provided an update regarding Hyperion. 

Please refer to the link below for the replay of the Webcast:

http://www.aqmd.gov/home/news-events/webcast/live-webcast?ms=fQjperX5RbU

(Update November 8, 2022)

The Hyperion Reclamation Plant is planning to conduct a necessary functional test on November 15th and 16th to ensure that the 1-Mile Outfall gates will operate reliably during an emergency flow diversion. These tests are part of Hyperion's Wet Weather Preparedness Plan. 

Please see the link for additional information:

Hyperion November 2022 Update: 1-Mile Gate Activation Exercise (campaign-archive.com)

(Update November 8, 2022)

Hyperion's 24-hour Hotline became available yesterday, November 7, 2022.

The number is 310-318-8232.  Odor complaints or concerns can be reported by calling the number.  The information is also available on the LASAN Hyperion website.

REMINDER: RSVP FOR HYPERION TOUR ON NOV. 10th

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant staff will host a presentation and tour of the facilities on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Due to capacity constraints, the tour will only be available to the first 25 people that RSVP. Please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org to sign up. Light refreshments will be provided.

The El Segundo Citizens Forum will resume in January 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update October 31, 2022)

As of November 7, 2022, in compliance with the AQMD Abatement Order issued to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant on September 7, 2022, Hyperion must set-up a 24-Hour hotline number for odor complaints where every complaint must be investigated within an hour of reporting. Hyperion must also notify AQMD within one hour of receiving 6 or more complaints (i.e., complaints from 6 different households) in a calendar day. The residents can continue to call AQMD as well, but please note that it takes 6 odor complaints for AQMD to dispatch an inspector to the site for verification of odor before a Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued to Hyperion. As soon as Hyperion establishes the 24-Hour hotline, the information will be posted on the City’s website. 

Please read the entire order of abatement here: AQMD Order of Abatement for 24 Hour Hotline 9_7_2022

(Update October 26, 2022)

Director of Public Works Elias Sassoon submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board on October 24, 2022 in regards to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit renewal.

The letter itemizes the 33 recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee following the July 11, 2021 incident and requests that Hyperion implement these recommendations in a timely manner and regularly update the public about the status of their implementation. 

 Please refer to the letter: City Letter to Water Board Hyperion NPDES Permit _Oct262022

(Update October 25, 2022)

The City of El Segundo has received a few emails regarding the noise and vibration caused by the Hyperion Perimeter Road Project. Staff has communicated these issues and concerns to the Project Manager, and has stayed involved to make sure that Hyperion responds to all raised issues and concerns.

Status update of the Hyperion Perimeter Road Project as of October 25, 2022:

• Approx. 1,200 feet of sheet piles have been installed out of the total 2,100 feet. This means that almost 60% of sheet-piling is done.
• Noise blankets and foam lining along the sheet piles are being used by the general contractor continuously for noise mitigation
• Continuous vibration monitoring was conducted yesterday near the property line at 738 West Mariposa by Hyperion. According to Hyperion the vibration was found to be within acceptable limits as it relates to impacts on nearby structures and improvements. Hyperion has committed to providing a copy of this vibration monitoring report once it is ready.
• It is to be noted that city staff is working on having a third-party qualified vender perform independent noise and vibration tests.
• Due to noise and vibrations experienced by the residents, a total of 10 residents were offered temporary relocation during the sheet-piling segment of the work.
• Dust mitigation has been implemented and is ongoing.

According to Hyperion, today (October 25, 2022) should be the last day to install sheet-piles utilizing the largest pile driving equipment required for the project. The contractor will use smaller equipment to install the remainder of the sheet-piles, which is expected to be completed in the next two to three weeks, assuming there is no unforeseen conditions, such as underground obstructions, inclement weather, etc. Please see the attached maps which highlight key work areas over the next 3-4 weeks.

Please contact Josh Melendez with LASAN at (213) 485-3221 or joshua.melendez@lacity.org if you have any questions.

(Update October 25, 2022)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning to perform scheduled maintenance activities at its Hyperion BioEnergy Facility (HBEF) from November 2, 2022, to approximately December 17, 2022. The steam turbine generator (STG) is scheduled to be reconditioned. The purpose of the STG outage is to ensure the reliability of the HBEF and is scheduled for every five years.

During this scheduled outage, there will be additional venting of steam through the roof. The steam plume will be visible, but it is only water vapor. During normal operations, the STG consumes additional steam to produce electricity and low-pressure steam.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update October 19, 2022) 

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant staff will host a presentation and tour of the facilities on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Due to capacity constraints, the tour will only be available to the first 25 people that RSVP. Please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org to sign up. Light refreshments will be provided.

The El Segundo Citizens Forum will resume in January 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update October 18, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to clean out settled debris from influent sewer pipes inside the plant and channels within the Headworks Facility. The cleaning work will start the week of October 17 and is scheduled to last until December 30, 2022. 

The work will be carried out during weekdays, excluding major holidays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Odor mitigation measures will be taken to minimize the release of foul air. The cleaning work is necessary to keep the reliable operations of the Headworks equipment.

(Update October 17, 2022)

Hyperon Water Reclamation Plant has to renew their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The NPDES permit needs to be renewed every five years, so this is a routine procedure. This is not a result of 7/11/2021 incident, but the Fact Sheet does include a short summary of the event (Section 3.4 of the Compliance Summary). This Tentative Order also includes additional requirements in response to the 7/11/2021 incident.

 The USEPA Region 9 and Los Angeles Water Board held a joint public hearing on the Tentative WDRs and NPDES permit during the regular Los Angeles Water Board meeting (Board meeting) on October 13, 2022 to receive comments from the public.

At this public hearing, the USEPA Region 9 and the Los Angeles Water Board heard testimony pertinent to the discharge, tentative WDRs, and NPDES permit. Before the hearing on October 13, 2022, the Los Angeles Water Board and the USPEA became aware that not all interested parties had been given notice of the opportunity to submit written comments.

Accordingly, and to allow additional time for the public to provide written comments, the Los Angeles Water Board and USEPA decided to extend the public comment period for an additional 30-day period to November 14, 2022.

 Please refer to the attached documents for additional information:

Tent. Trans. Ltr NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022 signed

Tent Hyperion NPDES CI-1492 (ADA checked) 08302022

PN NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022

PN Instruction NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022 signed

(Update October 12, 2022) 

Over the weekend of October 8th, 2022, the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant experienced an issue with a pump, resulting in onsite primary sludge which was contained. The plant immediately contacted AQMD and cleaned the sludge. There was no spillage of wastewater out of the plant and the sludge has been contained and cleaned.

Please direct any questions about this incident to Hyperion/LASAN.

(Update September 29, 2022) 

LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN), utilizing a third-party contractor — Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC — performed two air quality tests in El Segundo near the Hyperion facilities. Test samples were collected within canisters made of stainless steel and roughly the size of a basketball, for a 24-hour period. The tests began on Tuesday, September 27 at approximately 1:30pm and ended on Wednesday, September 28 at approximately 1:30pm.

The canisters were placed at the following locations:

• On Virginia Street, north of Mariposa Avenue
• At the cul-de-sac at the west end of Maple Avenue

LASAN, at the direction of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), identified the sampling locations, per the Order of Abatement Case 1212-40. The samples will be analyzed by Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC, for the levels of various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) using the EPA TO-15 method.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update September 19, 2022) 

Hyperion reported a leak in the primary sludge piping system at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

The leaked sludge will be pumped out sometime today Monday, September 19, 2022. 

Hyperion stated the leaked sludge was all contained inside a pump room in the basement. During the process of sludge pumping, there can be some odor released. 

AQMD was notified around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

Please direct your questions to Hyperion/LASAN.

(Update September 12, 2022) 

Press Release: El Segundo City Council Declares a Local State of Emergency

(Update September 9, 2022)

Special City Council Recap for September 8, 2022 Meeting 

SCAQMD updated findings and decision regarding Case No. 1212-40 regarding Rule 402 and Health and Safety Code Section 41700 on September 6, 8, 2022.  

Please refer to: AQMD Second Order of Abatement 

(Update September 8, 2022)

An Order of Abatement for Case Number 1213-39 was heard regarding Hyperion on March 9, 2022 and March 24, 2022 relating to the facilities flare equipment.

Please refer to: AQMD Order of Abatement

(Update September 6, 2022)

City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the SCAQMD v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Plant) Board Hearing on September 6, 2022.

The letter addresses City concerns and made specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to AQMD_090622

(Update August 31, 2022)

The Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement project contractor has confirmed that sheet pile installation will resume tomorrow for the Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project.

The contractor will utilize additional mitigation measures to accompany these activities, which include:

• The use of an adhesive between sheet piles.
• A mobile sound blanket to be placed at each active site on the perimeter road.
• Sound/vibration monitoring devices.

A construction notice is attached for reference: 

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Construction Notice 8.31.22

Please contact LASAN/Hyperion if you have any questions.

(Update August 26, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to test-run Digester Gas Flares from August 27 to September 2, 2022 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The test is required by the Air Quality Management District. During the period of one week, the flares will be tested one at a time combusting digester gas intermittently. 

This information will be uploaded to the LASAN/Hyperion website. Please contact LASAN/Hyperion if you have any questions. 

(Update August 15, 2022)

On Monday, August 15th - Tuesday, August 16th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. there will be delivery of materials and equipment for the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Perimeter Road Improvement Project via LADWP service road.

Information is in the link below:

Hyperion Road Improvement Overall Information 

(Update August 11, 2022)

The Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project confirmed the first major material/equipment deliveries will take place from Monday, August 15, to Tuesday, August 16, 2022 between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. 

The construction notice is attached with additional information on the upcoming activities:

Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project - Construction Notice 8.10.22 (Delivery Update)

(Update August 8, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to test-run Digester Gas Flares on August 9 and August 10, 2022 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The test is necessary to verify the functionality of the new control program for the flares. During the test period, flares will be tested one at a time, combusting digester gas intermittently. 

This information will be available on the LASAN/Hyperion website.  

(Update August 4, 2022)

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) filed a petition for a second order for abatement that would require the Los Angeles City Sanitation Bureau, Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (Hyperion) to take action to reduce odors from the  sewage treatment plant that are continuing to impact the community. 

 The link to the South Coast AQMD Press release is below:

Second Order to Reduce Odors-Hyperion-Aug3-2022

(Update July 26, 2022)

Notice of Violation - City of Los Angeles Hyperion Collection System.

The Notice of Violation to Hyperion by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board is below:

Notice of Violation - Hyperion Collection System

(Update July 25, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to conduct emissions compliance tests on Flare #1 on July 27, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If needed, the tests may resume on the next day, July 28th within the similar time frame. 

The tests are required by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to confirm the compliant operations of the flare.

In the month of August 2022, other flares will also be tested one at a time. Once testing dates are confirmed, follow-up notices will be posted as needed. 

This information will be uploaded to the LASAN/Hyperion website. Please contact LASAN/Hyperion if you have any questions. 

(Update July 22, 2022)

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) issued six Notices of Violation (NOVs) in the past month to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Playa del Rey, California for causing odors that have impacted local residents on multiple occasions. 

The press release detailing the Notice of violations is below:

Six Violations Issued to Hyperion Treatment Plant for Ongoing Odor Issues - July 21 2022

Seis infracciones fueron emitidas a la planta de Hyperion por problemas de olor continuos - 21 de julio del 2022

(Update July 18, 2022)

The Hyperion Reclamation Plant plans to test the emergency generator for Intermediate Pump Station (IPS) on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, for one hour from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

During the test, a power outage will be simulated in order to check the functionality of the auto start of the generator and other electrical equipment. During the test, the IPS biotrickling towers, odor control devices, will be shut down momentarily and will run on generator power.

The total downtime of the biotrickling towers is estimated to be about 15 minutes.

Consequently, some odorous air can be released to the atmosphere. This is a planned event and is essential in order to ensure resilient operation of the IPS in case there is a real power outage. 

This information is available on the LASAN/Hyperion website. 

(Update July 5, 2022)

The Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project contractor has informed the project team that they anticipate the first major material/equipment deliveries will take place sometime in mid-July 2022. 

A construction notice is attached with more information about these upcoming activities:

Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project - Delivery Construction Notice (003)

(Update May 13, 2022)

A website for the South Monitoring Station has been established by Hyperion and is now operational. Please refer to this link: www.lacitysan.org/hyperionair 

Hyperion is working on the North Monitoring Station at this time. The work for this is scheduled to be complete by end of Summer 2022. 

(Update May 11, 2022)

The El Segundo Citizens Forum upcoming meeting is scheduled to be held on July 21, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the El Segundo Library. The meeting will be in person (Not Virtual). 

(Update April 27, 2022)

Please refer to the link below for information regarding the Hyperion Perimeter Improvement Project:

 Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement (lacitysan.org)

Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment will continue to update this page with the latest information regarding the project as it progresses, in conjunction with eblasts.  

(Update April 18, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to shutdown its Headworks Odor Control System for 12 hours, starting at 6:00 a.m., April 19, 2022 until 6:00 p.m. the same evening. 

The shutdown is required to make the final connection from the old odor control system to the new one. The new system is replacing the existing chemical based scrubbers with the more efficient/effective bio trickling filter technology. 

There might be some odors during the procedure. 

(Update April 14, 2022)

EL Segundo Citizens Forum Upcoming Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A link will be provided on the day of the meeting. Topics will include the following:

• Upcoming construction at Hyperion
• Maintenance update
• Operations report
• Call log
• Biosolids and environmental management update

The Link to the invitation: https://mailchi.mp/lacity/escf_meeting_invitation_040722?e=237c747312 

(Update April 12, 2022)

Hyperion Bioenergy Facility (HBEF) is scheduled to be shut down starting April 16, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. until April 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. for a total of eight days. 

 The shutdown is necessary for the annual planned maintenance work of the HBEF. During the period, some of the digester gas will be utilized by Boiler #2. The remainder of the digester gas will be flared.  

(Update March 24, 2022)

On March 22, 2022, Mayor Drew Boyles drafted a letter on behalf of the El Segundo City Council and the residents of El Segundo to Councilmember Mike Bonin and the Los Angeles City Council regarding the Hyperion Treatment Plant. In the letter, Mayor Boyles addressed several critical issues the City has faced resulting from the July 11, 2021 sewage spill.

In addition the Mayor expressed concerns about the findings identified at the AQMD Hearing Board Meeting on March 9, 2022. 

To view the letter in its entirety: ES_HyperionLetter_3.22.2022

(Update March 4, 2022)

Staff made a presentation regarding the Hyperion Update at the March 1, 2022 El Segundo City Council meeting. As a part of this updated presentation, staff informed the City Council that AQMD  petitioned the South Coast AQMD Hearing Board to issue an Order of Abatement for exceeding the permitted Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emission Rate for Flare Equipment. The hearing date is scheduled for March 9th, 2022 at 9 am and is open to public.

 For additional information: http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/hearing-board/monthly.pdf?sfvrsn=1779

(Update February 14, 2022)

On February 11, 2022, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works Ad Hoc Advisory Committee issued a report on the Hyperion Sewage Spill. The report details the causes of the Hyperion Incident and offers key recommendations for both Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. 

The report is available to view here: Final Ad Hoc Committee Report Regarding 7/11/2021 Hyperion Incident

Audio of the Ad Hoc Committee's presentation of the report can be heard here beginning at 28:08: Final Ad Hoc Committee Report Audio

(Update December 28, 2021)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will conduct testing from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 and Wednesday, December 29, 2021. While the testing is taking place, one of the two flares will burn digester gas intermittently. This test is required by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to verify compliant combustion of the digester gas when flaring is required. Digester gas that is normally produced at Hyperion is combusted for renewable energy recovery. No odors are anticipated. 

 (Update December 21, 2021)

Reminder - El Segundo residents who submitted applications for the LA Sanitation Reimbursement  Program that are pending and have not been processed due to incomplete and/or missing documentation must submit the documentation requested by LA Sanitation by December 30, 2021. 

Please see the message below from LA Sanitation for more details:

LA Sanitation thanks you for your participation in the Hyperion reimbursement program. They look forward to concluding this program by the end of the year, and finalizing all applications currently in process with pending/outstanding requested documentation.

All requested documents must be submitted by December 30, 2021. If you have not yet received your reimbursement, please take the following steps:

1. Check your email inbox and spam folders for any messages from sanhyperion@lacity.org. We may have requested additional information from you that must be supplied in order for us to finalize the processing of your claim. If you do have an information request email, please supply the necessary items/information no later than December 30, 2021.
2. If you do NOT find an email from us, you may reach out to us at sanhyperion@lacity.org with the subject line: Your name - Pending Application. Our team will be happy to research the status of your application and to verify if there is anything else needed from you to complete processing.

If you are having difficulty getting the requested information/documentation to us or have other questions, you may email LA Sanitation at sanhyperion@lacity.org OR call our 24-hour Customer Care Center at    1-800-773-2489.

(Update October 29, 2021)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning cleaning work inside Primary Tank C3 starting Monday, November 1, 2021 through Friday, November 5, 2021. The cleaning work will take place with the covers removed between 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In order to reduce any unnecessary odor release, the covers will be placed back on at the end of each workday until the next morning.

The cleaning of the tank is necessary prior to performing repair work on the sludge collectors inside the tank.  The tank has been filled with high pressure effluent (HPE) and drained a few times in order to remove much of the organic material inside the tank. During next week's cleaning work, the crew will hose down any debris left inside the tank to provide a safe work environment for the staff performing the repairs.  The crew will make efforts to minimize any odor released from the tank. Once the Tank is cleaned, there should not be any additional odor released from the tank.

(Update October 26, 2021)

El Segundo Citizens Forum September Follow-Up

Meeting Minutes and Supporting Documents

Thank you to all who were able to attend the September 23rd meeting. Below are the documents that were reviewed. You can download the PDF by clicking the file name.

• Meeting Minutes
• July Incident Frequently Asked Questions
• Hyperion Maintenance Report
• Hyperion Construction Updates
• Weekly and Quarterly Mosquito Count
• Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Map

Hyperion - El Segundo Citizens Forum - Thursday, October 21st 6:00 p.m.  

The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, and those wishing to participate must RSVP here.

Topics that will be discussed during the meeting include:

• Upcoming construction at Hyperion
• Maintenance update
• Operations report
• Biosolids and environmental management update
• 2022 meeting dates

 If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org

(Update October 18, 2021)

Work on Primary Tanks D11 and D12

Hyperion staff initiated some needed urgent repair work on two Primary Tanks on Saturday, October 16, 2021.  The two tanks are located on the east side of the plant, close to El Segundo.  In order to perform this work, some of covers on these two tanks had to be removed.  Consequently, some residents may potentially experience some excessive odor. Once the work is complete, the covers will be placed back. The work on one of the tanks is already complete and the work on the second tank is scheduled for completion in the next couple of days. We do appreciate your indulgence.

(Update October 14, 2021)

Upcoming Hyperion Outage Activities

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) is planning to perform scheduled semi-annual maintenance activities at its Bioenergy Facility (HBEF) from October 17 – October 30, 2021. This outage is a semiannual operation and maintenance standard that is necessary for managing critical equipment (such as pumps, breakers and compressors) and keeping high reliability. Additionally, these outages are important in ensuring that the HBEF is running at 100% capacity.

Since April 2017, digester gas, a renewable energy byproduct of the 260 million gallons per day of wastewater that HWRP receives each day is used to generate over 20 megawatts (MW) of power each day from the state-of-the-art HBEF. The 20 MW of power which is utilized to meet HWRP’s power demand is enough to power about 30,000 homes and is the equivalent of removing about 95,000 tons/year of greenhouse gases from the environment, and about 20,000 cars equivalent.

During this scheduled outage, it is anticipated that some amount of digester gas may be combusted by utilizing plant equipment permitted by AQMD which may intermittently produce visible smoke, potential odor, and flames.

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, which borders El Segundo, is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles and is its oldest and largest wastewater treatment facility.

(Update February 4, 2026)

Click here to watch the February 3, 2026 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

City Hyperion Activity: January 21, 2026 - February 3, 2026

CITY EFFORTS

• County Vector Control has reported a significant decrease in mosquito activity in the area of concern near El Segundo. Trap counts have declined by approximately 66 percent during the monitoring period from 12/18/25 to 1/29/26.
• County Vector Control will continue coordinating with Hyperion staff to abate potential mosquito breeding sites and will respond to service requests from El Segundo residents as needed.

AQMD

• Since the last City Council meeting on January 20, SCAQMD has received three odor complaints related to Hyperion.
• No Notices of Violation were issued during this reporting period.

HYPERION

• The Hyperion Community Forum is scheduled for February 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the El Segundo Public Library (Sue Carter Room).  
• Hyperion has notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it will not meet the December 31, 2025, deadline for the Headworks Overflow Bypass Improvement project. The delay specifically affects integration of the sluice gates for the bar screens and the emergency bypass channel
• Planned maintenance and operational testing of the one-mile outfall gate was successfully completed on January 29th.  

(Update December 17, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity: December 3, 2025 - December 16, 2025

AQMD

• Since the last council meeting on December 2nd, SCAQMD received 14 odor complaints with NO notices of violation during this period.

HYPERION

• Hyperion in partnership with Heal the Bay released its second community survey specific to El Segundo. The survey takes about 5-10 minutes to complete and is linked Here

(Update December 4, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity: November 19, 2025 - December 3, 2025

CITY EFFORTS

•  We have been informed by the SBCCOG, that the City of El Segundo will be receiving Gold Level achievement for our 2025 sustainability efforts. This marks two years in a row! The ceremony will take place on December 11^th.  

AQMD

• Since the last council meeting on November 18th, SCAQMD received only 6 odor complaints with NO notices of violation during this period.

HYPERION

• Hyperion performed well during the recent rainstorm events, from November 13th through the 18th and November 20th through the 21^st. During this time, the City of Los Angeles received 2.64 inches of rain in the coastal areas and a peak flow rate of about 470 million gallons per day

• On Dec. 4, 2025, Hyperion will perform routine, necessary calibration of the North and South Fenceline stations. During this calibration, it is necessary to interrupt service of the monitors. Monitoring data is anticipated be interrupted: North Station: 7 – 11 a.m. South Station: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This calibration will ensure that the monitors continue to provide accurate H2S readings.

(Update November 19, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity: November 5, 2025 - November 18, 2025

CITY EFFORTS

• Melissa Plamondon, an Environmental Affairs Officer with LASAN, attended our Environmental Committee meeting last Friday the 14th. She will be taking the lead on communications and outreach between Hyperion and El Segundo. 
• The scheduled “check-in” meeting with LASAN, Heal the Bay and El Segundo Staff, on November 6th was canceled.

AQMD

• Since the last council meeting on November 4th, SCAQMD received approximately 14 odor complaints. The facility was issued NO notices of violation during this period. 

HYPERION

• On 11/13/25 Hyperion had an electrical component failure, in response, the facility began flaring at approximately 11:45 AM, the failed component was replaced, and the flares stopped automatically around 7pm. 

(Update November 5, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity: October 22, 2025 - November 4, 2025

CITY EFFORTS

• City Staff attended the Harmful Algal Blooms Summit on October 23rd. This event took place at the Hyperion learning center and discussed advanced recycled water innovations, potentially limiting effluent discharge into Santa Monica Bay.
• City Staff will be attending a “check-in” meeting with LASAN this Thursday morning at the Hyperion facility (11/6/25).

AQMD

• Since the last council meeting on October 21st, SCAQMD received approximately 27 odor complaints. The facility was issued NO notices of violation during this period

HYPERION

• Hyperion will be replacing an air damper at the headworks building tomorrow / Wednesday, November 5th. The replacement work will require a temporary interruption of the foul air scrubber, between the hours of 4:00am - 8:00am.
• Hyperion HWRP performed well during the recent rainstorm, from October 13th –15th, the facility received 0.88 inches of rain along with peak flows of 463 million Gallons per Day (MGD) in comparison to average flows of 260 MGD with no adverse effects. 
• On Monday October 27th we were informed that Bureau of Sanitation Executive Director, Barbara Romero would be leaving her position at the end of the calendar year (approximately December 27th or 28th). 

(Update October 22, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity: October 8, 2025 - October 21, 2025

CITY EFFORTS

• City Staff have drafted a letter releasing Dr. Stenstom and Philip Friess from their El Segundo contractual obligations. This allows Dr. Stenstom and Phil Friess an opportunity to join engineering consultant Don Smith in work under a City of LA contract, to evaluate odor control effectiveness and operational performance at Hyperion. 

AQMD

• Since the last council meeting on October 7th, SCAQMD received approximately 54 odor complaints. The facility was issued two notices of violation during this period for odors, these occurred on October 9th, and October 19th. 

HYPERION

• Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Community Forum and Tour took place on Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to Noon.
• LA City in partnership with Heal the Bay, will be hosting a Harmful Algal Blooms Summit this Thursday October 23rd. This discussion will include advanced recycled water innovations, similar to the proposed Pure Water LA project. Our Environmental Programs Manger along with Environmental Committee Co-Chair plan to attend.

(Update October 7, 2025)

Click here to watch the October 7, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

City Hyperion Activity: September 16, 2025 - October 7, 2025

CITY EFFORTS

• City of LA Bureau Sanitation along with DWP, presented on their Pure Water project at last week’s Environmental Committee. The project would upgrade the secondary effluent treatment process at Hyperion, potentially producing 230 million gallons of purified recycled water per day. The programs EIR public comment period ends October 12th, we have posted the link on our main Hyperion page and also here: Pure Water Los Angeles

AQMD

• Since the last council meeting on September 16th, SCAQMD received approximately 90 odor complaints. The facility was issued two notices of violation during this period for odors, these occurred on September 16th, and September 19th.

HYPERION

• Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Community Forum and Tour. On Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to Noon, Hyperion staff will be hosting a community forum at 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey. The link to RSVP for the forum was posted online to our city calendar.
• The October edition of the Pipeline Newsletter was distributed online, this edition highlights the negative impacts of flushing contact lenses and the reasoning behind gas flaring at the facility. 

• As part of regular maintenance, Hyperion will perform the following upcoming activities

  *Activity 1- Preventative Maintenance

  The facility will be performing preventative maintenance work at the Bioenergy Facility. During the course of maintenance, it may become necessary to flare biogas consistent with the plant’s permit. The work will begin the evening of Sunday, October 5, and finish the afternoon of Saturday, October 11th.

  *Activity 2 - Electrical Maintenance

  The plant will be performing some electrical maintenance that will result in a 30 minute outage. This outage will affect the odor control equipment in the south end and the South Fenceline Monitor. There will be a potential for odor and lack of live data during this outage. This work will take place the morning of Tuesday, October 7th.

  *Activity 3 - Audit of Fenceline Monitoring System

  Hyperion’s third-party fenceline monitoring system contractor, will perform maintenance on the monitoring system. This maintenance will reboot the system at each fenceline monitoring station, one at a time, to ensure accurate data readings. This work will also take place the morning of Tuesday, October 7th.

(Update September 17, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  September 3, 2025 - September 16, 2025

Click here to watch the September 16, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

CITY EFFORTS

• El Segundo Staff continues to update our “What You Need to Know” Hyperion information webpage. This includes the direct Hyperion Hotline telephone number for odor complaints. We have been informed that a plant technician will be out to take an air quality reading within 60 minutes of each call. Callers can also choose to receive a summary call back within 24hrs.
• We have been made aware of community odor concerns on or around 9pm, Monday, September 8th. After contacting plant management, one potential odor source could have been a clarifier unit being put into service. Hyperion staff continue to work on odor mitigation

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 69 odor complaints. The facility was issued 2 notices of violation during this period for odors; these occurred on September 1st and September 10th.

HYPERION

• The August edition of the Hyperion Pipeline newsletter was distributed on September 3rd. This edition highlighted the Ad-Hoc Committee’s recommendation status along with associated costs. The August edition also informed readers on why bleach and harsh chemicals hurt the wastewater treatment system process.
•  Hyperion performed a test of the generator at the Intermediate Pumping Station on September 16th. To perform this test, there were two brief shutdowns lasting 5-10 minutes each. The first shutdown occurred at 5:00 AM, The second shutdown occurred at approximately 11:00 AM. During these short interruptions, odors may be detected. Hyperion will implement all possible mitigation measures to minimize odors.
• Staff contacted Hyperion regarding the “Hyperion Citizens Forum meeting”. Hyperion is looking at setting this mtg on mid-October. They will let us know after the mtg location/time/date is confirmed.

(Update September 3, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  August 19, 2025 - September 2, 2025

Click here to watch the September 2, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

CITY EFFORTS

• El Segundo Staff along with Dr. Stenstrom and sub-consultant Philip Friess had a productive meeting with City of LA Bureau of Sanitation Management at the Hyperion facility on August 21st. They have brought on a consultant, Don Smith who brings a wealth of knowledge regarding potential facility improvements. There is a follow-up meeting on progress made, scheduled again at the Hyperion facility on November 6th.

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 81 odor complaints. The facility was issued 4 notices of violation during this period for odors, these occurred on August 19th, August 26th, August 31st and September 1st.

HYPERION

• There is a planned community plant tour scheduled for Saturday September 6th from 10am-12.  Contact (310) 648-5363 for additional information.

(Update August 20, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  July 1, 2025 - August 19, 2025

Click here to watch the August 19, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

CITY EFFORTS

• City Staff submitted an official letter signed by council, requesting that the abatement order between the AQMD and Hyperion be agenized and discussed by the Hearing Board prior to its expiration has requested that the SCAQMD Hearing Board agendize abatement order 1212-40 prior to its expiration on August 4th, 2025. 
• Mayor Pro-Tem along with City Staff attended the August 6^th AQMD Hearing Board meeting, speaking during public comment on their frustration the abatement order between the AQMD and Hyperion was allowed to expire on August 4^th despite our requests.  

AQMD

• Since the last council meeting on July 1st, SCAQMD received approximately 97 odor complaints. The facility was issued three notices of violation during this period for odors, these occurred on July 27^th, August 6^th and August 8^th

HYPERION

• City of LA Bureau of Sanitation Management along with City of El Segundo Staff and Doctor Stenstrom will be having a meeting this Thursday to discuss collaborative efforts regarding facility improvements. 
• There is a planned community plant tour scheduled for Saturday September 6th from 10am-12.  Contact (310) 648-5363 for additional information.
• The July edition of the Pipeline Newsletter was distributed online, this edition highlights the benefits of treated effluent including ground water recharge.

(Update July 8, 2025)

The City sent a letter to the South Coast Air Quality Management District requesting that the Hearing Board agendize the Hyperion Abatement order prior to its expiration on August 4, 2025.  Click here to view the City Council letter to the SCAQMD SCAQMD Follow-Up Letter - July_3_2025

Residents can also send in comments regarding this matter by contacting the Clerk of the Board at 909-396-2500 or by e-mail at clerkofboard@aqmd.gov

(Update July 2, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  June 18, 2025 - July 1, 2025

Click here to watch the July 1, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

CITY EFFORTS

•  City Staff has requested that the SCAQMD Hearing Board agendize abatement order 1212-40 prior to its expiration on August 4th, 2025. 

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 8 odor complaints. The facility was Not issued a notice of violation for this period the past two weeks.

HYPERION

• The June edition of the Hyperion Pipeline newsletter was released on July 1st..  This edition highlighted the membrane bioreactor pilot, mosquito abatement efforts and stormwater runoff prevention tips.
• There is a planned community plant tour scheduled for Saturday July 12^th at 10am

(Update June 18, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  June 4, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Click here to watch the June 17, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

CITY EFFORTS

•  City Staff has drafted a letter and also plans on attending the upcoming SCAQMD abatement hearing scheduled for August 4th, 2025. 

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 7 odor complaints. The facility was Not issued a notice of violation for this period the past two weeks.

HYPERION

• On June 17th between 7:00 -10:00am scheduled electrical maintenance took place at the facility. During this work the plant experienced brief power outages that impacted the plants reactors, secondary clarifiers, and south fence line monitoring station.
• The new schedule for the fenceline monitoring audit will now take place on Wednesday 6/18 and Thursday 6/19. Each of the three monitoring stations will be offline for approximately four hours during the audit. To ensure data collection continues during the offline periods, portable Acrulog devices will be temporarily placed at each monitoring station to track H2S levels. 
• Wednesday the 18th additional electrical maintenance will take place between 5-10am. 5-10 min outages are expected at the IPS facility, Biotrickling Facility and Central Fenceline Monitoring Station.

(Update June 18, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  June 4, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Click here to watch the June 17, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

 

CITY EFFORTS

•  City Staff has drafted a letter and also plans on attending the upcoming SCAQMD abatement hearing scheduled for August 4th, 2025. 

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 7 odor complaints. The facility was Not issued a notice of violation for this period the past two weeks.

HYPERION

• On June 17th between 7:00 -10:00am scheduled electrical maintenance took place at the facility. During this work the plant experienced brief power outages that impacted the plants reactors, secondary clarifiers, and south fence line monitoring station.
• The new schedule for the fenceline monitoring audit will now take place on Wednesday 6/18 and Thursday 6/19. Each of the three monitoring stations will be offline for approximately four hours during the audit. To ensure data collection continues during the offline periods, portable Acrulog devices will be temporarily placed at each monitoring station to track H2S levels. 
• Wednesday the 18th additional electrical maintenance will take place between 5-10am. 5-10 min outages are expected at the IPS facility, Biotrickling Facility and Central Fenceline Monitoring Station.

(Update June 3, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  May 21, 2025 - June 3, 2025

Click here to watch the June 3, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

 

CITY EFFORTS

•  City Staff has received an additional response to mosquito concerns. Hyperion has formed a team of dedicated maintenance & operation staff to mitigate mosquito issues. This team continues to work around the facility to identify and control potential breeding grounds.

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 16 odor complaints. The facility was Not issued a notice of violation for this period the past two weeks.

HYPERION

• On June 3rd around 7:45 a.m. Hyperion's Bioenergy Facility experienced a shutdown of its Combustion Gas Turbines (CTG) #2. The cause is unknown and still under investigation. Some digester gas had to be flared intermittently until 8:35 a.m. Hyperion staff placed Boiler #2 online to combust digester gas. It is a standby boiler which can burn either digester or natural gas. 
• The May edition of the Pipeline Newsletter was released. This edition highlighted what happens when you report an odor concern to the Hyperion Hotline. It also advertised upcoming facility tours on June 18th and July 12th. 

(Update May 20, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  May 6, 2025 - May 20, 2025

Click here to watch the May 20, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

 

CITY EFFORTS

• City Staff has received an additional response to mosquito concerns. Hyperion has formed a team of dedicated maintenance & operation staff to mitigate mosquito issues. This team will identify any possible mosquito breeding grounds and take necessary action.  For example, any standing water in storm drains, out of service tanks would be pumped out using vacuum trucks or portable pumps. Two employees are taking classes to be certified for applying pesticides.  Pesticides would be used, if necessary, for controlling mosquitoes. On a positive note, the latest mosquito counts in the El Segundo neighborhood from the LA County Vector Control District (from May 8) showed lower numbers compared to the reading from the week before (from May 1).

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 27 odor complaints. The facility was issued a notice of violation for nuisance odors on May 2nd

HYPERION

• *This has been postponed* Hyperion will perform electrical load testing at its headworks building on Wednesday, May 21st. This test will help to ensure that the facility is prepared in the event of a loss of power in the area. This test is anticipated to take 1 - 2 hours to complete. During this time, the blowers for the Headworks may be offline or operating at partial capacity. Additionally, it may be necessary to interrupt service of the Headworks odor control facility during this period. Should this be necessary, mitigation measures will be in place to assist with any odors which may occur.

(Update May 16, 2025) 

*This has been postponed* Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) will perform electrical load testing at Headworks on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This test will help to ensure that HWRP’s facilities are prepared in the event of a loss of power in the area. This test is anticipated to take 1 - 2 hours to complete. During this time, the blowers for the Headworks may be offline or operating at partial capacity. Operation of the facility will be maintained using a fan system. 

Additionally, it may be necessary to interrupt service of the Headworks odor control facility during this period. Should this be necessary, mitigation measures will be in place to assist with any odors which may occur.  If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org

(Update May 6, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  April 16, 2025 - May 5, 2025

Click here to watch the May 6, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

CITY EFFORTS

• The City has received reports from El Segundo residents of increased mosquito activity in the residential area near the Hyperion facility.  In response, Hyperion officials met with staff from the LA County Vector Control District on April 17 to request increased technical support to address the mosquito issue.  In addition, Hyperion staff are inspecting the facility for mosquito breeding grounds and taking corrective measures.

• Staff has drafted a letter in advance of the upcoming AQMD abatement hearing currently scheduled for August 4th, 2025.

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 27 odor complaints.  The facility was Not issued any Notices of Violation during this period.

HYPERION

• Hyperion preformed its annual maintenance of the fenceline monitoring system April 22nd - April 24th. During the process, each of the monitoring stations were temporarily taken offline for maintenance and calibration. Each of the three stations experienced approximately 8 hours of downtime.

• The second edition of the Hyperion Pipeline newsletter was released for March 2025. The monthly newsletter highlights education, updates and improvements made at the facility. 

(Update April 15, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  April 1, 2025 - April 15, 2025

Click here to watch the April 15, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

CITY EFFORTS

• City staff has received a response from Hyperion Staff regarding the status of on-site meetings with Dr. Stenstrom and sub-consultant.
• City Staff confirmed that the bioenergy facility generates all the electricity that Hyperion uses (about 20 Mega Watts). There is no additional green energy or biogas available to the DWP or outside of Hyperion (nothing exported to the grid).

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 48 odor complaints.  The facility was issued a Notice of Violation on April 10^th for public nuisance related to odor.

HYPERION

• Hyperion performed regular cleaning of some of their primary battery tanks from Friday 4/11 to Tuesday 4/15.  These tanks require regular cleaning to remove any buildup that can accumulate during the solids-removal process. Odors may occur during this work and preventative mitigation measures will be in place. 

(Update April 1, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  March 19, 2025 - April 1, 2025

Click here to watch the April 1, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council 

CITY EFFORTS

• City staff has received a response from Hyperion Staff regarding the status of on-site meetings with Dr. Stenstrom and sub-consultant.
• SCAQMD abatement hearing is currently scheduled for August 4^th, 2025. Staff has drafted a letter and plans to attend in person.

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 42 odor complaints. The facility was not issued any Notices of Violation during this period.

HYPERION

• The Bioenergy Facility will be down for planned maintenance from April 5, at 6:00 pm through April 12. During the outage, biogas will be utilized by a boiler for digester heating. Some biogas gas will be flared. It is not expected that hydrogen sulfide or any odors will be emitted.
• The first Hyperion Pipeline newsletter was released for March 2025. This newsletter will be released monthly highlighting education, updates and improvements made at the facility.  

(Update March 18, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  March 5, 2025 - March 18, 2025

Click here to watch the March 18, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

CITY EFFORTS

• City staff are working on updated framework per Hyperion’s request that can be effectuated into an MOU prior to the onset of the on-site meetings. These have yet to be rescheduled.
• SCAQMD abatement hearing is currently scheduled for August 4^th, 2025. Staff has drafted a letter and plans to attend in person.

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 32 odor complaints. The facility was issued two Notices of Violation on March 7th, and March 10th for public nuisance related to odors.

HYPERION

• The Hyperion community survey by Heal the Bay closed on Friday March 14^th.  The closing date was emailed out by Hyperion News and the actual survey was linked on our City Website. 

 (Update March 4, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  February 19, 2025 - March 4, 2025

Click here to watch the March 4, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

CITY EFFORTS

• City staff had an additional meeting with Hyperion management to discuss their request for updating the framework of our agreement with Dr. Stenstrom and sub-consultant Phil Friess on their on-site meetings and subsequent findings.  The updated framework can be effectuated into an MOU prior to the onset of the on-site meetings. 
• Staff has drafted a letter in advance of the upcoming SCAQMD abatement hearing highlighting continued concerns with the facility. This meeting is currently scheduled for August 4, 2025.

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 60 odor complaints. The facility was issued three Notices of Violation on February 26th, 27th and March 2nd for public nuisance related to odors.

HYPERION

• The facility performed well during the recent rainstorm event, from February 12, 2025, through February 14, 2025, the City of Los Angeles experienced 1.73 inches of rain receiving peak flows of 570 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) in comparison to the average flow of 260 MGD with no adverse effects.
• On February 20, the City of El Segundo was notified that Meredith McCarthy of local environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay will serve as a Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant independent liaison for the next year, with the goal of improving transparency and communication among residents, Hyperion operations, and local stakeholders. Heal the Bay has developed a brief online survey for people who live, work, or regularly visit El Segundo. The purpose of the survey is to understand your awareness and impressions of some quality-of-life topics.  The survey is live and has been sent out to the community via email.  The survey is also linked here El Segundo Community Survey | QuestionPro Survey

(Update February 18, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  February 5, 2025 - February 18, 2025

Click here to watch the February 18, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

CITY EFFORTS

• Doctor Stenstrom and sub-consultant are still waiting on Hyperion for rescheduled date to start field work at the facility. A follow-up email was sent out on January 29th, 2025.
• Staff will be drafting a letter in advance of the upcoming SCAQMD abatement hearing highlighting continued concerns with the facility. This meeting is currently scheduled for August 4, 2025.

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 19 odor complaints. The facility was issued a Notice of Violation on February 14th for public nuisance related to odors.

HYPERION

• None

 (Update February 4, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  January 22, 2025 - February 4, 2025

Click here to watch the February 4, 2025 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

CITY EFFORTS

• Doctor Stenstrom and sub-consultant are still waiting on Hyperion staff for rescheduled date to start field work at the facility.

AQMD

• Over the past two weeks, SCAQMD received approximately 17 odor complaints, with a single day high of 5 complaints on January 29th.  The facility was issued a Notice of Violation on January 23rd for failing to timely notify the district of facility power outage on January 8th, 2025.

HYPERION

• On January 8, 2025, Hyperion experienced a power outage that impacted some equipment in the truck load out and sludge areas (SCAQMD issued an NOV) 
• On January 28, 2025, bulkheads were installed at Primary Battery C in preparation for inlet gate replacement.

 (Update January 21, 2025)

City Hyperion Activity:  December 18, 2024 - January 21, 2025

Click here to watch the January 21, 2025 Hyperion Update to City Council 

CITY EFFORTS

• On January 16, 2025, City Staff along with Doctor Stenstrom and sub-consultant had an informative virtual meeting with a specialized vendor that provides H2S odor removal technology for wastewater treatment facilities. The product information and costs will be relayed to Hyperion Staff.

AQMD

• Over the past month, SCAQMD received approximately 64 odor complaints. Inspectors responded to all complaints; A notice of violation was issued for public nuisance on December 19th, 2024. AQMD Staff are investigating fence-line H2S spikes during the facility-wide power outage.

HYPERION

• On January 7, 2025, Hyperion replaced damaged cables belonging to one of the two foul odor air fans at the truck loading facility. The repair work was scheduled for 1:30-10:30 PM.
• On January 8, 2025, the Hyperion Plant experienced a facility wide power outage around 3pm. The facility utilized emergency power backup. Occasional flaring took place during this time. On January 11, 2025, at approximately 9 AM the facility was rebooted and back online with optimal power source.

 (Update December 3, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: November 20 - December 3, 2024

Click here to watch the December 3, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council 

CITY EFFORTS

• The City hosted a successful kick-off meeting on November 20th with Dr. Stenstrom and Hyperion Staff. The first facility site visit is scheduled for December 12th. This will be a four-hour event including an introduction of Hyperion staff members, a meeting and tour.

AQMD

• The AQMD Hearing Board vs Hyperion meeting was held on November 19th, 2024. The Board voted unanimously to extend the abatement order until August 4th, 2025, with the same conditions. 
• Over the past two weeks SCAQMD received approximately 32 odor complaints. Inspectors responded to all complaints; No notices of violation were issued.

HYPERION

• On November 21st, Hyperion performed planned exercise of the 1-mile outfall gate.

(Update November 19, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: November 6- November 19, 2024 

Click here to watch the November 19, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council 

CITY EFFORTS

• The City has finalized the proposal from Dr. Stenstrom on his advisory role to the City regarding Hyperion. We will be holding a kick-off meeting on November 20th including Dr. Stenstrom, Hyperion and El Segundo Staff. 

AQMD

• The AQMD Hearing Board vs Hyperion meeting was held on November 19th, 2024. The Mayor and our Environmental Programs Manager spoke during the public comment period. The Board voted unanimously to extend the abatement order until August 4th, 2025, with the same conditions. 
• Over the past two weeks SCAQMD received approximately 46 odor complaints. Inspectors responded to all complaints; a Notice of Violation was issued on November 15th for public nuisance related to odor.

HYPERION

• On November 12th from 4am-10am Hyperion performed regular maintenance of the Plant’s Power Distribution Equipment. This maintenance was to ensure the reliability of the Plant’s electrical infrastructure.

(Update November 5, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: October 15- November 5, 2024 

Click here to watch the November 5, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

CITY EFFORTS

• The City has finalized the proposal from Dr. Stenstrom on his advisory role to the City regarding Hyperion. Staff believes the revised proposal matches City objectives and desired outcomes.

AQMD

• The City has submitted an additional letter to the AQMD Board highlighting additional concerns with the Hyperion facility. That hearing is scheduled for November 19th, 2024.
• Over the past two weeks SCAQMD received approximately 110 odor complaints.  Inspectors responded to all complaints; a Notice of Violation was issued on October 28th for odors.

HYPERION

• On October 30, Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant sent out an Unanticipated Issue Notification regarding the Red Algae Bloom in Santa Monica Bay.
• On October 25, the City of El Segundo was notified that Hyperion conducted the planned evaluation for the Plant’s Intermediate Pump Page 1 of 14 Stations (IPS) and began the necessary repair. Repair on the identified unit is still ongoing and Hyperion has identified a need for repair for an additional IPS unit.
• High H2S reading from the south monitoring station were caused by purging of gas inside one of the biological reactors.  Since the purge readings have returned to normal
• On October 23rd it was determined that one of the north side anaerobic digester mixers was making noises.  Temporary insulation material was put in place to mitigate the noise.

(Update October 24, 2024)

Click here to read the full Hyperion Update - Unplanned/Urgent Work Update & Notifications, October 25, 2024

(Update October 15, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: October 2- October 15, 2024

Click here to watch the October 15, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS
  • The City has received a draft proposal from Dr. Stenstrom on his advisory role to the City regarding Hyperion. Staff is evaluating the proposal to ensure the scope of work matches City objectives and desired outcomes.

• AQMD
  • The next AQMD board meeting hearing is scheduled for November 19th, 2024.
  • The City has drafted another letter to AQMD board that will be submitted prior to the November 19th Board Meeting highlighting additional concerns.

(Update October 2, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: September 18 - October 1, 2024

Click here to watch the October 1, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS
  • The City and Dr. Stenstrom have assessed and identified additional resources and candidates to assist Dr. Stenstrom in his advisory role to the City regarding Hyperion. The City is working with Dr Stenstrom to execute a revised agreement for these services.

(Update September 17, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: September 3 - September 17, 2024

Click here to watch the September 17, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS

• The City and Dr. Stenstrom have identified additional resources and candidates to assist Dr. Stenstrom in his advisory role to the City regarding Hyperion.
• The City is working with Dr Stenstrom to execute a revised agreement for these services.

(Update September 4, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: August 21 - September 3, 2024

Click here to watch the September 3, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS
  • On August 23^rd, the City submitted a formal letter to AQMD specific to the Abatement Order Modification Hearing regarding operations at Hyperion, set for Thursday, September 5, 2024. The letter addresses City concerns and makes six specific requests to the AQMD Board, to be addressed at the hearing.

  • Both City of L.A. Director of Public Works Ryan Jackson and the Director and General Manager of LASAN Barbara Romero have agreed to cooperate with El Segundo City Council’s decision of expanding Dr. Stenstrom’s contract to include more resources as part of his agreement with El Segundo.  Furthermore, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Pimentel has informed the City Manager of a potential candidate which could be included as an additional resource to Dr. Stenstrom’s contract.

(Update August 23, 2024)

Today, City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Treatment Plant - Odor Nuisance) - Abatement Order Modification Hearing date September 5, 2024.

The letter addresses City concerns and makes six specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to SCAQMD Board Hearing_08.23.24

(Update August 20, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: August 1 - August 20, 2024

Click here to watch the August 20, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS
  • On August 6^th, City Council and City staff, attended a tour at Hyperion where we received updates from Hyperion staff and met with LASAN leadership, including Director and General Manager Barbara Romero and Public Works Director Ryan Jackson.
  • The city of L.A.’s job posting for the Hyperion Executive Plant Manager position, which El Segundo provided input on, closed on August 16^th. The recruitment firm is reviewing candidates.

(Update July 2, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: June 19- July 2, 2024

Click here to watch the July 2, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS

  • Last week, the City and environmental advocates provided input to the recruitment firm for Hyperion’s Executive Plant Manager position. The City of Los Angeles reports that they will now be circulating the brochure for the position.

(Update June 18, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: June 5- June 18, 2024

Click here to watch the June 18, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS

  • The City of Los Angeles informed us that the new position to head up the planned organizational changes at Hyperion was cut from the budget. They have told us that they will report back in the near future for possible funding of that position.

  • LASAN is still hiring for Hyperion’s Executive Plant Manager position, and the City recently met with the recruitment firm to provide input on the necessary qualification and job description for that position

(Update June 4, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: May 22- June 4, 2024

Click here to watch the June 4 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS
  • The City continues to be in communication with City of Los Angeles regarding the hiring status of the new position that will head up the planned organizational changes at Hyperion, pending budget approval.

(Update May 21, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: May 9- May 21, 2024

Click here to watch the May 21, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS
  • The City continues to be in communication with City of Los Angeles regarding the hiring status of the new position that will head up the planned organizational changes at Hyperion

(May 9, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: April 16 - May 8, 2024

Click here to watch the May 7, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• CITY EFFORTS
  • City of L.A. retained a recruiting company to hire a new division head position at Hyperion, and a representative from El Segundo will be one of four people sitting on the hiring panel along with representatives from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Waterkeeper Alliance, and Heal the Bay.
    • El Segundo City staff also provided feedback to the City of Los Angeles regarding the job description for this position.

(Update May 8, 2024)

City of L.A. retained a recruiting company to hire a new division head position at Hyperion, and a representative from El Segundo will be one of four people sitting on the hiring panel along with representatives from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Waterkeeper Alliance, and Heal the Bay.

El Segundo City staff also provided feedback to the City of Los Angeles regarding the job description for this position.

(Update March 26, 2024) 

Read the latest Hyperion Update - March 26, 2024

(March 19, 2024)

On March 18, 2024, the City participated in a joint legislative meeting with the City of Los Angeles (L.A.) regarding Hyperion. During the meeting, the City of L.A. admitted their shortcomings and laid out their plan for organizational changes at Hyperion that will focus on external affairs, government relations, employee engagement and regulatory compliance.

The proposed changes will be reflected in the budget that Mayor Karen Bass is scheduled to bring to City Council in April.

Meeting attendees included Mayor Bass's Director of Public Works Ryan Jackson, L.A. Sanitation senior leadership, and representatives from the offices of L.A. City council districts 5 and 11, L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Congressman Ted Lieu, and Senator Ben Allen.

(Update March 11, 2024)

Read the latest Hyperion Update - March 11, 2024

(Update March 5, 2024)

In the past week, City staff and City Council have met with the City of L.A.’s Ryan Jackson and Deputy Mayor Randall Winston to come up with a plan to rectify the failed leadership and communication at Hyperion. They admit the deficiencies in management at Hyperion and have been collaborative in developing effective changes at the plant.

During those meetings, the City of L.A. agreed to participate in a joint legislative meeting with El Segundo, L.A. County Supervisor, State Senator, member of Congress, and Assemblymember.

Read the full Transcript of the City Manager's Presentation of Mayor Karen Bass's March 5, 2024 Statement Regarding Hyperion.

(Update February 26, 2024) 

On Friday, February 23, 2024, El Segundo City Council issued the below official letter to City of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass regarding the failed leadership at the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The letter details the recent repeated instances of equipment failures, lack of proactive maintenance, odor leaks, poor communication, faulty information, and flagrant violations of regulatory standards - having received five NOVs from South Coast AQMD since January 28, 2024 - and demands immediate and decisive action to remove Los Angeles Sanitation Director and General Manager Barbara Romero from office.

Click here to read the Letter to Mayor Bass - Failed Management at Hyperion, February 23, 2024

Hyperion Update Newsletter

Read the latest Hyperion Update - February 26, 2024

(Update February 17, 2024) 

AQMD advised City staff that they issued three notices of violation (NOVs) to Hyperion for odors on February 13, 15, and 16, 2024.

City staff are monitoring the situation closely and are in touch with both AQMD and Hyperion leadership to resolve the odor issues as soon as possible.

(Update February 12, 2024) 

Read the latest Hyperion Update - February 12, 2024

(Update February 5, 2024)

On February 5, 2024, the City Manager received a call from General Manager of LASAN Barbara Romero, and COO of LASAN Tracy Minamide apologizing for the misinformation regarding the source of the odors coming from Hyperion, and that they have instructed Hyperion staff to keep them apprised of all work and to notify the City when their maintenance operations impact El Segundo residents.

Also, Ad Hoc Committee member and Environmental Committee Chair Tracey Miller-Zarneke met with L.A. City Public Works Commissioner Susana Reyes and LASAN Governmental Relations representative Marisela Reyes to reiterate our residents’ experiences living near Hyperion and relayed our frustration about the lack of communication and transparency from Hyperion to forewarn our community about projects that emit excessive odor. They promised to dive deeper into the communication issues at Hyperion. The City will follow up with them on their findings and communication improvements.

(Update February 2, 2024)

 

(Updated January 31, 2024)

AQMD advised City staff that they issued another notice of violation to Hyperion for odors on January 30, 2024.

(Update January 30, 2024)

AQMD Issues NOV to Hyperion for Odors on January 28, 2024

Contrary to the information provided by Hyperion, AQMD has advised that they issued a notice of violation to Hyperion on January 28, 2024 (corrected from 1/29/24), for odors caused by cleaning of the primary tanks. Staff is pressing Hyperion further on why this information was not provided to the City.

Hyperion Information Regarding Odors on January 29, 2024

City staff received odor complaints on January 29, 2024. The City immediately contacted the Superintendent of Hyperion and the Chief Operating Officer of L.A. Sanitation.

According to Hyperion, they verified with their managers and shift superintendent that odor control activities are all in order. All air pollution control equipment was checked and was in compliance with H2S zero emissions. The three fence line monitoring stations were reading at less than 1.0 part per billion (ppb) for the majority of the day, with the exception of two short jumps to around 5 ppb (below EPA's established threshold of 30 ppb) at around noon and 9:00 p.m. - which coincides with the odor reports.

We continue to remain vigilant and make every possible effort to address the ongoing odor issues in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, who owns and operates Hyperion.

(Update January 19, 2024)

Read the latest Hyperion Update - January 19, 2024

(Update December 19, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: December 6 - December 19, 2023

Click here to watch the December 19, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• TOWN HALL WITH AQMD

  • On December 6, 2023, the City is hosted a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Watch the town hall here.

• HYPERION DASHBOARD
  • On December 6, 2023, the City also launched the Hyperion Dashboard which provides a current status update on the 33 recommendations made by the LASAN Ad Hoc Committee following the July 2021 spill. This will continue to be updated by the City based on information received from Hyperion.

• HYPERION UPDATES MOVING FORWARD
  • Moving forward, Hyperion Updates will be included in the City Manager's report at council meetings. This means that “Hyperion Update” will no longer appear as an agenda item, but he will still be providing updates to Council on Hyperion as needed.

(Update December 6, 2023)

Thank you to everyone who participated in the town hall.  You can watch the full town hall here.

(Update December 5, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: November 8- December 5, 2023

Click here to watch the December 5, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• TOWN HALL WITH AQMD

  • December 6, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the City is hosting a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant.

• WASTEWATER EXPERT, DR. STENSTROM
  • On October 30th, the Environmental Committee and Dr. Stenstrom attended a productive tour of Hyperion providing further understanding of the primary tank stages, recent facility improvements and overall process.
  • City staff are working with Dr. Stenstrom to create an internal dashboard to keep track of Hyperion's progress on implementing the 33 recommendations

• The City continues to meet with the Hyperion Ad Hoc Committee.

(Update December 4, 2023)

Town Hall with AQMD

On Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. the City of El Segundo is hosting a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Click here for town hall details.

Zoom Meeting Information

 

Zoom will ask you to enter a name and email address to join the meeting. For more information about how to attend the meeting via phone, please click here.

Please note, live questions can only be submitted via web login.

This town hall will be recorded and available on El Segundo Media's YouTube Channel.

 

(Update November 23, 2023)

Town Hall with AQMD

On Wednesday, December 6^th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. the City of El Segundo is hosting a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Click here for town hall details.

Submit Your Input Now Through November 30, 2023.

Advance comments/questions will be accepted through Thursday, November 30, 2023. Please submit comments or questions that you would like to be addressed during this town hall here.

You may also submit comments/questions during the town hall, which will be addressed live if time permits. Advance submission is the best option to ensure your questions are answered.

Zoom meeting link coming soon!

(Update November 7, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: October 18 - November 7, 2023

Click here to watch the November 7, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• TOWN HALL WITH AQMD
  • The City has tentatively scheduled a public Town Hall with AQMD via Zoom on December 6th at 6:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for people to ask questions about Hyperion, AQMD and bill AB 1216. Information about the event will be shared on the City's website once all of the details are finalized.

• WASTEWATER EXPERT, DR. STENSTROM
  • On October 30th, the Environmental Committee and Dr. Stenstrom attended a productive tour of Hyperion providing further understanding of the primary tank stages, recent facility improvements and overall process.
  • City staff are working with Dr. Stenstrom to create an internal dashboard to keep track of Hyperion's progress on implementing the 33 recommendations.

• The City continues to meet with the Hyperion Ad Hoc Committee.

(Update October 30, 2023)

Members of the City Environmental Committee and Wastewater Treatment Expert Dr. Michael K. Stenstrom toured the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. It was a productive and informative tour, providing further understanding of the primary tank stages, recent facility improvements and overall process.

(Update October 17, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: October 4 - October 17, 2023

Click here to watch the October 17, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On October 10th, Governor Newsom signed Bill AB 1216 into law.

• WASTEWATER EXPERT, DR. STENSTROM
  
  • City staff are working with Dr. Stenstrom to create an internal dashboard to keep track of Hyperion's progress on implementing the 33 recommendations.

• The City continues to meet with the Hyperion Ad Hoc Committee.

(Update October 4, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: September 20 - October 3, 2023

Click here to watch the (October 3, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • Bill AB 1216 is still on Governor Newsom's desk for consideration to be signed into law.

• MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM CITY OF LOS ANGELES
  • On Tuesday, October 3rd, the City Manager and Councilmember Ryan Baldino attended a meeting with Ryan Jackson from City of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass's office along with COO for Hyperion, Traci Minamide. At that meeting it was determined that Traci Minamide will be the direct point of contact for the City regarding Hyperion.

• WASTEWATER EXPERT, DR. STENSTROM
  
  • City staff are working with Dr. Stenstrom to create an internal dashboard to keep track of Hyperion's progress on implementing the 33 recommendations.

• The City continues to meet with the Hyperion Ad Hoc Committee on a weekly basis.

(Update September 20, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: September 7 - September 19, 2023

Click here to watch the September 19, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • Bill AB 1216 passed the State Assembly concurrence vote and is now on Governor Newsom's desk for consideration to be signed into law.

• WASTEWATER EXPERT, DR. STENSTROM
  
  • City staff are working with Dr. Stenstrom to create an internal dashboard to keep track of Hyperion's progress on implementing the 33 recommendations.

• The City continues to meet with the Hyperion Ad Hoc Committee on a weekly basis.

(Update September 7, 2023)

Bill AB 1216 passed the State Assembly concurrence vote.

The bill will now go to Governor Newsom's desk for consideration to be signed into law. We anticipate a decision before the legislative session closes on September 14^th.

(Update September 6, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: August 16 - September 5, 2023

Click here to watch the September 5, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • South Coast AQMD has submitted an official letter of support for this bill. This is very important because it lets those voting on the bill know that the regulatory entity, AQMD, is in favor of the bill.
  • On August 24^th, bill AB 1216 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee.
  • On September 6^th, the bill passed the California Senate Floor vote with 26 "yes" votes and 7 "no" votes; Senator Ben Allen served as Floor Manager for the bill.
  • The bill will now go to the State Assembly for a concurrence vote.

(Update August 24, 2023)

On August 24, 2023, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed bill AB 1216, it will now go to a Senate floor vote.

(Update August 21, 2023) 

 

(Update August 16, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: July 14 - August 15, 2023

Click here to watch the August 15, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)

• In an effort to secure AQMD’s support for this bill, the City and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s office have had many discussions with AQMD to update the language of the bill to align with AQMD’s recommendations. After multiple revisions, amendments were made to the bill which resulted in a few notable changes.
  • Per guidance from AQMD, the bill now stipulates source testing, as opposed to fence-line testing, for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatilce organic compounds (VOCs) because source testing is more accurate and is legally enforceable.
    • Hyperion currently conducts source testing of NOx and VOCs, this bill would make that testing a permanent legal requirement.
  • AQMD stated that specifying what to test for at Hyperion’s fence-line was too limiting; therefore, the bill now requires that Hyperion’s fence-line monitoring system test for “pollutants of concern,” as determined by AQMD, including hydrogen sulfide.
    • This gives AQMD broader oversight to require monitoring of all emissions that may have an impact on the surrounding community.
    • Currently, Hyperion is testing for hydrogen sulfide at its fence-line to comply with an order of abatement from AQMD, which will eventually terminate. This bill would make fence-line testing for pollutants of concern a permanent legal requirement.
    • The bill requires that the data from the fence-line monitors be shared with the public in real-time.
  • To effectively put these measures in place, AQMD requested that the effective date for this bill be pushed back from 2025 to January 1, 2027.
    • There’s nothing that says the work cannot be completed sooner, but that it must be completed by no later than January 1, 2027.
• To summarize, if bill AB 1216 is passed, it would permanently and legally require that by January 1, 2027, Hyperion conduct regular source monitoring for NOX and VOCs, and monitor at its fence-line for pollutants of concern as determined by AQMD, including hydrogen sulfide, and to share that fence-line monitoring data with the public in real-time.

• MEETING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS REGARDING HYPERION
  • On August 16, 2023, the Mayor, members of City Council, the City Manager and Director of Public Works Elias Sassoon will be meeting with representatives from the offices of Senator Ben Allen, Congressman Ted Lieu, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, and City of LA Mayor Bass to discuss the situation with Hyperion.

(Update August 7, 2023)

Click here to read the Cityof El Segundo's August 7, 2023 Hyperion Update Newsletter

(Update August 4, 2023) 

Hyperion Update: After several conversations with Hyperion and AQMD staff, it was determined that delaying the measurement of the tank covers is not practical. The tank cover measurements will take place August 7th-18th between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. - weekdays only. The City of El Segundo will continue to work with Hyperion to minimize the odor impact of this project. More information. 

***

Hyperion is scheduled to measure primary tank covers from Monday, August 7th, through Friday, August 18th. The measurements are needed for the fabrication of new tank covers. 

The existing tank covers must be temporarily removed to complete this task. This task will generate odors which could be exacerbated due to hot weather. 

El Segundo City staff have requested that this activity be deferred to fall when the weather will be cooler. 

The City is diligently working with Hyperion and AQMD to facilitate this schedule change to fall.

(Update June 21, 2023)

On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, the Environmental Quality Committee passed bill AB 1216 with a vote of five to two.

Councilmember Ryan Baldino provided testimony on behalf of the City of El Segundo at the State Capitol in Sacramento. 

The bill will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

Read the full details here: Bill AB 1216 Passes Senate Environmental Quality Committee in 5-2 Vote | NEWS | El Segundo

(Update June 21, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: June 7- June 20, 2023

Click here to watch the June 20, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On Wednesday, June 21^st, Senate Environmental Quality Committee passed bill AB 1216 in a 5 to 2 vote. Councilmember Ryan Baldino attended the hearing at the State Capitol in Sacramento and provided testimony supporting the bill on behalf of the City of El Segundo. The bill will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 
    • Watch the full Committee Hearing here. Bill AB 1216 is discussed 1:19 - 1:30

(Update June 7, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 17- June 6, 2023

Click here to watch the June 6, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On May 18^th, bill AB 1216 passed the Assembly floor vote
    • The bill is now in the Senate and is scheduled to be heard at the Senate Environmental Quality Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
      • Click here to see the Senate Environmental Quality Committee Hearing Agenda for June 21, 2023

• JOINT LETTER FROM BEN ALLEN’S OFFICE TO HYPERION
  • Six weeks after the City’s joint meeting to discuss Hyperion, Senator Ben Allen’s office issued a joint letter to Director and General Manager of L.A. Sanitation and Environment Barbara Romero regarding the ongoing nuisance and health-related impacts to the people residing near the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant. The letter states that "This situation is untenable" and strongly urges expedited odor mitigation efforts, expanded fence-line monitoring for more than hydrogen sulfide, and improved communication to the community. Notably, the letter was signed by Senator Ben Allen, Congressman Ted Lieu, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
    • Click here to view the letter in its entirety.

• AQMD
  • Since May 23^rd, AQMD has receive 57odor complaints, AQMD inspectors responded to all complaints, but did not confirm any public nuisance violations.
  • At the June 1^st AQMD board hearing with Hyperion regarding flares, AQMD issued new conditions requiring Hyperion to install new flares in full compliance with AQMD requirements – AQMD anticipates it will take about nine years to complete the new flares.
  • The next AQMD Hearing Board is scheduled for June 20^th at 9:00 a.m.
    • Click here for the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, June 20, 2023

• DR. STENSTROM
  • Dr. Stenstrom attended the June 6, 2023 City Council Meeting and provided an update on his work with Hyperion:
    • Helped draft language for bill AB 1216
    • Tracking Hyperion's progress implementing the 33 recommendations from the Hyperion Ad Hoc Committee formed after the July 2021 spill.
      • Tank cover replacement is progressing.
    • Recommended to LASAN that they attend sessions on collection systems to improve plant operations.
    • Is scheduling a tour of Hyperion for himself and the Environmental Committee.

(Update June 1, 2023)

(Update June 7, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 17- June 6, 2023

• JOINT LETTER FROM BEN ALLEN’S OFFICE TO HYPERION
  • Six weeks after the City’s joint meeting to discuss Hyperion, Senator Ben Allen’s office issued a joint letter to Director and General Manager of L.A. Sanitation and Environment Barbara Romero regarding the ongoing nuisance and health-related impacts to the people residing near the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant. The letter states that "This situation is untenable" and strongly urges expedited odor mitigation efforts, expanded fence-line monitoring for more than hydrogen sulfide, and improved communication to the community. Notably, the letter was signed by Senator Ben Allen, Congressman Ted Lieu, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
    • Click here to view the letter in its entirety.

• DR. STENSTROM
  • Dr. Stenstrom attended the June 6, 2023 City Council Meeting and provided an update on his work with Hyperion:
    • Helped draft language for bill AB 1216
    • Tracking Hyperion's progress implementing the 33 recommendations from the Hyperion Ad Hoc Committee formed after the July 2021 spill.
      • Tank cover replacement is progressing.
    • Recommended to LASAN that they attend sessions on collection systems to improve plant operations.
    • Is scheduling a tour of Hyperion for himself and the Environmental Committee.

(Update May 17, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 3- May 16, 2023

Click here to watch the May 16, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• MEETING WITH LA CITY COUNCILMEMBER TRACI PARK AND CITY OF LA
  • On May 15^th, Mayor Boyles, Councilmember Baldino, and City Manager Darrell George attended a productive introductory meeting with City of L.A. Councilmember Traci Park, members of her staff and the LA City Attorney’s office. They discussed a number of items, including the situation with Hyperion and the purpose and status of bill AB 1216.

• DR. STENSTROM
  • Dr. Stenstrom is tentatively scheduled to attend the City Council meeting on June 20^th to provide an update regarding his efforts to City Council and answer questions.

(Update May 3, 2023)

Click here to watch the May 2, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On April 24^th the City Manager, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Pimentel and Councilmember Ryan Baldino went to Sacramento to appear before the Natural Resources Committee Assembly hearing and provided testimony on bill AB 1216.
  • The Natural Resources passed the bill and it is currently with the Assembly Appropriations committee, which focuses on the cost of the bill.
• DR. STENSTROM
  • Dr. Stenstrom is tentatively scheduled to attend the City Council meeting on June 20^th to provide an update regarding his efforts to City Council and answer questions.

(Update April 25, 2023)

On Monday, April 24, 2023, the Natural Resources Committee passed bill AB 1216 with a vote of eight to three.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi introduced the bill, and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Pimentel and Councilmember Ryan Baldino, joined by City Manager Darrell George, provided testimony on the assembly floor at the State Capitol in Sacramento. 

Once the committee process is completed, the bill will go to the Senate.

Read the full details here: Bill AB 1216 Passes Natural Resources Committee in 8-3 Vote | NEWS | El Segundo

(Update April 19, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: March 22 – April 18, 2023

Click here to watch the April 18, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • The City of El Segundo submitted its sponsorship of bill AB 1216 to the Natural Resources Committee on April 4, 2023. Read the letter of sponsorship here.
  • The City in the process of obtaining letters of support from adjacent cities, environmental groups, and regional entities to present to the Natural Resources Committee as part of the AB 1216 process.
  • The City will be providing a two-minute testimony on bill AB 1216 at the Natural Resources Committee Assembly hearing on Monday, April 24, 2023.
• FIRST JOINT MEETING OF LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES AND THE CITY REGARDING HYPERION
  • The Mayor, City Manager, and Director of Public Works met with representatives from offices of Senator Ben Allen, Congressman Ted Lieu, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to discuss Hyperion. It was the first time all of the legislative offices came together in support.
    • The meeting focused on the importance of Assembly bill AB 1216, and they all shared their enthusiastic support on moving it throughout the process.
    • It was decided that we would meet regularly in the upcoming months and year until all Hyperion impacts are addressed.
• DR. STENSTROM 
  • Dr. Stenstrom continues to coordinate with Hyperion regarding the updates for the SCAQMD Abatement Orders and Ad Hoc Committee’s 33 recommendations. Hyperion has been cooperating with these efforts.
• HYPERION
  • Hyperion is sharing monthly AQMD report updates on the status of their odor mitigation efforts and other on-going projects directly with El Segundo City staff.

(Update April 5, 2023)

It has been almost seven months since El Segundo City Council declared a local state of emergency on September 8, 2022, in response to the ongoing noxious odors and gases being emitted from the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant. A lot of progress has been made since then, but there is still a long way to go.

Press Release: The City of El Segundo is Making Headway Regarding Hyperion - Six Months After Declaring a Local State of Emergency

(Update April 4, 2023)

On April 4, 2023, the City of El Segundo submitted a letter of sponsorship for bill AB 1216 Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitoring of Air Pollutants which would require wastewater treatment plants, like Hyperion, in the state of California to monitor the air quality for H2S, NOX, and VOCs.

To view the letter in its entirety: City of El Segundo Letter of Sponsorship for bill AB 1216, April 4, 2023.

(Update March 22, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: March 8 - 21, 2023

Click here to watch the March 21, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
• City Manager Darrell George and City Staff have continued to meet with Al Muratsuchi’s office regarding bill AB-1216, titled “Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitoring of Air Pollutants” which would require Wastewater Treatment Plants, like Hyperion, in the state of California to monitor the air quality for H2S, NOX, and VOCs. If passed, the bill would be enacted January 1, 2025
• The City has pushed for this legislation since September of 2022 and it’s finally on its way.
• The bill was introduced by Al Muratsuchi in February and was sent to committee on March 16, 2023.
• Assemblymember Muratsuchi will be taking a tour of Hyperion on Friday, March 24th.
• DR. STENSTROM 
  • the City had 3 meetings with Dr. Stenstrom, in those meetings he provided input on the language of bill AB-1216 and followed up on Hyperion’s compliance with the orders of abatement issued by AQMD.
• MEETING WITH BARBARA ROMERO
• On March 22, 2023, the City is meeting with Barbara Romero, the Director and General Manager of L.A. Sanitation and her staff, who runs the Hyperion Plant.

• AQMD
• Received 30 odor complaints in the last 2 weeks, 10 of those complaints were made on March 9th.
• No new Notices of Violation since January 17, 2023.
• AQMD is continuing to evaluate Hyperion’s compliance with the conditions under the Orders of Abatement.

(Update February 11, 2023)

After many months of El Segundo City staff meeting with various elected officials, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's office announce that they will introduce a new state bill that would require plants like Hyperion to do more to mitigate odors and test emissions. Read the full article below.

Future State Bill Aims to Speed Up Hyperion Odor Recovery

(Update February 8, 2023)

Please find a transcript of the El Segundo City Manager's Public Statement made at the February 7, 2023, City Council Meeting regarding AQMD's expanded order of Abatement issued to Hyperion on January 25, 2023. The statement includes a summary of the 28 additional conditions issued to Hyperion. 

Hyperion Public Statement for February 7, 2023, Council Meeting

(Update January 23, 2023)

Today, City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Treatment Plant - Flaring Operations) Board Hearing- continued hearing date January 25, 2023.

The letter addresses City concerns and makes eight specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to SCAQMD Board Hearing 1.23.23

(Update December 15, 2022)

City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Treatment Plant - Flaring Operations) Board Hearing on December 15, 2022.

The letter addresses City concerns and made specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to SCAQMD Board Hearing 12.14.22

(Update October 26, 2022)

Director of Public Works Elias Sassoon submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board on October 24, 2022 in regards to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit renewal.

The letter itemizes the 33 recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee following the July 11, 2021 incident and requests that Hyperion implement these recommendations in a timely manner and regularly update the public about the status of their implementation. 

 Please refer to the letter: City Letter to Water Board Hyperion NPDES Permit _Oct262022

(Update October 25, 2022)

The City of El Segundo has received a few emails regarding the noise and vibration caused by the Hyperion Perimeter Road Project. Staff has communicated these issues and concerns to the Project Manager, and has stayed involved to make sure that Hyperion responds to all raised issues and concerns.

Status update of the Hyperion Perimeter Road Project as of October 25, 2022:

• Approx. 1,200 feet of sheet piles have been installed out of the total 2,100 feet. This means that almost 60% of sheet-piling is done.
• Noise blankets and foam lining along the sheet piles are being used by the general contractor continuously for noise mitigation
• Continuous vibration monitoring was conducted yesterday near the property line at 738 West Mariposa by Hyperion. According to Hyperion the vibration was found to be within acceptable limits as it relates to impacts on nearby structures and improvements. Hyperion has committed to providing a copy of this vibration monitoring report once it is ready.
• It is to be noted that city staff is working on having a third-party qualified vender perform independent noise and vibration tests.
• Due to noise and vibrations experienced by the residents, a total of 10 residents were offered temporary relocation during the sheet-piling segment of the work.
• Dust mitigation has been implemented and is ongoing.

According to Hyperion, today (October 25, 2022) should be the last day to install sheet-piles utilizing the largest pile driving equipment required for the project. The contractor will use smaller equipment to install the remainder of the sheet-piles, which is expected to be completed in the next two to three weeks, assuming there is no unforeseen conditions, such as underground obstructions, inclement weather, etc. Please see the attached maps which highlight key work areas over the next 3-4 weeks.

Please contact Josh Melendez with LASAN at (213) 485-3221 or joshua.melendez@lacity.org if you have any questions.

(Update September 12, 2022) 

Press Release: El Segundo City Council Declares a Local State of Emergency

(Update September 9, 2022)

Special City Council Recap for September 8, 2022 Meeting 

SCAQMD updated findings and decision regarding Case No. 1212-40 regarding Rule 402 and Health and Safety Code Section 41700 on September 6, 8, 2022.  

Please refer to: AQMD Second Order of Abatement 

(Update September 8. 2022) 

El Segundo City Council Declares a Local State of Emergency
In a special session held on September 8, 2022, City Council declared a local state of emergency for the City of El Segundo and authorized the initiation of a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles in response to the ongoing release of noxious gases and odors from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Residents do not need to take any action in response to this declaration. Read the full press release here. 

(Update September 6, 2022)

City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the SCAQMD v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Plant) Board Hearing on September 6, 2022.

The letter addresses City concerns and made specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to AQMD_090622

(Update March 24, 2022)

On March 22, 2022, Mayor Drew Boyles drafted a letter on behalf of the El Segundo City Council and the residents of El Segundo to Councilmember Mike Bonin and the Los Angeles City Council regarding the Hyperion Treatment Plant. In the letter, Mayor Boyles addressed several critical issues the City has faced resulting from the July 11, 2021 sewage spill.

In addition the Mayor expressed concerns about the findings identified at the AQMD Hearing Board Meeting on March 9, 2022. 

To view the letter in its entirety: ES_HyperionLetter_3.22.2022

 

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles and is its oldest and largest wastewater treatment facility. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Community Outreach Team at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

• Hyperion Website
  • To join Hyperion's general mailing list for monthly updates and citizen forum meeting announcements, etc., click here.
• Hyperion Air Monitoring Website
  • To receive email notifications for elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at the fence line of Hyperion, click here.
• Hyperion 24-Hour Reporting Hotline: 310-318-8232

(Update May 16, 2025) 

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) will perform electrical load testing at Headworks on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This test will help to ensure that HWRP’s facilities are prepared in the event of a loss of power in the area. This test is anticipated to take 1 - 2 hours to complete. During this time, the blowers for the Headworks may be offline or operating at partial capacity. Operation of the facility will be maintained using a fan system. 

Additionally, it may be necessary to interrupt service of the Headworks odor control facility during this period. Should this be necessary, mitigation measures will be in place to assist with any odors which may occur.  If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org

(Update March 28, 2025) 

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) will perform preventive maintenance work at the Bioenergy Facility starting on Saturday, April 5, at 6:00 PM, which is anticipated to continue through Saturday, April 12. During this timeframe, ongoing maintenance activities will require the Bioenergy Facility to be offline. During this planned outage, the biogas will be combusted by a standby boiler for the digester heating, and the remaining biogas will be flared.

We are taking all necessary precautions to minimize any potential impacts to the surrounding community. It is not expected that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or any odors will be emitted during this procedure. If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update March 4, 2025) 

HYPERION

• On February 20, the City of El Segundo was notified that Meredith McCarthy of local environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay will serve as a Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant independent liaison for the next year, with the goal of improving transparency and communication among residents, Hyperion operations, and local stakeholders. Heal the Bay has developed a brief online survey for people who live, work, or regularly visit El Segundo. The purpose of the survey is to understand your awareness and impressions of some quality-of-life topics.  The survey is live and has been sent out to the community via email.  The survey is also linked here El Segundo Community Survey | QuestionPro Survey

(Update December 3, 2024) 

HYPERION

• On November 21st, Hyperion performed planned exercise of the 1-mile outfall gate.

(Update November 8, 2024) 

 

(Update November 5, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: October 15 - November 5, 2024

Click here to watch the November 5, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council  

HYPERION

• On October 30, Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant sent out an Unanticipated Issue Notification regarding the Red Algae Bloom in Santa Monica Bay.
• On October 25, the City of El Segundo was notified that Hyperion conducted the planned evaluation for the Plant’s Intermediate Pump Page 1 of 14 Stations (IPS) and began the necessary repair. Repair on the identified unit is still ongoing and Hyperion has identified a need for repair for an additional IPS unit.
• High H2S reading from the south monitoring station were caused by purging of gas inside one of the biological reactors.  Since the purge readings have returned to normal
• On October 23rd it was determined that one of the north side anaerobic digester mixers was making noises.  Temporary insulation material was put in place to mitigate the noise.

(Update October 30, 2024)

Hyperion reports that there is a recent, large bloom of Red Algae present in the waters, from Santa Monica Bay to Marina del Rey. This algae can cause odors, particularly during its “die-off” period, and those odors may be detectable at long distances. The bloom can stay anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months, depending on the wind factor.

While Hyperion will continue to monitor odor levels and take all standard precautions to mitigate odors, please note that odors resulting from this Red Algae are not the result of activity at Hyperion and they may not be entirely alleviated by odor mitigation measures in place at the plant.

Click here to read the full Hyperion Update - Unanticipated Issue Notification, October 30, 2024

(Update October 24, 2024)

 

(Update October 18, 2024)

Hyperion has identified the potential need for repair at one of the Plant’s Intermediate Pump Stations (IPS), that will be evaluated on October 21, 2024.

In order to evaluate the Pumps and other equipment, it will be necessary to remove the IPS screw covers each morning and re-install them in the afternoon. During this time, some odors may be released, all available precautions will be taken to minimize any odors that may occur.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Hyperion Update - Unplanned/Urgent Work at Intermediate Pump Station

(Update October 15, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: October 2 - October 15, 2024

Click here to watch the October 15, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION
  • Hyperion’s scheduled work at the Bioenergy Maintenance Facility for October 9, 2024 has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.  This work has not been rescheduled at this time.
  • Hyperion continues to perform work on the Secondary Treatment Reactor, which is expected to be completed the week of November 4th. This work may cause odors, in which case, odor mitigation measures will be put in place.

(Update October 9, 2024)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant’s scheduled work at the Bioenergy Maintenance Facility for 10/9/2024 has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org. (Updated October 9, 2024)

Click here to read the full Hyperion Update - BioEnergy Facility Maintenance Work Delayed

(Update October 7, 2024)

**THIS WORK HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE**

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) will perform preventive maintenance work at the BioEnergy Facility on Wednesday, 10/9/2024. This work is expected to occur from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will require the BioEnergy Facility to be offline during this activity.

During this time, the biogas will be flared as part of the process.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Hyperion Update - BioEnergy Facility Maintenance Work - October 10, 2024

(Update October 2, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: September 18 - October 1, 2024

Click here to watch the October 1, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION
  • The city of LA is in the process of interviewing five people for the Hyperion Plant Manager position.
  • On September 23^rd, Hyperion began performing six weeks of work on the Secondary Treatment Reactor - one of many reactors at the plant. This work may cause odors, in which case, odor mitigation measures will be put in place.

(Update October 1, 2024)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) will perform planned electrical maintenance work on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 5:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.. This work will result in a brief, complete shutdown of certain plant facilities.

Please note that this work may cause temporary odors, however, we will implement all necessary measures to minimize any potential impacts during this short period.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Hyperion Update - Planned Electrical Maintenance

(Update September 23, 2024)

Starting Monday, September 23, 2024, Hyperion will perform six weeks of work on the Secondary Treatment Reactor. During this time it may be necessary mechanically remove materials from the reactor tank that can cause odors, in which case, odor mitigation measures will be put in place.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Planned Maintenance - Secondary Treatment Reactor Starting September 23, 2024

(Update September 19, 2024) 

On September 19, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Hyperion will perform planned load testing of the Headworks to help ensure that the facilities are prepared for the upcoming wet weather season. During this time it may be necessary to interrupt service of the associated odor controls, in which case, odor mitigation measures will be put in place.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Planned Maintenance of Headworks Load Testing on 9/19

(Update September 17, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: September 3 - September 17, 2024

Click here to watch the September 17, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION

• On September 19^th, Hyperion will perform load testing at their Headworks facility from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. to prepare for the wet weather season.
• During this time, odor control blowers for the Headworks may be offline or operating at partial capacity. Operation of the facility will be maintained using a fan system to mitigate odors.

(Update September 9, 2024)

On September 11, 2024, a third-party contractor will perform maintenance work to replace several components of the odor scrubber with the goal of improving foul-air ventilation at the IPS. Odors may occur during the interruption of scrubber operations from 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 to allow for the replacement of these components.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Planned Maintenance at Intermediate Pumping Station Odor Scrubber on September 11, 2024

(Update September 4, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: August 21 - September 3, 2024

Click here to watch the September 3, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • Hyperion has notified the City of ongoing Intermediate Pumping Station planned maintenance that is starting on September 9^th, and is anticipated to last two weeks. During the work, the covers must remain open on weekdays and may result in increased odors, appropriate odor control measures will be continuously implemented.
  • On August 28^th and 29^th, a few of Hyperion’s air quality monitors were down for scheduled maintenance. Our understanding from Hyperion is that Montrose Air Quality Services, the third-party who manages the fence-line monitoring system, failed to notify Hyperion of the planned maintenance, which is why the community was not notified of the work.
  • On August 29^th, Hyperion conducted a planned exercise of the 1-Mile Outfall Gate.
  • The Hyperion Advisory Panel, set up to advise and inform LASAN General Manager Barbara Romero about issues at Hyperion, are now collaborating with area team leads to develop actions for improving and optimizing their process areas. The panel is managed internally by LASAN and is comprised of former Hyperion staff and wastewater operations experts.

(Update September 3, 2024)

Hyperion will perform scheduled maintenance at the Intermediate Pumping Station (IPS) starting Monday, September 9, 2024 that is anticipated to continue for approximately two weeks.

During the maintenance, all of the screw pump covers must be opened for the duration of the work (on weekdays only), which may release odors. Appropriate odor control measures will be continuously implemented during this work.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Planned Maintenance at Intermediate Pump Station Starting 9/9

(Update August 21, 2024)

The City of Los Angeles has agreed to pay a total of $20.8 million to fix issues at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant and to complete related environmental projects in connection with the discharge of millions of gallons of wastewater into Santa Monica Bay in 2021. (Updated August 21, 2024)

Click here to read the press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California

(Update August 20, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: August 1 - August 20, 2024

Click here to watch the August 20, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• UPDATE ON EPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER TO HYPERION
  • Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced that the City of Los Angeles has agreed to spend a total of $20.8 million to fix issues at Hyperion. Resolving the U.S. Attorney’s criminal investigation.
  • The work includes improvements to:
    • Control systems, such as integrating bar screens, level sensors, and other ancillary equipment.
    • Integrating the alarm/status screen software and associated training of control room operations staff.
    • Constructing high-level channel overflow.
    • Expanded water quality testing program, including two additional water quality testing sites between Dockweiler Beach and King Harbor.
    • A one-year community outreach service project to develop an improved emergency communications plan and educational outreach.
    • The city of Los Angeles will retain a qualified third-party auditor to conduct annual audits of Hyperion’s operations to determine compliance with the improvements and Clean Water Act.

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • This week, Hyperion is performing scheduled maintenance of their Intermediate Pumping Station. During the work, odors may be release. Appropriate odor control measures are being taken throughout the duration of the work.

(Update August 15, 2024)

Hyperion will perform scheduled maintenance at the Intermediate Pumping Station (IPS) starting Monday, August 19, 2024 that is anticipated to continue for approximately one week.

During the maintenance, all of the screw pump covers must be opened for the duration of the work, which may release odors. Appropriate odor control measures will be continuously implemented during this work.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Planned Maintenance at Intermediate Pump Station Starting 8/19

(Update August 13, 2024)

Hyperion will perform a scheduled test of the Plant’s new generator on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

• Affected Units: Central fenceline monitoring system. Intermediate Pumping Station Biotrickling Filters and Flare System.

During this testing period, the above-mentioned process units will be temporarily shut down. Although not expected, some odors may be present during this activity. Hyperion anticipates the test to last no longer than one hour.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Planned Maintenance with New Generator Testing on 8/15/24.

(Update August 7, 2024)

Hyperion will perform a scheduled test of the Plant’s new generator on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

• Affected Units: Central fenceline monitoring system. Intermediate Pumping Station Biotrickling Filters and Flare System.

During this testing period, the above-mentioned process units will be temporarily shut down. Although not expected, some odors may be present during this activity. Hyperion anticipates the test to last no longer than one hour.

Hyperion apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding as they work to improve the resilience and performance of their infrastructure.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update August 2, 2024)

**GENERATOR TESTING CANCELED**

Hyperion has informed the City that the below notice is CANCELED. 

Planned Maintenance with New Generator Testing on 8/2/24.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update August 1, 2024)

Hyperion will perform a scheduled test of the Plant’s new generator on Friday, August 2, 2024.

• Affected Units: Central fenceline monitoring system. Intermediate Pumping Station Biotrickling Filters and Flare System.

During this testing period, the above-mentioned process units will be temporarily shut down. Some odors may be present during this activity. Hyperion anticipates the test to last no longer than one hour.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Planned Maintenance with New Generator Testing on 8/2/24.

(Update July 19, 2024)

Hyperion reports that due to the widely covered nationwide outage impacting Microsoft Azure, the website providing online reporting data for Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant’s fence line monitoring system experienced an interruption on Thursday, 7/18/2024.

Please note that, while the data was not available to be viewed on the website during this temporary outage, there was no loss of actual data from the monitoring system. The system is now fully operational and all data collected during the interruption has been uploaded.

Updates will continue to be provided! If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Interruption in online availability of fence line monitoring data on 7/18/24.

(Updated July 16, 2024) 

Hyperion reports that the 7-hour shutdown of the foul air scrubber on 7/16/24 did not provide sufficient time for LASAN to complete the outlet damper replacement work. To allow LASAN to resume and finish that work, the operations of the foul air scrubber will once again be temporarily interrupted on Wednesday, 7/17/24 approximately between the hours of 3:30 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.

Completion of this work is crucial, as such maintenance helps to ensure that the foul air scrubber is operating at peak efficiency and efficiently controlling odors.

All possible odor mitigation measures will be implemented, but it is possible that some increased odors may be detected during this interruption.

Click here to read the full Temporary interruption of the foul air scrubber during maintenance on Wednesday, 7/17/24.

(Update July 15, 2024)

Hyperion will be conducting pre-planned maintenance to replace the damaged outlet damper of the foul air scrubber. In order to accomplish this, the operations of the foul air scrubber will be temporarily interrupted on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 approximately between the hours of 4:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Odor mitigations measures will be implemented, but it is possible that some increased odors may be detected during the maintenance.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Temporary foul air scrubber interruption during maintenance work - Tuesday, 7/16/2024

(Update July 3, 2024)

As mentioned in the June 26, 2024 notification, Hyperion performed planned semi-annual maintenance on the plant’s three fence line monitoring stations on Thursday, 6/27 and Friday, 6/28.

During those two days, there were instances of incorrect notifications/readings indicating Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) exceedance. Please note that these readings were erroneous readings caused by diagnostic issues during our maintenance work, as independently verified by Montrose Air Quality.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Incorrect H2S Readings From Fence Line Monitoring Stations on 69/27 & 6/28

(Update July 2, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: June 19- July 2, 2024

Click here to watch the July 2, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • Hyperion reports that 100% of the 58 conditions issued in AQMD’s Odor Mitigation Abatement Order have been completed. These are the requirements issued by AQMD to Hyperion in both September of 2022 and January of 2023 to resolve the odor nuisance and ensure it does not happen again.
    • Hyperion Public Statement for February 7 2023 Council Meeting on additional conditions issued by AQMD
  • Planned exercise of the 1-Mile Outfall Gate and planned maintenance of the H2S monitoring stations was completed on June 27^th and June 28^th.

(Update June 26, 2024)

Hyperion will perform semi-annual maintenance work on the plant's three fence line monitoring stations on June 27 and 28, 2024.  As is customary during maintenance work, each of the stations will have some periods where H2S (hydrogen sulfide) readings will not be in service.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Maintenance of Fence Line Monitoring Stations on 6/27/24 & 6/28/24

(Update June 18, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: June 5- June 18, 2024

Click here to watch the June 18, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY

  • The new tank covers for Battery D were installed on June 6^th. This means that all of the covers and seals on the primary tanks have been refurbished and/or replaced. It is expected that these tank cover replacements will significantly help mitigate the odors from the plant.

(June 6, 2024) 

Hyperion announced the installation of the new Primary Battery D tank covers is completed, as of June 6, 2024.

Primary Battery D is one of four primary tanks that treat wastewater by removing solids and organic materials. Hyperion has 27 primary treatment tanks, and each tank includes covers that minimize odor emissions from the primary tanks and help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the primary tank scrubbers.

Updates will continue to be provided! If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Primary Batter D Covers - Installation Complete, June 6, 2024

(Update June 4, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: May 22- June 4, 2024

Click here to watch the June 4 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • Hyperion is on track to replace the primary tank covers for Battery D by the scheduled deadline of June 6, 2024.

(Update May 21, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: May 9- May 21, 2024

Click here to watch the May 21, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • Hyperion is working on replacing the primary tank covers for Battery D by the scheduled deadline of June 6, 2024.

(Update May 8, 2024)

City of L.A. retained a recruiting company to hire a new division head position at Hyperion, and a representative from El Segundo will be one of four people sitting on the hiring panel along with representatives from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Waterkeeper Alliance, and Heal the Bay.

El Segundo City staff also provided feedback to the City of Los Angeles regarding the job description for this position.

(Update May 7, 2024)

Hyperion reports that it will perform maintenance activities for about one hour on both Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8, 2024. These activities primarily consist of preventative maintenance on the Plant’s electrical system.

The work is anticipated to have odor impacts. Precautions will be taken to minimize inconvenience and impacts, and to ensure safety during this planned maintenance period.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org. (Updated April 16, 2024)

Click here to read the full Hyperion Planned/Regular Maintenance Activity - May 7, 2024

(Update April 16, 2024)

Hyperion reports that between Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Digester Battery E at Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant experienced leaks.  The leaks have been stopped, and Hyperion staff are actively engaged in the cleanup and drainage process to enable a thorough investigation of the cause.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Hyperion Unplanned/Urgent Activity - April 16, 2024

(Update April 5, 2024) 

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will conduct its annual planned maintenance at the Hyperion Bioenergy Facility (HBEF).

As part of this work, the HBEF is scheduled to be shut down for a period of seven days from the evening of April 6 - April 13, 2024. During this time, the digester gas will be utilized by an in-plant boiler, and digester gas not utilized by the in-plant boiler will be combusted with flares as permitted by the South Coast AQMD.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full Hyperion Planned/Regular Maintenance Activity - April 5, 2024

(Update March 19, 2024)

On March 18, 2024, the City participated in a joint legislative meeting with the City of Los Angeles (L.A.) regarding Hyperion. During the meeting, the City of L.A. admitted their shortcomings and laid out their plan for organizational changes at Hyperion that will focus on external affairs, government relations, employee engagement and regulatory compliance.

The proposed changes will be reflected in the budget that Mayor Karen Bass is scheduled to bring to City Council in April.

Meeting attendees included Mayor Bass's Director of Public Works Ryan Jackson, L.A. Sanitation senior leadership, and representatives from the offices of L.A. City council districts 5 and 11, L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Congressman Ted Lieu, and Senator Ben Allen.

(Update March 15, 2024)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will perform annual maintenance work on the plant's three fence line monitoring stations the week of March 18th.  During this work, each of the stations will have periods where H2S (hydrogen sulfide) readings will not be in service.

Note that this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. (Updated March 15, 2024)

Click here to read the anticipated schedule and full Hyperion Fence Line Monitoring - Scheduled Maintenance - March 15, 2024

(Update March 1, 2024)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) is performing cleaning and other recovery activities at the Plant throughout March and April to address impacts caused by the atmospheric river storm event in early February 2024.

Click here to read the full: Hyperion Plant Status Update - March 1, 2024

(Update February 24, 2024) 

Hyperion advised City staff that the flaring of biogas stopped as of 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024, when the onsite power generation process came back online. Hyperion staff have monitored the power generation process closely and determined that the process is stable.

(Update February 21, 2024) 

According to Hyperion the record-breaking storm events in Los Angeles caused a power outage at the truck-loading facility of Hyperion, and affected equipment and other processes, such as the water treatment process. 

The repairs of the truck-loading facility were completed on February 17th.  Other process areas are also being addressed concurrently.

Click here to read the full: Hyperion Plant Status Update - February 21, 2024

(Update February 12, 2024)

 

(Update February 7, 2024) 

On February 4th and 5th, the Hyperion experienced a high level of incoming flow as a result of the historic rain event in Los Angeles. This high flow resulted in damage to some of the process equipment at the Plant. Due to this damage, a flaring of biogas started in the evening of February 5th. 

Hyperion staff are working to restore the damaged equipment as quickly and safely as possible. 

Primary Battery D Tanks were put into temporary service on the evening of February 4th; their temporary service reinstatement was necessary for hydraulic relief to prevent spillage of raw sewage. The flow to Primary Battery D Tanks was completely stopped at 9:30 a.m. on February 7th.

Click here to read the full: Primary Battery D Tanks Temporarily Placed in Service - February 7, 2024

(Update February 5, 2024)

On February 5, 2024, the City Manager received a call from General Manager of LASAN Barbara Romero, and COO of LASAN Tracy Minamide apologizing for the misinformation regarding the source of the odors coming from Hyperion, and that they have instructed Hyperion staff to keep them apprised of all work and to notify the City when their maintenance operations impact El Segundo residents.

Also, Ad Hoc Committee member and Environmental Committee Chair Tracey Miller-Zarneke met with L.A. City Public Works Commissioner Susana Reyes and LASAN Governmental Relations representative Marisela Reyes to reiterate our residents’ experiences living near Hyperion and relayed our frustration about the lack of communication and transparency from Hyperion to forewarn our community about projects that emit excessive odor. They promised to dive deeper into the communication issues at Hyperion. The City will follow up with them on their findings and communication improvements.

(Update February 3, 2024)

Hyperion staff will begin cleaning activities for Primary Battery D during the week of February 12, 2024. The work will be performed Monday through Fridays, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and some weekend work may be necessary.

This cleaning is required to conduct other work essential to reliable operations of the primary treatment process, such as repairs of the internal components and the replacement of tank covers. All activities are anticipated to be completed by June 6, 2024, and measures will be in place to best mitigate odors.

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Click here to read the full: Primary Battery D Update, February 3, 2024

(Update February 2, 2024)

On February 2, 2024, the air quality monitoring website which displays data from Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant’s fence line monitoring system experienced a service outage between 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Only the display website was impacted by this service outage; the fence line monitoring system remained fully operational, and no data was lost.

Click here to read the full: Fence Line Monitoring Website - Service Restored, February 2, 2024

(Update February 2, 2024)

 

(Updated January 31, 2024)

AQMD advised City staff that they issued another notice of violation to Hyperion for odors on January 30, 2024.

(Update January 30, 2024) 

AQMD Issues NOV to Hyperion for Odors on January 28, 2024

Contrary to the information provided by Hyperion, AQMD has advised that they issued a notice of violation to Hyperion on January 28, 2024 (corrected from 1/29/24), for odors caused by cleaning of the primary tanks. Staff is pressing Hyperion further on why this information was not provided to the City.

Hyperion Information Regarding Odors on January 29, 2024

City staff received odor complaints on January 29, 2024. The City immediately contacted the Superintendent of Hyperion and the Chief Operating Officer of L.A. Sanitation.

According to Hyperion, they verified with their managers and shift superintendent that odor control activities are all in order. All air pollution control equipment was checked and was in compliance with H2S zero emissions. The three fence line monitoring stations were reading at less than 1.0 part per billion (ppb) for the majority of the day, with the exception of two short jumps to around 5 ppb (below EPA's established threshold of 30 ppb) at around noon and 9:00 p.m. - which coincides with the odor reports.

We continue to remain vigilant and make every possible effort to address the ongoing odor issues in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, who owns and operates Hyperion.

(Update January 9, 2024) 

Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting 

The next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held in person at the El Segundo Public Library (Sue Carter Community Room) on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org to confirm your attendance.

Registration for this meeting is required prior to its start.

Topics will include the following:

• Maintenance and Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Construction Status Updates

Click here to read the full: Hyperion Citizens Forum January 2024 Meeting Update

(Update January 4, 2024)

From 8:00 a.m. January 3, 2024, to 1:52 a.m. on January 4, 2024, the Hyperion Bioenergy Facility was shut down due to control issues with the energy recovery equipment. As a result of the shutdown, digester gas was flared. The issue has been resolved and AQMD was notified of the incident.

(Update December 21, 2023)

 

(Update December 19, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: December 6 - December 19, 2023

Click here to watch the December 19, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• TOWN HALL WITH AQMD

  • On December 6, 2023, the City is hosted a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Watch the town hall here.

• AQMD

  • AQMD responded to approximately 44 odor complaints in the past two weeks, no public nuisance was found on any one day. Three NOVs were issued to Hyperion in December for violations of permit conditions and conditions under the Order for Abatement

• HYPERION ACTIVITY

  • The installation of new covers for Hyperion’s primary tanks is complete, except for Battery D, which is scheduled for completion by the end of June 2024. Hyperion was able to complete this before their expected completion date of December 31, 2023.

  • At the request of the City, Hyperion is going to research the mosquito readings in areas between Hyperion and El Segundo. Further, Hyperion has volunteered to take measures which will prevent and/or remove any possible mosquito breeding opportunity in water ponding areas.

  • Hyperion has agreed to host the next Hyperion Citizens Forum in person on January 18th at the El Segundo Public Library. Information about the event will be shared on the City's website once all of the details are finalized.

(Update December 8, 2023)

Hyperion shared that replacement of all in-service primary battery covers is completed ahead of our anticipated schedule of December 31, 2023. Staff have worked tirelessly to complete this work ahead of schedule and can now finish planned cleaning of the primary batteries.

HWRP crew will now be working on weekends starting December 9, 2023 through December 17, 2023, to complete this cleaning as efficiently as possible. The additional weekend work is essential to ensure that the plant continues to manage increased wastewater flows during rain or storm events. Some odors may occur as this work is being performed.

Full details can be found in the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Primary Batteries

(Update December 5, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: November 8- December 5, 2023

Click here to watch the December 5, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• TOWN HALL WITH AQMD

  • December 6, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the City is hosting a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant.

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • On November 29, 2023 Hyperion successfully conducted a planned exercise of the 1-mile outfall gate.
  • On November 29, 2023 Senator Ben Allen toured the Hyperion facility.
  • Hyperion has agreed to host the next Hyperion Citizens Forum in person on January 18th at the El Segundo Public Library. Information about the event will be shared on the City's website once all of the details are finalized.
  • Hyperion continues the replacement of tank covers for Batteries C and B which is expected to be completed in December of 2023.

(Update November 7, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: October 18 - November 7, 2023

Click here to watch the November 7, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • City Staff attended the virtual Hyperion Citizens Forum on October 26th.
  • Hyperion has agreed to host the next Hyperion Citizens Forum in person on January 18th at the El Segundo Public Library. Information about the event will be shared on the City's website once all of the details are finalized.
  • Hyperion continues the replacement of tank covers for Batteries C and B which is expected to be completed in December of 2023.

(Update October 30, 2023)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning to conduct an exercise on October 31, 2023 between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., to ensure that the 1-Mile Outfall gates will operate reliably during an emergency flow diversion. These tests are part of Hyperion’s Wet Weather Preparedness Plan.

Full details can be found in the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant 1-Mile Gate Activation Exercise

(Update October 26, 2023) 

Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting 

The next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

For information and to RSVP for this meaning, contact LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Registration for this meeting is required prior to its start.

Zoom link for meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mmm5zdpBRValmEIBU7WFsQ#/registration

Topics will include the following:

• Maintenance and Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Construction Status Updates

(Update October 17, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: October 4 - October 17, 2023

Click here to watch the October 17, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • Hyperion is testing its emergency generators, which may result in some odors being released as the odor control de3vices will be shut down for about 15 minutes. This testing is essential to ensure resilient operations of the plant in the event of a power outage.
  • The next Hyperion Citizens Forum is scheduled to take place via zoom on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Planned exercise of the 1-Mile Outfall Gate was successfully conducted on September 28, 2023.
  • Hyperion continues the replacement of tank covers for Batteries C and B which is expected to be completed in December of 2023.

(Update October 16, 2023)

Headworks Emergency Generator Test - October 19, 2023

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to test the emergency generator for the Headworks facility on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

During the test, the Headworks biotrickling towers, odor control devices, will be shut down momentarily and will run on the generator power.  The total downtime of the biotrickling towers is estimated to be about 15 minutes.  Consequently, some odorous air can be released to the atmosphere.  This planned event is essential in order to ensure resilient operation of the Headworks in case there is a real power outage.

Click here for information about the Hyperion Headworks Emergency Generator Test.

(Update October 12, 2023)

IPS Emergency Generator Test - October 17, 2023

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to test the emergency generator for the Intermediate Pump Station (IPS) on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

During the test, the IPS biotrickling towers, odor control devices, will be shut down momentarily and will run on the generator power.  The total downtime of the biotrickling towers is estimated to be about 10 minutes.  Consequently, some odorous air can be released to the atmosphere.  This planned event is essential in order to ensure resilient operation of the IPS in case there is a real power outage.

Click here for information about the Hyperion IPS Emergency Generator Test.

Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting 

The next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

For information and to RSVP for this meaning, contact LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org. Registration for this meeting is required prior to its start. Hyperion will provide a zoom link during the week of the meeting.

Topics will include the following:

• Maintenance and Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Construction Status Updates

Click here to read the October 2023 Hyperion Citizens Forum Update.

(Update October 4, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: September 20 - October 3, 2023

Click here to watch the (October 3, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • Hyperion reports that on September 30th they completed the refurbishment of their primary odor scrubbers, which treats foul air pulled off of the primary settling tanks. This refurbishment should help reduce the plant odors.
  • Also, Hyperion has reported that they have two remaining AQMD requirements to fulfill, out of an initial 60 - the installation of new primary tank covers.
    • The replacement tank covers for Batteries C and B has begun and is expected to be completed in December of 2023.
    • The next Battery is scheduled to be replaced by June 2024
    • At that time, all of AQMD's current requirements ill have been met and the expectation is that the odor issues will have been addressed.
  • In November, Hyperion will host an emergency response table-top drill to test their protocols and identify areas for improvement. City staff and members of El Segundo Fire Department will be in attendance.

(Update September 20, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: September 7 - September 19, 2023

Click here to watch the September 19, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY

(Update September 15, 2023)

Starting Monday, September 18, 2023, a contractor for Hyperion will be replacing the tank covers over Primary Batteries C and B. The replacement work is expected to last until the end of December 2023. Work hours will be conducted on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. as needed, excluding major holidays.

During the work, old covers will be lifted up which may release some odor.  In order to reduce the odor nuisance, only one section of each tank will be worked on at a time. Prior to the cover replacement work, each tank will be cleaned.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Community Outreach Team at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Please refer to September 19, 2023 Hyperion Update - Primary Battery B and C Cover Replacement Activities

(Update September 6, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: August 16 - September 5, 2023

Click here to watch the September 5, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • Hyperion provided the City with an update regarding improvements to the tank covers and odor scrubbers, which Hyperion staff has indicated are the two main ways of addressing odors.
  • There are 27 primary treatment tanks, each tank includes a cover to minimize odor emissions.
    • Measurements, fabrication, and installation of new primary tank covers for Battery Tanks A, B, and C are currently underway and anticipated to be finished in December 2023.
    • The measurement, fabrication and installment of new primary tank covers for Battery Tanks D are anticipated to be finished by June 2024.
  • Hyperion is working to rehabilitate the odor scrubbers by the end of this month, September 2023.

(Update August 21, 2023) 

 

(Update August 4, 2023) 

Hyperion Update: After several conversations with Hyperion and AQMD staff, it was determined that delaying the measurement of the tank covers is not practical. The tank cover measurements will take place August 7th-18th between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. - weekdays only. The City of El Segundo will continue to work with Hyperion to minimize the odor impact of this project. More information. 

***

Hyperion is scheduled to measure primary tank covers from Monday, August 7th, through Friday, August 18th. The measurements are needed for the fabrication of new tank covers. 

The existing tank covers must be temporarily removed to complete this task. This task will generate odors which could be exacerbated due to hot weather. 

El Segundo City staff have requested that this activity be deferred to fall when the weather will be cooler. 

The City is diligently working with Hyperion and AQMD to facilitate this schedule change to fall. For more information about this project, see link in bio.

(Update, August 3, 2023)

Elevated Hydrogen Sulfide Levels on August 2, 2023 

According to Hyperion, Hyperion staff noticed elevated hydrogen sulfide levels last night (August 2, 2023) from the Central and North Monitoring Stations. Under such a situation, Hyperion staff put a standby scrubber into service. However, some odor scrubbers have been out of service for the repair and rehabilitation as required by the AQMD's Odor Abatement Order. Today, as of 3:00 p.m., Hyperion staff was able to make the necessary changes to put additional scrubbers into service. 

Tank Cover Measurement Activity

Starting Monday, August 7 until Friday, August 18, 2023, Hyperion will be conducting measurement activities of Primary Battery D. The measurements are needed for the fabrication of new covers for the tanks. Work hours will be limited between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. during weekdays.

To complete these activities, tank covers will need to be temporarily removed. One tank cover will be removed at a time to mitigate odors. Tank covers will be immediately reinstalled after measurements are documented.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Community Outreach Team at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Please refer to August 3, 2023 Hyperion Update - Primary Battery Tank Cover Measurement Activities

(Update July 20, 2023)

On Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will perform scheduled testing of two emergency generators that provide power to the HWRP facilities during emergency events. These emergency generators are powered by diesel engines, and as such, noise is anticipated while the testing is underway. The generators are located on the northeast side within Hyperion.

Read the full details here: Hyperion Planned Testing for Emergency Generators

(Update July 13, 2023)

Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting 

The next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, July 20th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Click here to register to attend via zoom. Registration for this meeting is required prior to its start.

Topics will include the following:

• Maintenance and Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Construction Status Updates

Click here to read the July 2023 Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting Update.

 Hyperion's Monthly Update for June 2023

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has completed various activities within the past month to continue the improvements and maintenance of the wastewater treatment processes.

Read LASAN's June 2023 update about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: Hyperion's Monthly Update - June 2023

(Update July 12, 2023)

Starting July 17 until July 28, 2023, Hyperion will be conducting measurement activities of Primary Battery D. The measurements are needed for the fabrication of new covers for the tanks. Work hours will be limited between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. during weekdays.

During the work, old covers will be lifted up for the accurate measurements which may release some odor.  In order to reduce the odor nuisance, only one cover will be removed at a time, and the cover will be installed back immediately after necessary measurements are taken.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Community Outreach Team at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Please refer to July 13, 2023 Hyperion Update - Primary Battery Tank Cover Measurement Activities

(Update June 29, 2023)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will conduct a planned functionality test on the North 1-Mile Outfall discharge gate in the morning of June 29, 2023.  The test requires closing one lane on the north bound of Vista Del Mar south of Hyperion's Gate C and the right turn lane into Gate C between 6 am and noon.  One lane will stay open for the traffic.  Approximately 0.25 million gallons of fully treated and disinfected secondary effluent will be discharged to the 1-Mile Outfall, which has a volume of 4.5 million gallons.  All of the discharged effluent will be immediately pumped back to the plant for treatment.  Therefore, there will be no discharge of secondary effluent to the Santa Monica Bay.

(Update June 12, 2023)

On Monday, June 19, 2023, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to conduct scheduled maintenance work on the electrical substations which feed electrical power to the primary treatment and other areas.  During work, the power supply to the affected areas will be interrupted for safety measures.  Therefore, the Primary Centralized Scrubbers will not run for the duration of the work, which may result in odors.

Read the full details here: Hyperion Planned Electrical Maintenance Work

(Update June 2, 2023)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has completed various activities within the past month to continue the improvements and maintenance of the wastewater treatment processes.

Read LASAN's May 2023 update about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: Hyperion's Monthly Update - May 2023

(Update May 19, 2023)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning to conduct a necessary functional test on May 23, 2023, to ensure that the 1-Mile Outfall gates will operate reliably during an emergency flow diversion. These tests are part of Hyperion’s Wet Weather Preparedness Plan.

Read the full details here: Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant 1-Mile Gate Activation Exercise

(Update May 17, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: May 3- May 16, 2023

Click here to watch the May 16, 2023 Hyperion Update to City Council

• HYPERION
  • On Tuesday, May 23^rd, Hyperion will conduct a planned functionality test on the East 1-Mile Outfall discharge gate. According to Hyperion, approximately 0.25 million gallons of fully treated and disinfected secondary effluent will be discharged to the 1-Mile Outfall. All of the discharged effluent will be immediately pumped back to the plant for treatment. Therefore, there will be no discharge of secondary effluent to the Santa Monica Bay. This will have no effect on the El Segundo community.
  • Perimeter Road Project – Saturday work continues to take place from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. throughout May with minimal construction noise anticipated.
  • Hyperion continues to share monthly AQMD report updates on the status of their odor mitigation efforts and other on-going projects directly with El Segundo City staff and Dr. Stenstrom.

(Update May 15, 2023)

On the morning of May 23, 2023, Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will conduct a planned functionality test on the East 1-Mile Outfall discharge gate.

According to Hyperion: "Approximately 0.25 million gallons of fully treated and disinfected secondary effluent will be discharged to the 1-Mile Outfall, which has a volume of 4.5 million gallons. All of the discharged effluent will be immediately pumped back to the plant for treatment. Therefore, there will be no discharge of secondary effluent to the Santa Monica Bay."

(Update May 3, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: April 19 - May 2, 2023

Click here to watch the May 2, 2023 Hyperion Update to City Council

• HYPERION
  • May 7^th – May 14^th, Hyperion will be performing annual scheduled maintenance activities that may cause flares that are permitted by AQMD. Read the notice, here.
  • Perimeter Road Project – 85% complete. Saturday work will begin this weekend and will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. throughout May to ensure project completion in Summer 2023. Minimal construction noise is anticipated from these activities. Read the update, here.
  • Hyperion continues to share monthly AQMD report updates on the status of their odor mitigation efforts and other on-going projects directly with El Segundo City staff and Dr. Stenstrom.

(Update May 2, 2023)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning to perform scheduled annual maintenance activities at the Hyperion BioEnergy Facility (HBEF) from Saturday, May 7, 2023, to Sunday, May 14, 2023.

It is anticipated that while most of the digester gas will be utilized by a boiler, some excess digester gas may be combusted with flares that are permitted by AQMD.

To see the full notice of upcoming outage activities, click here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Community Outreach Team at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update April 19, 2023)

The Next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Click here to register to attend via zoom. Registration for this meeting is required prior to its start.

Topics will include the following:

• Maintenance and Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Construction Status Updates

Click here to read the April 2023 Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting Update.

(Update April 19, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: March 22 – April 18, 2023

Click here to watch the April 18, 2023 Hyperion Update to City Council

• HYPERION
  • Hyperion is sharing monthly AQMD report updates on the status of their odor mitigation efforts and other on-going projects directly with El Segundo City staff.

(Update April 6, 2023)

The Next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A link will be provided on the day of the meeting.

Topics will include the following:

• Maintenance and Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Construction Status Updates

Click here to read the April 2023 Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting Update.

(Update March 29, 2023)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has completed various activities within the past month to continue the improvements and maintenance of the wastewater treatment processes. Details of this important work can be viewed below and on LASAN's Hyperion Odor Control page.

Read LASAN's March 2023 update about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: Hyperion's Monthly Update - March 2023

(Update March 23, 2023) 

Per the Order of Abatement from SCAQMD, 1212-40, LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN), utilizing a third-party contractor — Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC — will be performing two air quality tests in El Segundo near the Hyperion facilities at the same location where samples were taken on September 27 and 28, 2022. Test samples will be collected within canisters made of stainless steel and roughly the size of a basketball, for a 24-hour period. The tests are schedule to begin on Tuesday, March 28 at approximately 9:00 a.m. and end on Wednesday, March 29 at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The canisters will be placed at the following locations:

• On W. Mariposa Avenue, west of Virginia Streeet, on the northside sidewalk.
• At the cul-de-sac at the west end of Maple Avenue, on the sidewalk.

LASAN, at the direction of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), identified the sampling locations, per the Order of Abatement Case 1212-40. The samples will be analyzed by Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC, for the levels of various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) using the EPA TO-15 method.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

Please refer to Hyperion's March 24, 2023 Notification - Upcoming Air Sampling and Testing

(Update March 22, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: March 8 - 21, 2023

Click here to watch the March 21, 2023 Hyperion Update to City Council

• Assemblymember Muratsuchi will be taking a tour of Hyperion on Friday, March 24th.
•  On March 22, 2023 the City is meeting with Barbara Romero, the Director and General Manager of L.A. Sanitation and her staff, who run the Hyperion Plant.

(Update March 6, 2023)

Starting March 7 until March 17, 2023, there will be measurement activities for new primary tank covers.  During the work, old covers will be lifted up for the accurate measurements which may release some odor.  In order to reduce the odor nuisance, only a limited number of covers will be removed at a time.  The work hours will be limited between 7 am and 4 pm during weekdays. Accurate measurements are necessary for better fit and seal of the new covers.

Please refer to Hyperion Update - Primary Battery Tank Cover Measurement Activities

(Update March 1, 2023)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has completed various activities within the past month to continue the improvements and maintenance of the wastewater treatment processes. Details of this important work can be viewed below and on LASAN's Hyperion Odor Control page.

Read LASAN's February 2023 update about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: Hyperion's Monthly Update - February 2023

(Update January 25, 2023)

Hyperion staff has informed the City that new covers on all four tanks at Primary Battery A have been installed. Hyperion crews are now repairing Primary Battery C, with Primary Batteries B and D to be repaired soon after.

Read LASAN's January 2023 update about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant: Hyperion's Monthly Update - January 2023

(Update January 20, 2023)

At the Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting held on January 19, 2023, it was announced that the LA City Board of Public Works has approved a motion to expedite the refurbishment of Primary Clarifiers Battery B, C, and D. This work includes the replacement of the covers as well as refurbishment of internal equipment for these primary clarifiers. Hyperion stated that the refurbishment is now scheduled for completion by June 2024.

Click here to see Hyperion's full presentation: Hyperion Citizens Forum Presentation Jan 19 2023

(Update January 19, 2023)

LASAN's Next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom tonight, January 19th, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Below is the Zoom meeting link:

Webinar Registration - Zoom

Registration for this meeting is required prior to its start.

Topics will include the following:

• Upcoming Construction at Hyperion
• Maintenance Update
• Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Biosolids and Environmental Management Update

Click here to read the full LASAN news bulletin.

(Update January 18, 2023)

Hyperion's primary tank covers are in need of replacement. In preparation of that work, and to mitigate odors, the staff plans to clean out Primary Battery C (PBC) tanks starting on Monday, January 16, and will continue through mid-March. 

During these activities, the four primary tanks within the PBC will be cleaned one at a time, and this will take place between Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Mitigation measures will be in place to minimize odors. 

This cleaning is required to conduct other work essential to reliable operations of the primary treatment process, such as the replacement of the internal components and taking measurements of new tank covers. 

If you have any questions, please contact the LASAN Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at   LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update January 9, 2023)

The Next Hyperion Citizens Forum Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, January 19th, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A link will be provided on the day of the meeting.

Topics will include the following:

• Upcoming Construction at Hyperion
• Maintenance Update
• Operations Report
• Air Quality Projects
• Biosolids and Environmental Management Update

Click here to read the full LASAN news bulletin.

(Update December 27, 2022)

The activated carbon for the faulty filter was replaced on December 26, 2022 and, after going through the startup checklist, came online at 1:30pm, December 27, 2022.

Hyperion staff is aware of the high hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reading spike of 77.2 ppb that occurred around 12:00 p.m. on December 25, 2022 and reports that there was no obvious one reason for the reading.  According to Hyperion, it is believed that the primary sedimentation tanks are one of the main sources of odor at Hyperion. To better contain the odor, well-fitted primary tank covers are important. As shared previously, Hyperion is in the process of replacing its primary tank covers. Hyperion has completed all of the Primary Battery A tank covers and expects to replace the remaining covers by the end of 2024.  According to Hyperion, there are other factors, such as wind, high temperatures, and humidity, that contribute to spikes of high H2S levels measured at the fence line monitoring stations.

Regarding the fence line monitoring update on the air quality monitoring website, according to Hyperion staff, the one-hour average reading of 77.2 ppb on December 25, 2022 was not the one-hour average, but was an instantaneous reading at that time. Hyperion reports that the actual one-hour average for 12:00 p.m. on December 25, 2022 should be below 10 ppb. According to Hyperion, the third-party vendor, Montrose, manages the fence line monitoring system and will make the related corrections to their website regarding the erroneous readings.

The air quality monitoring notification is sent out when the one-hour average H2S concentration is over 27 ppb. This alert system is opt-in, click here to sign up.

(Update December 23, 2022)

Per Hyperion staff, replacement of the faulty activated carbon filter is scheduled for Monday, December 26, 2022.

(Update December 22, 2022)

On December 20, 2022, Hyperion staff became immediately aware of the equipment malfunction of an activated carbon filter which is part of the Primary Centralized Scrubber System (PCSS), and functions as an augment to the PCSS.

Typically, when an activated carbon filter is used up or saturated, it will no longer work properly. The saturated activated carbon will have to be replaced before the filter resumes its normal operation. On December 20, 2022, the Hyperion operation staff, in response to the high H2S reading measured at the Central Monitoring Station, determined that the activated carbon filter was no longer working effectively. The unit was immediately secured.  Hyperion staff is working on replacing the activated carbon unit and placing the filter back online. Hyperion is working with its vendor to replace this unit as soon as practical.

The City staff is in touch with Hyperion and as soon as we receive the information as to when this unit will be replaced and Hyperion can resume its normal operation, this information will be posted on the City website.

(Update December 21, 2022)

Hyperion staff determined that due to a temporary carbon tower malfunction, at 5:00 p.m. on December 20, 2022 36 parts per billion (ppb) of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was measured at the Central Monitoring Station. By 7:00 p.m., the reading came down to 5.9 ppb and AQMD was notified at 6:45 p.m. Hyperion is working on replacing the faulty carbon filter and getting it back online.

(Update December 20, 2022)

Hyperion has established a website that shows the 24/7 results of the fence line air monitors. Currently, the monitors only detect hydrogen sulfide:

Hyperion Air Monitoring

(Update December 1, 2022)

Due to rain delay, December 5th - 9th, 2022, LASAN will be rehabilitating the sewer system along the 600 western block of Imperial Avenue between Loma Vista Street and Hillcrest Street. The project will repair sewer pipelines to address deterioration and make the sewer more reliable. 

Construction activities will intermittently affect parking and traffic. All sewer service will remain operational.

Click the link below for additional project details:  

REVISED-Imperial Ave Construction Notice December 5-9, 2022

(Update December 1, 2022)

There was a polymer leak at Hyperion December 1, 2022, around 12:00 pm.

The leak was immediately contained and AQMD was notified as a precautionary measure for possible odor release.  The polymer is currently being cleaned up.

 (Update November 22, 2022)

Hyperion reported to AQMD, at around 10:00 a.m. today, November 22, 2022, a release of primary sludge that resulted from a pressure gauge breaking off a sludge pipe. Some sludge was discharged inside the Waste Activated Sludge Thickening Facility between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. There could be some odor released by the discharge. The clean up of the sludge should be close to completion by 12:00 p.m. today.

(Update November 18, 2022)

November 28 - December 2, 2022, LASAN will be rehabilitating the sewer system along the 600 western block of Imperial Avenue between Loma Vista Street and Hillcrest Street. The project will repair sewer pipelines to address deterioration and make the sewer more reliable. 

Construction activities will intermittently affect parking and traffic. All sewer service will remain operational.

Click the link below for additional project details:  

Construction Notice Imperial Ave W600 Block November 2022

(Update November 8, 2022)

The Hyperion Reclamation Plant is planning to conduct a necessary functional test on November 15th and 16th to ensure that the 1-Mile Outfall gates will operate reliably during an emergency flow diversion. These tests are part of Hyperion's Wet Weather Preparedness Plan. 

Please see the link for additional information:

Hyperion November 2022 Update: 1-Mile Gate Activation Exercise (campaign-archive.com)

(Update November 8, 2022)

Hyperion's 24-hour Hotline became available yesterday, November 7, 2022.

The number is 310-318-8232.  Odor complaints or concerns can be reported by calling the number.  The information is also available on the LASAN Hyperion website.

REMINDER: RSVP FOR HYPERION TOUR ON NOV. 10th

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant staff will host a presentation and tour of the facilities on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Due to capacity constraints, the tour will only be available to the first 25 people that RSVP. Please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org to sign up. Light refreshments will be provided.

The El Segundo Citizens Forum will resume in January 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update October 31, 2022)

As of November 7, 2022, in compliance with the AQMD Abatement Order issued to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant on September 7, 2022, Hyperion must set-up a 24-Hour hotline number for odor complaints where every complaint must be investigated within an hour of reporting. Hyperion must also notify AQMD within one hour of receiving 6 or more complaints (i.e., complaints from 6 different households) in a calendar day. The residents can continue to call AQMD as well, but please note that it takes 6 odor complaints for AQMD to dispatch an inspector to the site for verification of odor before a Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued to Hyperion. As soon as Hyperion establishes the 24-Hour hotline, the information will be posted on the City’s website. 

Please read the entire order of abatement here: AQMD Order of Abatement for 24 Hour Hotline 9_7_2022

(Update October 25, 2022)

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning to perform scheduled maintenance activities at its Hyperion BioEnergy Facility (HBEF) from November 2, 2022, to approximately December 17, 2022. The steam turbine generator (STG) is scheduled to be reconditioned. The purpose of the STG outage is to ensure the reliability of the HBEF and is scheduled for every five years.

During this scheduled outage, there will be additional venting of steam through the roof. The steam plume will be visible, but it is only water vapor. During normal operations, the STG consumes additional steam to produce electricity and low-pressure steam.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update October 19, 2022) 

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant staff will host a presentation and tour of the facilities on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Due to capacity constraints, the tour will only be available to the first 25 people that RSVP. Please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org to sign up. Light refreshments will be provided.

The El Segundo Citizens Forum will resume in January 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update October 18, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to clean out settled debris from influent sewer pipes inside the plant and channels within the Headworks Facility. The cleaning work will start the week of October 17 and is scheduled to last until December 30, 2022. 

The work will be carried out during weekdays, excluding major holidays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Odor mitigation measures will be taken to minimize the release of foul air. The cleaning work is necessary to keep the reliable operations of the Headworks equipment.

(Update October 17, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has to renew their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The NPDES permit needs to be renewed every five years, so this is a routine procedure. This is not a result of 7/11/2021 incident, but the Fact Sheet does include a short summary of the event (Section 3.4 of the Compliance Summary). This Tentative Order also includes additional requirements in response to the 7/11/2021 incident.

 The USEPA Region 9 and Los Angeles Water Board held a joint public hearing on the Tentative WDRs and NPDES permit during the regular Los Angeles Water Board meeting (Board meeting) on October 13, 2022 to receive comments from the public.

At this public hearing, the USEPA Region 9 and the Los Angeles Water Board heard testimony pertinent to the discharge, tentative WDRs, and NPDES permit. Before the hearing on October 13, 2022, the Los Angeles Water Board and the USPEA became aware that not all interested parties had been given notice of the opportunity to submit written comments.

Accordingly, and to allow additional time for the public to provide written comments, the Los Angeles Water Board and USEPA decided to extend the public comment period for an additional 30-day period to November 14, 2022.

 Please refer to the attached documents for additional information:

Tent. Trans. Ltr NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022 signed

Tent Hyperion NPDES CI-1492 (ADA checked) 08302022

PN NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022

PN Instruction NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022 signed

(Update October 12, 2022) 

Over the weekend of October 8th, 2022, the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant experienced an issue with a pump, resulting in onsite primary sludge which was contained. The plant immediately contacted AQMD and cleaned the sludge. There was no spillage of wastewater out of the plant and the sludge has been contained and cleaned.

Please direct any questions about this incident to Hyperion/LASAN.

(Update September 29, 2022) 

LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN), utilizing a third-party contractor — Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC — performed two air quality tests in El Segundo near the Hyperion facilities. Test samples were collected within canisters made of stainless steel and roughly the size of a basketball, for a 24-hour period. The tests began on Tuesday, September 27 at approximately 1:30pm and ended on Wednesday, September 28 at approximately 1:30pm.

The canisters were placed at the following locations:

• On Virginia Street, north of Mariposa Avenue
• At the cul-de-sac at the west end of Maple Avenue

LASAN, at the direction of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), identified the sampling locations, per the Order of Abatement Case 1212-40. The samples will be analyzed by Montrose Air Quality Services, LLC, for the levels of various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) using the EPA TO-15 method.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Community Outreach Team at (213) 485-3221, or at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

(Update September 19, 2022) 

Hyperion reported a leak in the primary sludge piping system at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

The leaked sludge will be pumped out sometime today Monday, September 19, 2022. 

Hyperion stated the leaked sludge was all contained inside a pump room in the basement. During the process of sludge pumping, there can be some odor released. 

AQMD was notified around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

Please direct your questions to Hyperion/LASAN.

(Update August 26, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to test-run Digester Gas Flares from August 27 to September 2, 2022 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The test is required by the Air Quality Management District. During the period of one week, the flares will be tested one at a time combusting digester gas intermittently. 

This information will be uploaded to the LASAN/Hyperion website. Please contact LASAN/Hyperion if you have any questions. 

(Update August 8, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to test-run Digester Gas Flares on August 9 and August 10, 2022 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The test is necessary to verify the functionality of the new control program for the flares. During the test period, flares will be tested one at a time, combusting digester gas intermittently. 

This information will be available on the LASAN/Hyperion website.  

(Update July 25, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to conduct emissions compliance tests on Flare #1 on July 27, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If needed, the tests may resume on the next day, July 28th within the similar time frame. 

The tests are required by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to confirm the compliant operations of the flare.

In the month of August 2022, other flares will also be tested one at a time. Once testing dates are confirmed, follow-up notices will be posted as needed. 

This information will be uploaded to the LASAN/Hyperion website. Please contact LASAN/Hyperion if you have any questions. 

(Update July 18, 2022)

The Hyperion Reclamation Plant plans to test the emergency generator for Intermediate Pump Station (IPS) on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, for one hour from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

During the test, a power outage will be simulated in order to check the functionality of the auto start of the generator and other electrical equipment. During the test, the IPS biotrickling towers, odor control devices, will be shut down momentarily and will run on generator power.

The total downtime of the biotrickling towers is estimated to be about 15 minutes.

Consequently, some odorous air can be released to the atmosphere. This is a planned event and is essential in order to ensure resilient operation of the IPS in case there is a real power outage. 

This information is available on the LASAN/Hyperion website. 

(Update May 13, 2022)

A website for the South Monitoring Station has been established by Hyperion and is now operational. Please refer to this link: www.lacitysan.org/hyperionair 

Hyperion is working on the North Monitoring Station at this time. The work for this is scheduled to be complete by end of Summer 2022. 

(Update May 11, 2022)

The El Segundo Citizens Forum upcoming meeting is scheduled to be held on July 21, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the El Segundo Library. The meeting will be in person (Not Virtual). 

(Update April 18, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant plans to shutdown its Headworks Odor Control System for 12 hours, starting at 6:00 a.m., April 19, 2022 until 6:00 p.m. the same evening. 

The shutdown is required to make the final connection from the old odor control system to the new one. The new system is replacing the existing chemical based scrubbers with the more efficient/effective bio trickling filter technology. 

There might be some odors during the procedure. 

(Update April 14, 2022)

El Segundo Citizens Forum Upcoming Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A link will be provided on the day of the meeting. Topics will include the following:

• Upcoming construction at Hyperion
• Maintenance update
• Operations report
• Call log
• Biosolids and environmental management update

The Link to the invitation: https://mailchi.mp/lacity/escf_meeting_invitation_040722?e=237c747312 

(Update April 12, 2022)

Hyperion Bioenergy Facility (HBEF) is scheduled to be shut down starting April 16, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. until April 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. for a total of eight days. 

 The shutdown is necessary for the annual planned maintenance work of the HBEF. During the period, some of the digester gas will be utilized by Boiler #2. The remainder of the digester gas will be flared.  

(Update February 14, 2022)

On February 11, 2022, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works Ad Hoc Advisory Committee issued a report on the Hyperion Sewage Spill. The report details the causes of the Hyperion Incident and offers key recommendations for both Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. 

The report is available to view here: Final Ad Hoc Committee Report Regarding 7/11/2021 Hyperion Incident

Audio of the Ad Hoc Committee's presentation of the report can be heard here beginning at 28:08: Final Ad Hoc Committee Report Audio

(Update December 28, 2021)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will conduct testing from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 and Wednesday, December 29, 2021. While the testing is taking place, one of the two flares will burn digester gas intermittently. This test is required by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to verify compliant combustion of the digester gas when flaring is required. Digester gas that is normally produced at Hyperion is combusted for renewable energy recovery. No odors are anticipated. 

 (Update December 21, 2021)

Reminder - El Segundo residents who submitted applications for the LA Sanitation Reimbursement  Program that are pending and have not been processed due to incomplete and/or missing documentation must submit the documentation requested by LA Sanitation by December 30, 2021. 

Please see the message below from LA Sanitation for more details:

LA Sanitation thanks you for your participation in the Hyperion reimbursement program. They look forward to concluding this program by the end of the year, and finalizing all applications currently in process with pending/outstanding requested documentation.

All requested documents must be submitted by December 30, 2021. If you have not yet received your reimbursement, please take the following steps:

1. Check your email inbox and spam folders for any messages from sanhyperion@lacity.org. We may have requested additional information from you that must be supplied in order for us to finalize the processing of your claim. If you do have an information request email, please supply the necessary items/information no later than December 30, 2021.
2. If you do NOT find an email from us, you may reach out to us at sanhyperion@lacity.org with the subject line: Your name - Pending Application. Our team will be happy to research the status of your application and to verify if there is anything else needed from you to complete processing.

If you are having difficulty getting the requested information/documentation to us or have other questions, you may email LA Sanitation at sanhyperion@lacity.org OR call our 24-hour Customer Care Center at    1-800-773-2489.

(Update October 29, 2021)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is planning cleaning work inside Primary Tank C3 starting Monday, November 1, 2021 through Friday, November 5, 2021. The cleaning work will take place with the covers removed between 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In order to reduce any unnecessary odor release, the covers will be placed back on at the end of each workday until the next morning.

The cleaning of the tank is necessary prior to performing repair work on the sludge collectors inside the tank.  The tank has been filled with high pressure effluent (HPE) and drained a few times in order to remove much of the organic material inside the tank. During next week's cleaning work, the crew will hose down any debris left inside the tank to provide a safe work environment for the staff performing the repairs.  The crew will make efforts to minimize any odor released from the tank. Once the Tank is cleaned, there should not be any additional odor released from the tank.

(Update October 26, 2021)

El Segundo Citizens Forum September Follow-Up

Meeting Minutes and Supporting Documents

Thank you to all who were able to attend the September 23rd meeting. Below are the documents that were reviewed. You can download the PDF by clicking the file name.

• Meeting Minutes
• July Incident Frequently Asked Questions
• Hyperion Maintenance Report
• Hyperion Construction Updates
• Weekly and Quarterly Mosquito Count
• Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Map

Hyperion - El Segundo Citizens Forum - Thursday, October 21^st 6:00 p.m.  

The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, and those wishing to participate must RSVP here.

Topics that will be discussed during the meeting include:

• Upcoming construction at Hyperion
• Maintenance update
• Operations report
• Biosolids and environmental management update
• 2022 meeting dates

 If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org

(Update October 18, 2021)

Work on Primary Tanks D11 and D12

Hyperion staff initiated some needed urgent repair work on two Primary Tanks on Saturday, October 16, 2021.  The two tanks are located on the east side of the plant, close to El Segundo.  In order to perform this work, some of covers on these two tanks had to be removed.  Consequently, some residents may potentially experience some excessive odor. Once the work is complete, the covers will be placed back. The work on one of the tanks is already complete and the work on the second tank is scheduled for completion in the next couple of days. We do appreciate your indulgence.

(Update October 14, 2021)

Upcoming Hyperion Outage Activities

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP) is planning to perform scheduled semi-annual maintenance activities at its Bioenergy Facility (HBEF) from October 17 – October 30, 2021. This outage is a semiannual operation and maintenance standard that is necessary for managing critical equipment (such as pumps, breakers and compressors) and keeping high reliability. Additionally, these outages are important in ensuring that the HBEF is running at 100% capacity.

Since April 2017, digester gas, a renewable energy byproduct of the 260 million gallons per day of wastewater that HWRP receives each day is used to generate over 20 megawatts (MW) of power each day from the state-of-the-art HBEF. The 20 MW of power which is utilized to meet HWRP’s power demand is enough to power about 30,000 homes and is the equivalent of removing about 95,000 tons/year of greenhouse gases from the environment, and about 20,000 cars equivalent.

During this scheduled outage, it is anticipated that some amount of digester gas may be combusted by utilizing plant equipment permitted by AQMD which may intermittently produce visible smoke, potential odor, and flames.

 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also responds to calls about odors as it relates to potential health impacts. To report odors call Public Health at 1-888-700-9995 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

(Update December 3, 2024) 

Click here to watch the December 3, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council 

AQMD

• The AQMD Hearing Board vs Hyperion meeting was held on November 19th, 2024. The Board voted unanimously to extend the abatement order until August 4th, 2025, with the same conditions. 
• Over the past two weeks SCAQMD received approximately 32 odor complaints. Inspectors responded to all complaints; No notices of violation were issued.

(Update November 19, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: November 6- November 19, 2024

Click here to watch the November 19, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council 

AQMD

• The AQMD Hearing Board vs Hyperion meeting was held on November 19th, 2024. The Mayor and our Environmental Programs Manager spoke during the public comment period. The Board voted unanimously to extend the abatement order until August 4th, 2025, with the same conditions. 
• Over the past two weeks SCAQMD received approximately 46 odor complaints. Inspectors responded to all complaints; a Notice of Violation was issued on November 15th for public nuisance related to odor.

(Update November 5, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: October 15 - November 5, 2024 

Click here to watch the November 5, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council 

AQMD

• The City has submitted an additional letter to the AQMD Board highlighting additional concerns with the Hyperion facility. That hearing is scheduled for November 19th, 2024.
• Over the past two weeks SCAQMD received approximately 110 odor complaints.  Inspectors responded to all complaints; a Notice of Violation was issued on October 28th for odors.

(Update October 15, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: October 2- October 15, 2024

Click here to watch the October 15, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • The next AQMD board meeting hearing is scheduled for November 19th, 2024.
  • The City has drafted another letter to AQMD board that will be submitted prior to the November 19th Board Meeting highlighting additional concerns.
  • Over the past two weeks SCAQMD received approximately 56 odor complaints.  Inspectors responded to all complaints, but no violations were observed.

(Update October 2, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: September 18 - October 1, 2024

Click here to watch the October 1, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • The next AQMD board meeting hearing is scheduled for November 19^th, 2024.
  • The city has drafted another letter to AQMD board that will be submitted prior to the November 19^th Board Meeting highlighting additional concerns.
  • Over the past two weeks SCAQMD received approximately 55 odor complaints.  Inspectors responded to all complaints and issued an NOV on September 20^th, for public nuisance.

(Update September 17, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: September 3 - September 17, 2024

Click here to watch the September 17, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD

• On September 5^th, City leadership and staff attended an AQMD hearing board meeting regarding Hyperion odors.
• The City submitted a formal letter to AQMD recommending six modifications to Hyperion’s current Order of Abatement. At that meeting the board voted to add more conditions to the order of abatement, including most of our recommendations.
• The additional conditions include:

1. Responding to community members complaints
2. Properly reporting odor investigation results
3. Equipment refurbishment and/or repair schedules to be updated monthly and posted on Hyperion’s website
4. Repair or replace the doors to the truck loading facilities by Oct. 5^th and inspect daily
5. Updating work practice operating and maintenance procedures
6. Submitting its emergency prevention plan to AQMD

• The next AQMD board meeting hearing is scheduled for November 19^th, 2024.
  
  
• The city will issue another letter to AQMD board prior to Nov 19^th board hearing with additional requests.
  
  
• Since September 3rd, SCAQMD responded to approximately 97 odor complaints, and issued 2 Notices of Violation relating to odors on 9/6 and 9/7.

(Update September 4, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: August 21 - September 3, 2024

Click here to watch the September 3, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • Click here for public comment instructions and the meeting agenda for the SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, September 5, 2024 
  • In the past two weeks, AQMD responded to approximately 33odor complaints, but did not confirm any public nuisance violations.

(Update September 2, 2024)

Upcoming AQMD Hearing Board Meeting regarding plant operations and nuisance odors.

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to hear a status update and may consider changes to the conditions or a modification of the Order for Abatement (relating to operations and nuisance odors) regarding Hyperion. City staff will be in attendance. 

Click here for public comment instructions and the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, September 5, 2024

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

(Update August 23, 2024)

Today, City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Treatment Plant - Odor Nuisance) - Abatement Order Modification Hearing date September 5, 2024.

The letter addresses City concerns and makes six specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to SCAQMD Board Hearing_08.23.24

(Update August 20, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: August 1 - August 20, 2024

Click here to watch the August 20, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • In the past two weeks, AQMD responded to approximately 82 odor complaints, but did not confirm any public nuisance violations.
  • On July 31st, AQMD issued an NOV for violations of various permit conditions as a result of their annual inspection.
  • Also on July 31st, AQMD hosted a hearing board meeting regarding Hyperion odors, at that meeting, the board voted to extend the Abatement Order until January 2025. They are anticipated to add conditions to that abatement order at their next hearing, scheduled for September 5th.

(Update July 30, 2024)

Upcoming AQMD Hearing Board Meeting regarding nuisance odors 

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to hear a status update on implementation of the Order for Abatement (relating to nuisance odors) regarding Hyperion.

Click here for public comment instructions and the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, July 31, 2024.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

(Update July 2, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: June 19- July 2, 2024

Click here to watch the July 2, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD

  • In the past two weeks, AQMD responded to approximately 50 odor complaints, but did not confirm any public nuisance violations.

(Update June 18, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: June 5- June 18, 2024

Click here to watch the June 18, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD

  • In the past two weeks, AQMD responded to 70 odor complaints, but did not confirm any public nuisance violations.

  • AQMD issued one NOV on June 6th for failing to maintain equipment in good operation condition, leading to the digester leak on April 15th.

(Update June 4, 2024) 

City Hyperion Activity: May 22- June 4, 2024

Click here to watch the June 4 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • Responded to 75 odor complaints. No NOVs issued in the past two weeks.

(Update May 21, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: May 9- May 21, 2024

Click here to watch the May 21, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • No NOVs, upsets, or breakdowns reported in the past two weeks.
  • AQMD is still in the process of evaluating enforcement action for the digester leak between April 15 and 16, 2024. 

(Update May 13, 2024)

AQMD has reported that their online complaint center is out of service for maintenance on Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14. During this planned outage, complaints can be filed by calling 1-800-CUT-SMOG / 1-800-288-7664.

(May 9, 2024)

City Hyperion Activity: April 16 - May 8, 2024

Click here to watch the May 7, 2024 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • AQMD issued three more notices of violation (NOV) to Hyperion for odor on April 22, 24, and 26.
  • AQMD is currently investigating:
    • Why Hyperion’s fence-line air monitoring system was down for a few hours on April 26.
    •  What caused the digester leak between April 15 and 16. The leak was a result of "Equipment Component Failure" which was due to lack of maintenance.

(February 27, 2024)

AQMD advised City staff that they issued two more notices of violation (NOV) to Hyperion for odor on February 24 and 25, 2024.

(Update February 17, 2024)

AQMD advised City staff that they issued another notice of violation (NOV) to Hyperion for odor on February 16, 2024.

City staff are monitoring the situation closely and are in touch with both AQMD and Hyperion leadership to resolve the odor issues as soon as possible. 

(Update February 15, 2024) 

AQMD advised City staff that they issued two notices of violation (NOVs) to Hyperion for odors on February 13 and 15, 2024.

(Updated January 31, 2024)

AQMD advised City staff that they issued another notice of violation to Hyperion for odors on January 30, 2024.

(Update January 30, 2024)

AQMD Issues NOV to Hyperion for Odors on January 28, 2024

Contrary to the information provided by Hyperion, AQMD has advised that they issued a notice of violation to Hyperion on January 28, 2024 (corrected from 1/29/24), for odors caused by cleaning of the primary tanks. Staff is pressing Hyperion further on why this information was not provided to the City.

Hyperion Information Regarding Odors on January 29, 2024

City staff received odor complaints on January 29, 2024. The City immediately contacted the Superintendent of Hyperion and the Chief Operating Officer of L.A. Sanitation.

According to Hyperion, they verified with their managers and shift superintendent that odor control activities are all in order. All air pollution control equipment was checked and was in compliance with H2S zero emissions. The three fence line monitoring stations were reading at less than 1.0 part per billion (ppb) for the majority of the day, with the exception of two short jumps to around 5 ppb (below EPA's established threshold of 30 ppb) at around noon and 9:00 p.m. - which coincides with the odor reports.

We continue to remain vigilant and make every possible effort to address the ongoing odor issues in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, who owns and operates Hyperion.

(Update January 16, 2024)

Upcoming AQMD Hearing Board Meeting regarding nuisance odors 

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to hear a status update on implementation of the Order for Abatement (relating to nuisance odors) regarding Hyperion.

Click here for public comment instructions and the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, January 24, 2024.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

(Update December 19, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: December 6 - December 19, 2023

Click here to watch the December 19, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• TOWN HALL WITH AQMD

  • On December 6, 2023, the City is hosted a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Watch the town hall here.

• AQMD

  • AQMD responded to approximately 44 odor complaints in the past two weeks, no public nuisance was found on any one day. Three NOVs were issued to Hyperion in December for violations of permit conditions and conditions under the Order for Abatement

(Update December 6, 2023)

Thank you to everyone who participated in the town hall.  You can watch the full town hall here.

(Update December 5, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: November 8- December 5, 2023

Click here to watch the December 5, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• TOWN HALL WITH AQMD

  • December 6, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the City is hosting a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant.

• AQMD

  • AQMD responded to approximately 28 odor complaints in the past two weeks, no public nuisance was found on any one day.

(Update December 4, 2023)

Town Hall with AQMD

On Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. the City of El Segundo is hosting a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Click here for town hall details.

Zoom Meeting Information

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89378000666?pwd=GCUGfGn0ai3aFcAskWYpuG1Gw7ODXA.yj2LyRd2yx7FBx_l

Webinar ID: 893 7800 0666

Passcode: 229084 

Zoom will ask you to enter a name and email address to join the meeting. For more information about how to attend the meeting via phone, please click here.

Please note, live questions can only be submitted via web login.

This town hall will be recorded and available on El Segundo Media's YouTube Channel.

 

(Update November 23, 2023)

Town Hall with AQMD

On Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. the City of El Segundo is hosting a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Click here for town hall details.

Submit Your Input Now Through November 30, 2023.

Advance comments/questions will be accepted through Thursday, November 30, 2023. Please submit comments or questions that you would like to be addressed during this town hall here.

You may also submit comments/questions during the town hall, which will be addressed live if time permits. Advance submission is the best option to ensure your questions are answered.

Zoom meeting link coming soon!

(Update November 7, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: October 18 - November 7, 2023

Click here to watch the November 7, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• TOWN HALL WITH AQMD
  • The City has tentatively scheduled a public Town Hall with AQMD via Zoom on December 6th at 6:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for people to ask questions about Hyperion, AQMD and bill AB 1216. Information about the event will be shared on the City's website once all of the details are finalized.

• AQMD
  • In the last two weeks, AQMD responded to approximately 60 odor complaints, no public nuisance was found on any one day.

(Update October 17, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: October 4 - October 17, 2023

Click here to watch the October 17, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • In the last two weeks, AQMD responded to approximately 65 complaints relating to odors from Hyperion, and issued a Notice of Violation for odor related public nuisance on October 7th.
  • AQMD is still evaluating findings from an on-site inspection regarding air quality regulation compliance and will share the results as soon as they are made available.

(Update October 4, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: September 20 - October 3, 2023

Click here to watch the October 3, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • In the last two weeks, AQMD responded to approximately 40 complaints relating to odors from Hyperion; there was no confirmation of any nuisance violation.
  • No breakdowns, upsets, or fence-line monitoring exceedances in teh past two weeks.

(Update September 20, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: September 7 - September 19, 2023

Click here to watch the September 19, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • In the last two weeks, AQMD responded to approximately 90 complaints relating to odors from Hyperion; there were not a sufficient number of confirmed complaints on any one day to establish a public nuisance.

(Update September 6, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: August 16 - September 5, 2023

Click here to watch the September 5, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • South Coast AQMD has submitted an official letter of support for this bill. This is very important because it lets those voting on the bill know that the regulatory entity, AQMD, is in favor of the bill.

• AQMD
  • In the last two weeks, AQMD received approximately 70 complaints relating to odors from Hyperion; there were not a sufficient number of complaints on any one day to establish a public nuisance.
  • AQMD currently has an open investigation into the fence line monitoring alerts that occurred on August 15th and 16th.

(Update August 16, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: July 14 - August 15, 2023

Click here to watch the August 15, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)

• In an effort to secure AQMD’s support for this bill, the City and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s office have had many discussions with AQMD to update the language of the bill to align with AQMD’s recommendations. After multiple revisions, amendments were made to the bill which resulted in a few notable changes.
  • Per guidance from AQMD, the bill now stipulates source testing, as opposed to fence-line testing, for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatilce organic compounds (VOCs) because source testing is more accurate and is legally enforceable.
    • Hyperion currently conducts source testing of NOx and VOCs, this bill would make that testing a permanent legal requirement.
  • AQMD stated that specifying what to test for at Hyperion’s fence-line was too limiting; therefore, the bill now requires that Hyperion’s fence-line monitoring system test for “pollutants of concern,” as determined by AQMD, including hydrogen sulfide.
    • This gives AQMD broader oversight to require monitoring of all emissions that may have an impact on the surrounding community.
    • Currently, Hyperion is testing for hydrogen sulfide at its fence-line to comply with an order of abatement from AQMD, which will eventually terminate. This bill would make fence-line testing for pollutants of concern a permanent legal requirement.
    • The bill requires that the data from the fence-line monitors be shared with the public in real-time.
  • To effectively put these measures in place, AQMD requested that the effective date for this bill be pushed back from 2025 to January 1, 2027.
    • There’s nothing that says the work cannot be completed sooner, but that it must be completed by no later than January 1, 2027.
• To summarize, if bill AB 1216 is passed, it would permanently and legally require that by January 1, 2027, Hyperion conduct regular source monitoring for NOX and VOCs, and monitor at its fence-line for pollutants of concern as determined by AQMD, including hydrogen sulfide, and to share that fence-line monitoring data with the public in real-time.

(Update July 26, 2023)

Yesterday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the Hyperion Water Reclamation, for elevated levels of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) on June 19, 2023 and for violating requirements to reduce odors impacting the community.

On June 19, 2023, fence-line monitoring at Hyperion showed elevated levels of H2S, with a maximum one-hour average of 64.60 parts per billion (ppb) at one of the monitoring locations. This exceeded the facility’s permit limit for H2S of 30 ppb. Prior to the exceedance, Hyperion submitted a notification reporting that it had shut down several air pollution control devices (known as scrubbers) for planned maintenance and repairs. The scrubbers were returned to service within seven hours, and the fence-line monitoring system showed H2S levels had returned to typical levels.

Read the full details here: SCAQMD issues NOV to Hyperion for Elevated Levels of H2S - July 26 2023

(Update June 21, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: June 7- June 20, 2023

Click here to watch the June 20, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • AQMD is aware of the elevated levels of H2S reported by Hyperion's fence-line monitors on June 19, 2023 and they are investigating the matter.
  • AQMD held a Hearing Board meeting on Monday, June 20th regarding Hyperion's compliance with the expanded order of abatement issued in January of 2023. The City will share the outcome of that meeting on the Hyperion Page of the website once AQMD issues its proposed findings and decision.
    • Watch the June 20th, 2023 AQMD Hearing with Hyperion regarding odor nuisance here.

(Update June 7, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 17- June 6, 2023

Click here to watch the June 6, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • Since May 23rd, AQMD has receive 57odor complaints, AQMD inspectors responded to all complaints, but did not confirm any public nuisance violations.
  • At the June 1st AQMD board hearing with Hyperion regarding flares, AQMD issued new conditions requiring Hyperion to install new flares in full compliance with AQMD requirements – AQMD anticipates it will take about nine years to complete the new flares.
  • The next AQMD Hearing Board is scheduled for June 20th at 9:00 a.m.
    • Click here for the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, June 20, 2023

(Update June 5, 2023)

Upcoming AQMD Hearing Board Meeting regarding nuisance odors 

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Thursday, June 20th, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. to hear a status update on implementation of the Order for Abatement (relating to nuisance odors) regarding Hyperion.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing

Click here for the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, June 20, 2023

Outcome of the June 1, 2023 Hearing Board Meeting regarding flares

At the June 1, 2023 SCAQMD board hearing with Hyperion regarding flares, AQMD issued new conditions requiring Hyperion to install new flares in full compliance with AQMD requirements - AQMD anticipates it will take about nine years to complete.

Below are some of the conditions:

• Notice to Proceed (NTP) to consultant/contractor for design within 12 months.
• Completion of the design within 18 months after issuance of the NTP.
• Submit permit application for construction within 20 months of completion of the design.
• Complete the construction within 60 months of issuance the permit.

Read the new conditions and findings here: Hyperion - AQMD Findings and Decision June 1, 2023 Hearing

Click here to Watch the June 1, 2023 AQMD Hearing with Hyperion regarding flares.

(Update May 31, 2023)

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. to review a petition to modify Order of Abatement No. 1212-39 (Flares) regarding Hyperion.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

Click here for the notice of public hearing and zoom login details (rescheduled from May 11th, 2023 to June 1st, 2023): SCAQMD Notice of Public Hearing- Hyperion Plant (Flares) May 11, 2023

(Update May 17, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 3- May 16, 2023

Click here to watch the May 16, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • Since May 2nd, AQMD has receive 19 odor complaints and issued an NOV on May 3rd and May 5th for issues relating to AQMD rules and Hyperion’s permit conditions. Neither of those NOVs were odor related.
  • The next AQMD Hearing Board is scheduled for June 20th, an agenda for that hearing is forthcoming, and the info will be posted on the City Website.

(Update May 3, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: April 19 - May 2, 2023

Click here to watch the May 2, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • Since April 18th, AQMD has received 24 odor complaints, 16 which were filed by the same individual. No NOVs have been issued for public nuisance (or odor) since January 17th , 2023. However, an NOV for violations relating to flare equipment was issued on April 18th.
  • The next AQMD Hearing Board is scheduled for June 20th, an agenda for that hearing is forthcoming, and the info will be posted on the City Website.

(Update March 22, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: March 8 - 21, 2023

Click here to watch the March 21, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• AQMD
  • Received 30 odor complaints in the last 2 weeks, 10 of those complaints were made on March 9th.
  • No new Notices of Violation sin January 17, 2023.
  • AQMD is continuing to evaluate Hyperion’s compliance with the conditions under the Orders of Abatement.

(Update March 21, 2023)

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. to review a petition to modify Order of Abatement No. 1212-39 (Flares) regarding Hyperion.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

Click here for the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant (Flares) March 23, 2023

(Update February 8, 2023)

Please find a transcript of the City Manager's Public Statement made at the February 7, 2023, El Segundo City Council Meeting regarding AQMD's expanded order of Abatement issued to Hyperion on January 25, 2023. The statement includes a summary of the 28 additional conditions issued to Hyperion. 

Hyperion Public Statement for February 7 2023 Council Meeting

 (Update February 3, 2023)

The SCAQMD held its hearing board public meeting on January 25, 2023, and expanded the Abatement Order for Hyperion, read the findings in the document below.

Hyperion - AQMD Findings and Decision January 25 2023 Hearing

(Update January 26, 2023)

The Wednesday, January 25, 2023 proceedings of the South Coast AQMD vs. Los Angeles City Sanitation Bureau, Hyperion Plant - #1212-40 webcast can be viewed at the link below:

Live Webcast (aqmd.gov)

(Update January 23, 2023)

Today, City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Treatment Plant - Flaring Operations) Board Hearing- continued hearing date January 25, 2023.

The letter addresses City concerns and makes eight specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to SCAQMD Board Hearing 1.23.23

(Update January 10, 2023)

South Coast AQMD has set an AQMD Board Hearing for Wednesday, January 25th, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. to hear a status update on implementation of the Order for Abatement (relating to nuisance odors) regarding Hyperion.

The hearing will be held virtually, here is the link to watch the hearing.

Click here for the meeting agenda: SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda - Hyperion Plant, January 25, 2023

(Update December 20, 2022)

Below is the link to the recording of the South Coast AQMD Hearing Board hearing held on December 15, 2022 for the Hyperion Treatment Plant:

Live Webcast (aqmd.gov)

(Update December 15, 2022)

City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Treatment Plant - Flaring Operations) Board Hearing on December 15, 2022.

The letter addresses City concerns and made specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to SCAQMD Board Hearing 12.14.22

(Update November 30, 2022)

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SQAMD) vs. Los Angeles City Sanitation Bureau, Hyperion Plant - # 1212-40 Hearing Board Agenda for Thursday, December 15, 2022, is below:

SCAQMD Hearing Board Agenda_Dec_15

(Update November 9, 2022)

On November 3, 2022, the South Coast AQMD Hearing Board provided an update regarding Hyperion. 

Please refer to the link below for the replay of the Webcast:

http://www.aqmd.gov/home/news-events/webcast/live-webcast?ms=fQjperX5RbU

(Update October 31, 2022)

As of November 7, 2022, in compliance with the AQMD Abatement Order issued to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant on September 7, 2022, Hyperion must set-up a 24-Hour hotline number for odor complaints where every complaint must be investigated within an hour of reporting. Hyperion must also notify AQMD within one hour of receiving 6 or more complaints (i.e., complaints from 6 different households) in a calendar day. The residents can continue to call AQMD as well, but please note that it takes 6 odor complaints for AQMD to dispatch an inspector to the site for verification of odor before a Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued to Hyperion. As soon as Hyperion establishes the 24-Hour hotline, the information will be posted on the City’s website. 

Please read the entire order of abatement here: AQMD Order of Abatement for 24 Hour Hotline 9_7_2022

(Update October 26, 2022)

Director of Public Works Elias Sassoon submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board on October 24, 2022 in regards to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit renewal.

The letter itemizes the 33 recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee following the July 11, 2021 incident and requests that Hyperion implement these recommendations in a timely manner and regularly update the public about the status of their implementation. 

 Please refer to the letter: City Letter to Water Board Hyperion NPDES Permit _Oct262022

(Update September 8, 2022)

An Order of Abatement for Case Number 1213-39 was heard regarding Hyperion on March 9, 2022 and March 24, 2022 relating to the facilities flare equipment.

Please refer to: AQMD Order of Abatement

(Update September 6, 2022)

City Manager Darrell George submitted a letter on behalf of the City of El Segundo, to the SCAQMD v. City of Los Angeles (Hyperion Plant) Board Hearing on September 6, 2022.

The letter addresses City concerns and made specific requests to the AQMD Board. 

 Please refer to the letter: El Segundo City Manager Letter to AQMD_090622

(Update August 4, 2022)

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) filed a petition for a second order for abatement that would require the Los Angeles City Sanitation Bureau, Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (Hyperion) to take action to reduce odors from the  sewage treatment plant that are continuing to impact the community. 

 The link to the South Coast AQMD Press release is below:

Second Order to Reduce Odors-Hyperion-Aug3-2022

(Update July 22, 2022)

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) issued six Notices of Violation (NOVs) in the past month to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Playa del Rey, California for causing odors that have impacted local residents on multiple occasions. 

The press release detailing the Notice of violations is below:

Six Violations Issued to Hyperion Treatment Plant for Ongoing Odor Issues - July 21 2022

Seis infracciones fueron emitidas a la planta de Hyperion por problemas de olor continuos - 21 de julio del 2022

(Update March 4, 2022)

Staff made a presentation regarding the Hyperion Update at the March 1, 2022 El Segundo City Council meeting. As a part of this updated presentation, staff informed the City Council that AQMD  petitioned the South Coast AQMD Hearing Board to issue an Order of Abatement for exceeding the permitted Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emission Rate for Flare Equipment. The hearing date is scheduled for March 9th, 2022 at 9 am and is open to public.

 For additional information: http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/hearing-board/monthly.pdf?sfvrsn=1779

The Los Angeles Regional Water Board is one of nine Regional Water Boards statewide. For more information call 213-576-6600 or go to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board website.

(Update April 3, 2023)

On April 3, 2023, the Los Angeles Water Quality Control Board announced that it is issuing a proposed $21.7 million dollar penalty to the Hyperion Water Treatment Plant in connection with the plant's release of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Pacific Ocean in July 2021.

This is the largest penalty the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has ever proposed for violations of a waste discharge permit.

 Click here to read the full press release: Los Angeles Water Board proposes $21.7 million penalty for sewage spill at Hyperion facility.

(Update October 17, 2022)

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has to renew their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The NPDES permit needs to be renewed every five years, so this is a routine procedure. This is not a result of 7/11/2021 incident, but the Fact Sheet does include a short summary of the event (Section 3.4 of the Compliance Summary). This Tentative Order also includes additional requirements in response to the 7/11/2021 incident.

 The USEPA Region 9 and Los Angeles Water Board held a joint public hearing on the Tentative WDRs and NPDES permit during the regular Los Angeles Water Board meeting (Board meeting) on October 13, 2022 to receive comments from the public.

At this public hearing, the USEPA Region 9 and the Los Angeles Water Board heard testimony pertinent to the discharge, tentative WDRs, and NPDES permit. Before the hearing on October 13, 2022, the Los Angeles Water Board and the USPEA became aware that not all interested parties had been given notice of the opportunity to submit written comments.

Accordingly, and to allow additional time for the public to provide written comments, the Los Angeles Water Board and USEPA decided to extend the public comment period for an additional 30-day period to November 14, 2022.

 Please refer to the attached documents for additional information:

Tent. Trans. Ltr NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022 signed

Tent Hyperion NPDES CI-1492 (ADA checked) 08302022

PN NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022

PN Instruction NPDES Hyperion CI-1492 10142022 signed

(Update July 26, 2022)

Notice of Violation - City of Los Angeles Hyperion Collection System.

The Notice of Violation to Hyperion by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board is below:

Notice of Violation - Hyperion Collection System

(Update August 11, 2021)

Water sampling results for samples collected by Public Health on Tuesday, August 10^th identified all beaches near the Hyperion treatment plant continue to meet the state standards for bacteria in water.  Current ocean water quality status is posted on the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage. 

Since there have not been any exceedances with quality in the El Segundo ocean waters in the last two weeks, beginning Monday, August 16, Public Health will transition to sampling three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday’s) for the next two weeks and  evaluate returning to routine sampling in September. 

(Update August 10, 2021)

Water sampling results for samples collected by Public Health on Monday, August 9, 2021 identified all beaches near the Hyperion treatment plant continue to meet the state standards for bacteria in water.  Current ocean water quality status is posted on the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage. 

(Update August 9, 2021) 

Sampling results for samples collected by Public Health on Sunday, August 8, 2021 identified all beaches near the Hyperion treatment plant continue to meet the state standards for bacteria in water.  Current ocean water quality status is posted on the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage. 

(Update August 8, 2021)

Sampling results for samples collected by Public Health on Saturday, August 7, 2021 identified all beaches near the Hyperion treatment plant continue to meet the state standards for bacteria in water.  Current ocean water quality status is posted to the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage. 

(Update August 5, 2021)

• Water sampling results for samples collected by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Wednesday, August 4 identified all beaches near the Hyperion treatment plant continue to meet the state standards for bacteria in water.  Current ocean water quality status is posted to the DPH Beach Water Quality webpage

(Update August 4, 2021)

• Sampling results for samples collected by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (DPH) on Tuesday August 3, 2021 identified all beaches near the Hyperion treatment plant continue to meet the state standards for bacteria in water.  Current ocean water quality status is posted to the DPH Beach Water Quality webpage.
• DPH continue to receive calls from residents regarding odors. Their team is providing residents with information on how to seek assistance from the Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment division. DPH will continue to respond to resident concerns and provide guidance and address their questions

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800- 525-5662. Information is also available online at our website: PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.

(Update for August 2, 2021)

Ocean Water Sampling

• Based on special ocean water sampling conducted by Public Health on Sunday August 1 , all beaches near the Hyperion treatment plant met the state standards for bacteria in water.  Lifeguards have been notified to remove all yellow advisory signs.  This information has also been posted to the DPH Beach Water Quality webpage.
• The State Water Board felt that Hyperion was not the cause of the high levels of bacteria in the beach water. Their testing found that the high levels of bacteria above the standards started after the recent rainfall event and the highest levels had been recorded at Ballona Creek where the stormwater runoff flow was  high. 
• DPH will continue to sample ocean waters and provide updates if any advisories or closures are issued for the beaches near the plant.

 Community Outreach

• DPH completed community outreach activities on Friday. They provided 2, 518 flyers to residents.
• In total, over 5, 218 residents were contacted and provided information on the cause of the odors, how to contact AQMD and also how to seek support from the City of LA.

Public Health continues to seek updates from the State Water Board on the status of the repairs to the plant. They anticipate it will take a few weeks for the plant to resume normal operations.

News releases from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:  

LOS ANGELES (August 2, 2021)– The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues cautioning residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beach to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

• Avalon Beach at Catalina Island (50 feet east of the pier)

Ocean water samples collected by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) at the following locations met State standards for acceptable water quality and warnings have been lifted.

• Dockweiler State Beach
  • Ballona Creek (Near Dockweiler Tower 40)
  • Culver Blvd storm drain
  • Imperial Highway storm drain
  • Westchester storm drain
• Pico-Kenter storm drain (Santa Monica Beach)
• Topanga Canyon Lagoon (Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu)

Lifeguards have been notified to remove all posted advisory signs and the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage has been updated. 

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24- hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800- 525-5662. Information is also available online at our website: PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/. 

LOS ANGELES (August 1, 2021) – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues cautioning residents who are planning to visit several Los Angeles County beaches, including beaches near Hyperion, to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

Recent special ocean water sampling conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Saturday July 31st determined that beach areas near Hyperion continued to exceed state standards for bacteria in water. 

Note that no untreated sewage is currently being discharged into the ocean and ocean waters bacterial levels often fluctuate from day to day.

Lifeguards have been notified to post yellow advisory signs and the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage has been updated. 

Affected beach areas still exceeding state standards include:

• Dockweiler State Beach
  • Ballona Creek (Near Dockweiler Tower 40)
  • Culver Blvd storm drain
  • Imperial Highway storm drain
  • Westchester storm drain

Other beaches under advisory also include the below beach areas. These advisories are very likely due to day-to-day fluctuations in ocean water bacteria levels. At this time, there is no reason to suspect these increases in beach water bacteria are due to the recent sewage discharge at Hyperion. 

• Avalon Beach at Catalina Island (50 feet east of the pier)
• Pico-Kenter storm drain (Santa Monica Beach)
• Topanga Canyon Lagoon (Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu)

 The following beach area sample results identified water quality levels within State standards and yesterday’s warnings have been lifted:

• World Way extension (Dockweiler State Beach)

 July 31, 2021

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues cautioning residents who are planning to visit several Los Angeles County beaches, including beaches near Hyperion, to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

Recent special ocean water sampling conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Friday July 30th determined that beach areas near Hyperion continued to exceed state standards for bacteria in water. 

Note that no untreated sewage is currently being discharged into the ocean and ocean waters bacterial levels often fluctuate from day to day and can be impacted by recent rain events.

Lifeguards have been notified to post yellow advisory signs and the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage has been updated. 

Affected beach areas still exceeding state standards include:

• Dockweiler State Beach
  • Ballona Creek (Near Dockweiler Tower 40)
  • Culver Blvd storm drain
  • Imperial Highway storm drain
  • Westchester storm drain
  • World Way extension

Other beaches under advisory also include the below beach areas. These advisories are very likely due to day-to-day fluctuations in ocean water bacteria levels. At this time, there is no reason to suspect these increases in beach water bacteria are due to the recent sewage discharge at Hyperion.

• Avalon Beach at Catalina Island (50 feet east of the pier)
• Pico-Kenter storm drain (Santa Monica Beach)
• Topanga Canyon Lagoon (Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu)

 July 29, 2021

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues cautioning residents who are planning to visit several Los Angeles County beaches, including beaches near Hyperion, to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

Recent special ocean water sampling conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Wednesday July 28th determined that an additional beach area near Hyperion exceeded state standards for bacteria in water. 

Note that no untreated sewage is currently being discharged into the ocean and ocean waters bacterial levels often fluctuate from day to day and can be impacted by recent rain events.

Lifeguards have been notified to post yellow advisory signs and the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage has been updated. 

Affected beach areas still exceeding state standards include:

• El Segundo Beach
  • Grand Avenue storm drain (Near Dockweiler Tower 60)

• Dockweiler State Beach
  • Ballona Creek (Near Dockweiler Tower 40)
  • Culver Blvd storm drain
  • Hyperion Plant outfall
  • Imperial Highway storm drain (Dockweiler Tower 56)
  • Westchester storm drain
  • World Way extension

 Additional beach areas near Hyperion include:

• Topsail Street extension (Venice)

Public Health team members continue conducting door-to-door outreach to the community impacted by the plants odors and will continue this activity through tomorrow.

Other beaches under advisory also include the below beach areas. These advisories are very likely due to day-to-day fluctuations in ocean water bacteria levels. At this time, there is no reason to suspect these increases in beach water bacteria are due to the recent sewage discharge at Hyperion.

• Avalon Beach at Catalina Island (50 feet east of the pier)
• 28th Street Extension (Manhattan Beach)
• Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

The following beach areas sample results identified water quality levels within State standards and yesterday’s warnings have been lifted:

• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica
• Montana Ave. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach (Santa Monica North Tower 8)
• Wilshire Bl. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach (Santa Monica North Tower 12)
• Temescal Canyon storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24- hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800- 525-5662. Information is also available online at our website: PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.

July 28, 2021

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is cautioning residents who are planning to visit several Los Angeles County beaches near Dockweiler and El Segundo to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

Recent special ocean water sampling conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Tuesday July 27th determined that several beach areas near the Hyperion plant exceeded state standards for bacteria in water.

Note that no sewage is currently being discharged from the Hyperion plant into the ocean and ocean waters. Bacterial levels often fluctuate from day to day and can be impacted by recent rain events.

Lifeguards have posted yellow advisory signs and the Public Health Beach Water Quality webpage has been updated.

Affected beach areas include:

El Segundo Beach

Grand Avenue storm drain (Near Dockweiler Tower 60)

 

Dockweiler State Beach

Ballona Creek (Near Dockweiler Tower 40)

Culver Blvd storm drain

Hyperion Plant outfall

Imperial Highway storm drain (Dockweiler Tower 56)

Westchester storm drain

World Way extension

Additionally, Public Health team members have initiated door-to-door outreach to the community impacted by the plant’s odors and will continue this activity through Friday.

Other beaches also under advisory include the below beach areas. These advisories are very likely due to day-to-day fluctuations in ocean water bacteria levels. At this time, there is no reason to suspect these increases in beach water bacteria are due to the recent sewage discharge at Hyperion.

 

Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

Montana Ave. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach (Santa Monica North Tower 8)

Wilshire Bl. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach (Santa Monica North Tower 12)

Temescal Canyon storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach

Avalon Beach at Catalina Island (50 feet east of the pier)

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24- hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800- 525-5662. Information is also available online at our website: Beach Water Quality website or contact the County's beach advisory hotline: 1-800-525-5662 where recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day.

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichea lth.lacounty.gov , and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/l acounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lap ublichealth, facebook.co m/lapublichealth, instagra m.com/lapublichealth and youtube.com/ lapublichealth.

 

On October 10, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's bill AB 1216 Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitoring of Air Pollutants into law.

This bill states that effective January 1, 2027, wastewater treatment plants in the state of California which meet certain criteria - specifically Hyperion - are required to conduct regular source monitoring for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and monitor at its fence-line for pollutants of concern, including hydrogen sulfide, and to share that fence-line monitoring data with the public in real time.

Click here to: Read the final version of the bill.

(Update October 10, 2023)

On October 10, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's bill AB 1216: Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitoring of Air Pollutants into law.

Bill AB 1216 requires wastewater treatment plants in the state of California which meet certain criteria — specifically, the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant — to conduct regular monitoring for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the source, and to install, operate, and maintain a fence-line monitoring system to track emissions of pollutants of concern, including hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, the bill requires that fence-line data be shared with the public in real time. All monitoring must follow the standards set forth by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).

“The City, our community members, along with SCAQMD and L.A. County Department of Public Health, have been fighting for this for over two years since Hyperion’s nearly catastrophic spill,” said Mayor Drew Boyles. "Now, thanks to Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s bill AB 1216, our current and future generations will be able to answer the question – are the emissions from the Hyperion plant safe to breathe?”

Click here to read the City's Press Release: Governor Newsom Signs Bill AB 1216 into Law

(Update October 4, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: September 20 - October 3, 2023

Click here to watch the (October 3, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • Bill AB 1216 is still on Governor Newsom's desk for consideration to be signed into law.

(Update September 20, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: September 7 - September 19, 2023

Click here to watch the September 19, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • Bill AB 1216 passed the State Assembly concurrence vote and is now on Governor Newsom's desk for consideration to be signed into law.

(Update September 7, 2023)

Bill AB 1216 passed the State Assembly concurrence vote.

The bill will now go to Governor Newsom's desk for consideration to be signed into law.

(Update September 6, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: August 16 - September 5, 2023

Click here to watch the September 5, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • South Coast AQMD has submitted an official letter of support for this bill. This is very important because it lets those voting on the bill know that the regulatory entity, AQMD, is in favor of the bill.
  • On August 24^th, bill AB 1216 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee.
  • On September 6^th, the bill passed the California Senate Floor vote with 26 "yes" votes and 7 "no" votes; Senator Ben Allen served as Floor Manager for the bill.
  • The bill will now go to the State Assembly for a concurrence vote.

(Update August 24, 2023)

On August 24, 2023, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed bill AB 1216, it will now go to a Senate floor vote.

(Update August 17, 2023) 

The hearing of bill AB 1216 by the Senate Appropriations Committee has been scheduled for Monday, August 28, 2023.

(Update August 16, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: July 14 - August 15, 2023

Click here to watch the August 15, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)

• In an effort to secure AQMD’s support for this bill, the City and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s office have had many discussions with AQMD to update the language of the bill to align with AQMD’s recommendations. After multiple revisions, amendments were made to the bill which resulted in a few notable changes.
  • Per guidance from AQMD, the bill now stipulates source testing, as opposed to fence-line testing, for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatilce organic compounds (VOCs) because source testing is more accurate and is legally enforceable.
    • Hyperion currently conducts source testing of NOx and VOCs, this bill would make that testing a permanent legal requirement.
  • AQMD stated that specifying what to test for at Hyperion’s fence-line was too limiting; therefore, the bill now requires that Hyperion’s fence-line monitoring system test for “pollutants of concern,” as determined by AQMD, including hydrogen sulfide.
    • This gives AQMD broader oversight to require monitoring of all emissions that may have an impact on the surrounding community.
    • Currently, Hyperion is testing for hydrogen sulfide at its fence-line to comply with an order of abatement from AQMD, which will eventually terminate. This bill would make fence-line testing for pollutants of concern a permanent legal requirement.
    • The bill requires that the data from the fence-line monitors be shared with the public in real-time.
  • To effectively put these measures in place, AQMD requested that the effective date for this bill be pushed back from 2025 to January 1, 2027.
    • There’s nothing that says the work cannot be completed sooner, but that it must be completed by no later than January 1, 2027.
• To summarize, if bill AB 1216 is passed, it would permanently and legally require that by January 1, 2027, Hyperion conduct regular source monitoring for NOX and VOCs, and monitor at its fence-line for pollutants of concern as determined by AQMD, including hydrogen sulfide, and to share that fence-line monitoring data with the public in real-time.
• The bill is tentatively scheduled to be heard in the Senate Appropriations Hearing on August 21, 2023. If it passes there, the bill will go to a Senate floor vote.

• MEETING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS REGARDING HYPERION
  • On August 16, 2023, the Mayor, members of City Council, the City Manager and Director of Public Works Elias Sassoon will be meeting with representatives from the offices of Senator Ben Allen, Congressman Ted Lieu, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, and City of LA Mayor Bass to discuss the situation with Hyperion.

(Update August 7, 2023)

The hearing of bill AB 1216 by the Senate Appropriations Committee is tentatively scheduled for a date TBD in August 2023. 

(Update July 10, 2023)

The hearing of bill AB 1216 by the Senate Appropriations Committee has been postponed from July 10, 2023, to a tentative date of Monday, August 14, 2023.

(Update July 3, 2023)

The Senate Appropriations Committee has postponed the hearing of bill AB 1216 from July 3, 2023, to Monday, July 10, 2023.

(Update June 22, 2023)

On Monday, July 3, 2023, AB 1216 will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing.

(Update June 21, 2023)

On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, the Environmental Quality Committee passed bill AB 1216 with a vote of five to two.

Councilmember Ryan Baldino provided testimony on behalf of the City of El Segundo at the State Capitol in Sacramento. 

The bill will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

Read the full details here: Bill AB 1216 Passes Senate Environmental Quality Committee in 5-2 Vote | NEWS | El Segundo

(Update June 21, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: June 7- June 20, 2023

Click here to watch the June 20, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On Wednesday, June 21^st, Senate Environmental Quality Committee passed bill AB 1216 in a 5 to 2 vote. Councilmember Ryan Baldino attended the hearing at the State Capitol in Sacramento and provided testimony supporting the bill on behalf of the City of El Segundo. The bill will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 
    • Watch the full Committee Hearing here. Bill AB 1216 is discussed 1:19 - 1:30

(Update June 7, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 17- June 6, 2023

Click here to watch the June 6, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On May 18^th, bill AB 1216 passed the Assembly floor vote
    • The bill is now in the Senate and is scheduled to be heard at the Senate Environmental Quality Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
      • Click here to see the Senate Environmental Quality Committee Hearing Agenda for June 21, 2023

(Update June 6, 2023)

On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, AB 1216 will be heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee Hearing, which starts at 9:00 a.m.

Click here to see the Senate Environmental Quality Committee Hearing Agenda for June 21, 2023

(Update June 2, 2023)

On June 1, 2023, the Senate Rules Committee assigned bill AB 1216 to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

(Update May 22, 2023)

On May 18, 2023, bill AB 1216 was read in the Senate for the first time and sent to the Rules Committee for assignment.

(Update May 18, 2023)

On May 18, 2023, bill AB 1216 passed the Assembly Floor vote. Next, the bill will go to the California State Senate.

(Update May 17, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 3- May 16, 2023

Click here to watch the May 16, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On May 10^th, at its assembly meeting, the Appropriations Committee passed bill AB 1216.
    • The bill will now go to the Assembly floor for a vote to see if it will go on to the senate. Once the date of the vote is determined, we’ll post details to the Hyperion page of the City’s website.

(Update May 10, 2023)

On May 10, 2023, the Appropriations Committee passed bill AB 1216.

(Update May 9, 2023)

On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, AB 1216 will be heard in the Appropriations Committee Hearing, which starts at 9:00 a.m.

City secured lobbyist, Jason Gonsalves, will provide support testimony for the bill on behalf of the City of El Segundo.

Click here to see the Appropriations Committee Hearing Agenda for May 10, 2023

(Update May 3, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: April 19 - May 2, 2023

Click here to watch the May 2, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • On April 24^th the City Manager, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Pimentel and Councilmember Ryan Baldino went to Sacramento to appear before the Natural Resources Committee Assembly hearing and provided testimony on bill AB 1216.
  • The Natural Resources passed the bill and it is currently with the Assembly Appropriations committee, which focuses on the cost of the bill.

(Update April 25, 2023)

On Monday, April 24, 2023, the Natural Resources Committee passed bill AB 1216 with a vote of eight to three.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi introduced the bill, and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Pimentel and Councilmember Ryan Baldino, joined by City Manager Darrell George, provided testimony on the assembly floor at the State Capitol in Sacramento. 

Once the committee process is completed, the bill will go to the Senate.

Read the full details here: Bill AB 1216 Passes Natural Resources Committee in 8-3 Vote | NEWS | El Segundo

(Update April 19, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: March 22 – April 18, 2023

Click here to watch the April 18, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • The City of El Segundo submitted its sponsorship of bill AB 1216 to the Natural Resources Committee on April 4, 2023. Read the letter of sponsorship here.
  • The City in the process of obtaining letters of support from adjacent cities, environmental groups, and regional entities to present to the Natural Resources Committee as part of the AB 1216 process.
  • The City will be providing a two-minute testimony on bill AB 1216 at the Natural Resources Committee Assembly hearing on Monday, April 24, 2023.
• FIRST JOINT MEETING OF LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES AND THE CITY REGARDING HYPERION
  • The Mayor, City Manager, and Director of Public Works met with representatives from offices of Senator Ben Allen, Congressman Ted Lieu, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to discuss Hyperion. It was the first time all of the legislative offices came together in support.
    • The meeting focused on the importance of Assembly bill AB 1216, and they all shared their enthusiastic support on moving it throughout the process.
    • It was decided that we would meet regularly in the upcoming months and year until all Hyperion impacts are addressed.

(Update April 4, 2023)

On April 4, 2023, the City of El Segundo submitted a letter of sponsorship for bill AB 1216 Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitoring of Air Pollutants which would require wastewater treatment plants, like Hyperion, in the state of California to monitor the air quality for H2S, NOX, and VOCs.

To view the letter in its entirety: City of El Segundo Letter of Sponsorship for bill AB 1216, April 4, 2023.

(Update March 22, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: March 8 - 21, 2023

Click here to watch the March 21, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council

• LEGISLATION (Click here to track the bill's text and status)
  • City Manager Darrell George and City Staff have continued to meet with Al Muratsuchi’s office regarding bill AB-1216, titled “Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitoring of Air Pollutants” which would require Wastewater Treatment Plants, like Hyperion, in the state of California to monitor the air quality for H2S, NOX, and VOCs. If passed, the bill would be enacted January 1, 2025
  • The City has pushed for this legislation since September of 2022 and it’s finally on its way.
  • The bill was introduced by Al Muratsuchi in February and was sent to committee on March 16, 2023.
  • Assemblymember Muratsuchi will be taking a tour of Hyperion on Friday, March 24th.

(Update March 20, 2023)

On March 16, 2023 bill AB-1216 was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources with amendments.

Bill AB-1216 Status Update

(Update February 11, 2023)

After many months of El Segundo City staff meeting with various elected officials, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's office announce that they will introduce a new state bill that would require plants like Hyperion to do more to mitigate odors and test emissions. Read the full article below.

Future State Bill Aims to Speed Up Hyperion Odor Recovery

(Update July 30, 2021)

On July 30, 2021, Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles) sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requesting an investigation into the July 11, 2021 sewage spill and continuing wastewater discharge into the ocean. View letter.

(Update July 16, 2021) 

On July 16, 2021, Hyperion Executive Plant Manager sent a 5-day preliminary report to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. A final report from the Los Angeles Sanitation Department is pending.  View letter. 

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, which borders El Segundo, is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles and is its oldest and largest wastewater treatment facility.

On September 8, 2022, during a Special El Segundo City Council meeting, the City Attorney announced that during closed session earlier that day, Council authorized the filing of a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles with regards to the failure to operate the Hyperion plant.

Watch the announcement here: Special El Segundo City Council Meeting - Thursday, September 8, 2022 - YouTube

LA Sanitation and Environment, working in conjunction with the Bureau of Engineering, will construct the Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project. The project will further stabilize the private hillside service road adjacent to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. This project is very important in maintaining Hyperion’s access route around the facility for years to come.

LASAN Website: Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project

(Update August 16, 2023)

City Hyperion Activity: July 14 - August 15, 2023

Click here to watch the August 15, 2023 Hyperion Update to El Segundo City Council 

• HYPERION ACTIVITY
  • The Perimeter Road Improvement project is completed, as of July 31^st. There may be some work still going on such as demobilization or moving out equipment from the area.

(Update June 30, 2023)

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Upcoming Paving Work, July 5 - July 7, 2023

The project contractor has confirmed that asphalt paving work on the Hyperion perimeter road will be performed from Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, July 7. The contractor will utilize approximately 15 trucks per day to deliver materials and equipment for this activity. The delivery trucks are expected to enter and exit the construction site via the LADWP Scattergood Plant located off of W. Grand Avenue. The asphalt paving is anticipated to be completed on July 7.

To see the updated list of confirmed activities and forecasted construction schedule, click here.

If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org or call (213) 485-3221.

(Update May 17, 2023)

City of El Segundo Hyperion Activity: May 3- May 16, 2023

• HYPERION
  • Perimeter Road Project – Saturday work continues to take place from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. throughout May with minimal construction noise anticipated.

(Update April 13, 2023)

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Concrete Pours Update.

The project team has confirmed that the next concrete pour on the Hyperion Perimeter Road will be performed tomorrow, and the contractor anticipates future concrete pours will occur on Tuesdays and Fridays until the end of May 2023.

To see the updated list of confirmed activities and forecasted construction schedule, click here.

If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org or call (213) 485-3221.

(Update April 7, 2023)

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Upcoming Concrete Pours and Saturday Work.

The project contractor has confirmed that the concrete pours on the Hyperion Perimeter Road will resume next week and will continue through the end of May 2023.

Additionally, due to the recent rain events, the project contractor will be performing Saturday work through May to ensure project completion in Summer 2023. The project team anticipates minimal construction noise from these activities, and the contractor anticipates performing Saturday work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

To see the list of confirmed activities and forecasted construction schedule, click here.

If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org or call (213) 485-3221.

(Update February 13, 2023)

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Upcoming Activities and Remaining Construction Schedule.

The project contractor has completed the sheet pile installation work along Hyperion’s Perimeter Road. As such, the contractor is now progressing with other remaining activities to complete the project this summer.

To see the list of confirmed activities and forecasted construction schedule, click here.

If you have any questions, please email LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org or call (213) 485-3221.

(Update October 25, 2022)

The City of El Segundo has received a few emails regarding the noise and vibration caused by the Hyperion Perimeter Road Project. Staff has communicated these issues and concerns to the Project Manager, and has stayed involved to make sure that Hyperion responds to all raised issues and concerns.

Status update of the Hyperion Perimeter Road Project as of October 25, 2022:

• Approx. 1,200 feet of sheet piles have been installed out of the total 2,100 feet. This means that almost 60% of sheet-piling is done.
• Noise blankets and foam lining along the sheet piles are being used by the general contractor continuously for noise mitigation.
• Continuous vibration monitoring was conducted yesterday near the property line at 738 West Mariposa by Hyperion. According to Hyperion the vibration was found to be within acceptable limits as it relates to impacts on nearby structures and improvements. Hyperion has committed to providing a copy of this vibration monitoring report once it is ready.
• It is to be noted that city staff is working on having a third-party qualified vender perform independent noise and vibration tests.
• Due to noise and vibrations experienced by the residents, a total of 10 residents were offered temporary relocation during the sheet-piling segment of the work.
• Dust mitigation has been implemented and is ongoing.

According to Hyperion, today (October 25, 2022) should be the last day to install sheet-piles utilizing the largest pile driving equipment required for the project. The contractor will use smaller equipment to install the remainder of the sheet-piles, which is expected to be completed in the next two to three weeks, assuming there is no unforeseen conditions, such as underground obstructions, inclement weather, etc. Please see the attached maps which highlight key work areas over the next 3-4 weeks.

Please contact Josh Melendez with LASAN at (213) 485-3221 or joshua.melendez@lacity.org if you have any questions.

(Update August 31, 2022)

The Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement project contractor has confirmed that sheet pile installation will resume tomorrow for the Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project.

The contractor will utilize additional mitigation measures to accompany these activities, which include:

• The use of an adhesive between sheet piles.
• A mobile sound blanket to be placed at each active site on the perimeter road.
• Sound/vibration monitoring devices.

A construction notice is attached for reference: 

Hyperion Perimeter Road Project - Construction Notice 8.31.22

Please contact LASAN/Hyperion if you have any questions.

(Update August 15, 2022)

On Monday, August 15th - Tuesday, August 16th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. there will be delivery of materials and equipment for the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Perimeter Road Improvement Project via LADWP service road.

Information is in the link below:

Hyperion Road Improvement Overall Information 

(Update August 11, 2022)

The Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project confirmed the first major material/equipment deliveries will take place from Monday, August 15, to Tuesday, August 16, 2022 between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. 

The construction notice is attached with additional information on the upcoming activities:

Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project - Construction Notice 8.10.22 (Delivery Update)

(Update July 5, 2022)

The Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project contractor has informed the project team that they anticipate the first major material/equipment deliveries will take place sometime in mid-July 2022. 

A construction notice is attached with more information about these upcoming activities:

Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement Project - Delivery Construction Notice (003)

(Update April 27, 2022)

Please refer to the link below for information regarding the Hyperion Perimeter Improvement Project:

 Hyperion Perimeter Road Improvement (lacitysan.org)

Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment will continue to update this page with the latest information regarding the project as it progresses, in conjunction with eblasts.  

 

(Update December 20, 2021)

ALERT

 Reimbursement Program Closed

December 30, 2021 is the last date for applicants already in the system to provide the requested documentation. This date applies ONLY to people already in processing for reimbursement. Thank you for understanding. Conclusion of Reimbursement Program

Thank you for your participation in the Hyperion reimbursement program. We look forward to concluding this program by the end of the year, and finalizing all applications currently in process with pending/outstanding requested documentation.

All requested documents must be submitted by December 30, 2021. If you have not yet received your reimbursement, please take the following steps:

1. Check your email inbox and spam folders for any messages from sanhyperion@lacity.org. We may have requested additional information from you that must be supplied in order for us to finalize the processing of your claim. If you do have an information request email, please supply the necessary items/information no later than December 30, 2021.
2. If you do NOT find an email from us, you may reach out to us at sanhyperion@lacity.org with the subject line: Your name - Pending Application. Our team will be happy to research the status of your application and to verify if there is anything else needed from you to complete processing.

If you are having difficulty getting the requested information/documentation to us or have other questions, you may email sanhyperion@lacity.org OR call our 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489.

 

(Update September 27, 2021)

Residential Reimbursement Program Closed September 23, 2021

Hyperion officially closed the Residential Reimbursement Program at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2021. Any AC or related units/installation purchased after 11:59 p.m. on September 23, 2021 and anyone who relocated to a hotel will not be reimbursed for stays on or after September 24, 2021.

Residents who participated in the reimbursement program have until October 8, 2021 to submit their receipts through Hyperion's secure online platform. For detailed reimbursement information please visit the LA Sanitation Department webpage at lacitysan.org or contact its 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489.

The City of El Segundo is aware of odors and is working closely with the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department and AQMD to identify the source and develop long term solutions to reduce the odor.  According to the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department, the odors are due to normal operations and not related to the July 11, 2021 incident.

 (Update September 14, 2021)

Hyperion Reimbursement Program Closing 

Hyperion announced they have completed most of its process recovery efforts and will officially close the reimbursement program on Thursday, September 23, 2021. Hyperion reported zero water quality violations in the past four weeks and shared recent water and air quality data.

With the closing of the reimbursement program, any AC or related units/installation must be purchased before 11:59 p.m. on September 23, 2021 and anyone who has relocated to a hotel will not be reimbursed for stays on or after September 24, 2021.

Residents who participated in the reimbursement program will have until October 8, 2021 to submit their receipts through Hyperion's secure online platform. For detailed reimbursement information please visit the LA Sanitation Department webpage at lacitysan.org or contact its 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489.

The announcement was made at lacitysan.org on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 9:45 p.m.

(Update September 7, 2021) 

LA Sanitation is extending the reimbursement program by another week. The reimbursement offer is now valid for eligible residents from July 12, 2021 through  September 16, 2021 (or for hotel checkout the morning of September 17, 2021). For more information visit lacitysan.org. 

Additionally,  Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) invites you to join the El Segundo Citizens Forum on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6 p.m.  Click here for info and to RSVP. 

(Update September 1, 2021) 

Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) updated their Frequently Asked Questions document today.

Please note:

If a hotel receipt does not indicate the number of people occupying the room,  LASAN has confirmed that residents can provide this information on their application and it does not need to be on the hotel receipt.

Hotel stays must be in the County of Los Angeles. Residents who had hotel stays outside of LA County prior to July 27, 2021 (When LASAN updated their guidelines via their website) can submit for reimbursement. All hotel stays after July 27^th must be in Los Angeles County to eligible for reimbursement.

 (Update August 31, 2021)

LA Sanitation is extending the reimbursement program by another week. The reimbursement offer is now valid for eligible residents from July 12, 2021 through  September 9, 2021 (or for hotel checkout the morning of September 10, 2021). For more information visit lacitysan.org. 

Please be sure to submit all of the following required documents to avoid reimbursement delays:

• Itemized receipts for air conditioner unit, fan, air purifier, air filter, and/or installation.
• Hotel receipts showing dates of stay, number of people staying in the room, hotel room rate, tax, and overnight self parking for one vehicle (if you parked a vehicle).
• Completed and signed IRS Form W-9
• Proof of residency such as your most current utility bill
• Note that we do NOT require receipts for meals and incidentals if staying in a hotel - you will receive the per diem of $66 per day per person.

Please upload all receipts and documents at the same time. Uploading receipts and documents on separate reimbursement forms will cause significant delays to your reimbursement.

(Update August 25, 2021)

LA Sanitation is reporting that air quality is at its best since the incident. Most of the 11 fence line monitoring location show instantaneous hydrogen sulfide(odor indicator) concentrations at either 0 parts per billion (ppb) or in the single digits. For reference, the State of California Hydrogen Sulfide limit is 30 ppb exposure for 1 hour. The air quality numbers are consistent with the fact that LASAN continues to process sludge through the system on a daily basis. Please visit lacitysan.org for monitoring data on specific locations  and for the latest air quality data.

(Update August 24, 2021)

LA Sanitation is extending the reimbursement program by another week. The reimbursement offer is now valid for eligible residents from July 12, 2021 through  September 2, 2021 (or for hotel checkout the morning of September 3, 2021). For more information visit lacitysan.org. 

(Update August 18, 2021) 

Paper-Based Process 

On August 18, 2021 LA Sanitation and Environment staff provided paper-based documents for its reimbursement program for anyone who is unable to complete the process online. View application. 

Please mail the completed form, receipts, W-9, proof of residency, and other required documents to the following address:

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant
TSF 3rd Floor, Personnel MS 535
12000 Vista Del Mar
Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Attn: Hyperion Reimbursement Program- El Segundo 

It is recommended that you send via registered or certified mail so that the post office forwards proof of delivery. LASAN is not responsible for lost or missing documents. Documents mailed will not be returned. 

If you are having issues scanning the required documents to submit for reimbursement, you can stop by the El Segundo Public Library to use the public scanner. It is easy to use and its free. You can save the scanned documents to a USB drive or email the information to yourself. Library staff are happy to show you how to use the scanner.

(Update August 17, 2021)

On Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 5:30 p.m., the City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works is hosting a virtual Town Hall meeting to discuss the incident at Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Click here to learn more.

You can click on the flyer below to join the event live or dial 669-254-5252 to participate. The meeting code is 160 362 1215.

On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, LA Sanitation leadership provided an update via Zoom on the Hyperion spill and recovery at the El Segundo City Council meeting. The update included an overview about what happened on July 11 and the ongoing recovery effort. Senior representatives from various regulatory agencies, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and City of LA were also available for questions via Zoom.

The meeting was available live starting at 6 p.m. on Channel 3, the City's website at elsegundo.org  and the City's YouTube channel. 

View City Council meeting agenda: https://tinyurl.com/yh5pxulx

For Public Communication, members of the public may provide comments in the lobby, Council Chamber or via Zoom. For in person comments, please fill out a speaker card located in the Chamber lobby and for Zoom comments, notify meeting host by raising your virtual hand and you will be invited to speak. Click for Zoom instructions.

The Public Communication portion of the meeting is limited to thirty minutes and based on the number of speakers, the five minutes allowed per speaker may be reduced to allow all speakers the opportunity to provide comments.  For written communication, submit your email to ALLELECTEDOFFICIALS@elsegundo.org by 3  p.m. August 17 to be uploaded to the Website. Emails received after 3 p.m. will be posted the next day.

If you missed LA Sanitation's presentation at the August 10, 2021 Los Angeles City Council meeting regarding the incident at Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, you can download a copy here.

(Update August 10, 2021)

LA Sanitation is extending the deadline for the Hyperion reimbursement program by another week. The extension allows participants to make purchases and finalize hotel stays by August 19.  For those who selected the hotel reimbursement option, the extension allows you to check out the morning of August 20, 2021.

LA Sanitation staff worked over the weekend to address the backlog of applications to provide applicants with the email to submit their receipts for reimbursement.

If you are having issues scanning the required documents to submit for reimbursement, you can stop by the El Segundo Public Library to use the public scanner. It is easy to use and its free. You can save the scanned documents to a USB drive or email the information to yourself. Library staff are happy to show you how to use the scanner.

If you have questions about the application process or have not received your email with link to submit receipts send an email to Sanhyperion@lacity.org.

The first batch of reimbursement checks will be going out this week. It may take up to four weeks for LASAN to issue checks for reimbursement requests received in July.

For detailed reimbursement information please visit the LA Sanitation Department webpage at lacitysan.org or contact its 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489.

(Update August 9, 2021)

On Monday, August 9, 2021, City of Los Angeles staff at the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment plant provided a tour of the facility to members of the El Segundo City Council and the City's executive team. The onsite tour allowed for a deeper understanding of the recovery effort since the July 11 sewage spill incident. Hyperion staff shared that they are making significant progress removing the stored sludge. It is anticipated that all of the stored sludge will be processed and treated in the next two to three weeks and that the Hyperion Plant will resume its normal operation by the end of August.  

There is another tour of the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment facility scheduled for Wednesday to include the members of the El Segundo City Council and the City's executive team that did not attend the Monday tour.  

Additionally, Hyperion Plant General Manager Timeyin Dafeta will be providing an update on the Hyperion spill and recovery at the August 17 El Segundo City Council meeting. The update will include an overview and answer questions about what happened on July 11 and the ongoing recovery effort. Senior representatives from various regulatory agencies and City of LA will also be part of this update and available for questions. You can watch the meeting live starting at 6 p.m. on Channel 3, the City's website at elsegundo.org  and the City's YouTube channel. 

(Update August 6, 2021) 

LA Sanitation updated its webpage at lacitysan.org to officially announce that it extended the deadline for the Hyperion reimbursement program to Thursday, August 12. The extension allows participants to make purchases and finalize hotel stays by August 12.  For those who selected the hotel reimbursement option, the extension allows you to check out the morning of August 13, 2021. LASAN also clarified its release language for both Option 1 and Option 2. You can read them by clicking the links. The updated webpage also clarifies that the $182 nightly limit for hotel stays is exclusive of tax per federal GSA per diem standards.

For those who are unsure if they've received approval of their applications, LASAN encourages participants to look for an email with the subject line "Hyperion Reimbursement." This email should have a blue box with a link to the reimbursement form and the email serves as your approval letter. Please note when submitting receipts and documentation on LSAN's secure online form that all documents should be loaded at once to avoid reimbursement delays.

Click here for the application. Click here to view the Hyperion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or call the 24-hour Customer Care Center to answer any of your questions at 1-800-773-2489.

LASAN also unveiled a new web page this week titled, “Hyperion 2021 Recovery” which offers updates on the recovery process at the plant. You can view lab results, critical process equipment updates and correspondence with regulatory agencies. LASAN also included a copy of the August 5 Hyperion incident presentation to the Los Angeles City Council’s Environment, Climate Change, Environment Justice and River Committee. View presentation.

(Update August 4, 2021)

LA Sanitation has extended its deadline for the Hyperion reimbursement program to Thursday, August 12, 2021. The extension allows participants to make their purchases and finalize hotel stays by that date. LASAN will be updating its website to reflect the change.  

For those who have applied for the Hyperion reimbursement program and have not received the approval email with a link to submit receipts, L.A. City staff will continue sending out the emails this week and expects to make significant progress in screening the applications. Please keep a look out for an email from sanhyperion@lacity.org. To streamline the reimbursement process, LASAN staff requests that applicants submit all receipts and documents in one upload cycle. For those who have submitted receipts, LASAN expects to begin sending out reimbursement checks this week. Click here for the application. Click here to view the Hyperion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

For detailed reimbursement information please visit the LA Sanitation Department webpage or contact its 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 to express specific concerns. If you feel that you have lost money or property as a result of any action or inaction by the City of Los Angeles associated with this incident, you can file a claim (regardless of whether or not you live in the prescribed boundaries) by clicking here. 

On Monday, August 2, 2021, the City of Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment Department shared an email announcing a new Hyperion 2021 Recovery website with effluent quality data for the 5 mile outfall, critical process equipment status, fence line monitoring data, and correspondence with local, regional, state and federal regulatory agencies.  

This is the recovery update from L.A. Hyperion posted on the new website: 

"City of Los Angeles forces and contractors are working around the clock to pump wastewater out of inundated facilities, sanitize facilities and equipment, and mitigate hazardous conditions inside the facilities caused by the flooding. It is expected to take a month or more to repair damaged facilities and equipment in order to restore full functionality to Hyperion. Our commitment is to complete the repairs as soon as possible."

For those who have applied for the Hyperion reimbursement program for El Segundo residents and have not received the approval email, L.A. City staff will continue sending out the emails this week. The deadline for reimbursement is August 5, 2021.  LASAN will provide an update in the next few days about whether the program deadline will be extended. For those who have submitted receipts, LASAN expects to begin sending out reimbursement checks this week. Click here for the application. Click here to view the updated list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

For detailed reimbursement information please visit the LA Sanitation Department webpage or contact its 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 to express specific concerns. If you feel that you have lost money or property as a result of any action or inaction by the City of Los Angeles associated with this incident, you can file a claim (regardless of whether or not you live in the prescribed boundaries) by clicking here. 

(Update Friday, July 30, 2021) The City of Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment Department reported that staff will continue to send out approval emails with the reimbursement link to applicants next week. For those who have applied for the program and have not received the approval email, staff will resume sending out the emails on Monday, August 2, 2021. The deadline for reimbursement is August 5, 2021.  Click here for the application. Click here to view the updated list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).The City of Los Angeles also updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) today to clarify the following:

How do I submit my receipts for reimbursement?
Please use the online Reimbursement Request form which is provided in the application approval email. You must complete the application and receive written approval before completing the reimbursement request. Receipts for daily meals, groceries, and incidentals are not required. A completed and signed IRS Form W-9 is required for reimbursement along with proof of residency such as your most current utility bill.

Why do you need an IRS Form W-9?
The City requires this in order to process reimbursements. However, the reimbursement is not 1099 reportable.

Please also be advised that the hotel reimbursement criteria established by the City of Los Angeles is only application for hotels or motels within Los Angeles County.  This information is also included in Hyperion's FAQs.

On July 27, 2021, the City of Los Angeles updated the lacitysan.org website to include new information about its Hyperion reimbursement program for El Segundo residents along with a set of "Frequently Asked Questions" FAQs to help answer your questions. Additionally, the deadline for reimbursement has been extended from July 29, 2021 to August 5, 2021. 

For detailed reimbursement information please visit the LA Sanitation Department webpage or contact its 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 to express specific concerns. If you feel that you have lost money or property as a result of any action or inaction by the City of Los Angeles associated with this incident, you can file a claim (regardless of whether or not you live in the prescribed boundaries) by clicking here. 

The following is what is included on the list of Hyperion July 2021 Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Application for Assistance?

A recent incident at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant has caused inconvenience for the surrounding residents. In an effort to mitigate these impacts, the reimbursement program offers two options (see below) available to residents within the designated boundary area.

What are the geographic boundaries for this program?

Homes within the boundaries of Vista del Mar, Imperial Highway, Pacific Coast Highway, and El Segundo Boulevard in El Segundo, CA 90245 are eligible. Click here to view a map.

The website states that this offer is valid until July 29, 2021 unless otherwise extended in writing by the City of Los Angeles. Will it be extended?

LA Sanitation & Environment, after hearing input from the City of El Segundo, will make a determination every Friday morning about the continuation of reimbursements until the situation has been fully resolved. Residents utilizing the program should check our website daily at www.lacitysan.org/alerts to see if the program is extended. Receipts must be timestamped before 11:59pm with the exception of hotel receipts, which are valid through checkout on the morning of August 6, 2021.

I'm inside the boundaries. What are my options for mitigation?

Each household may select only (1) option:

Option 1. Air conditioner unit(s)

LA Sanitation & Environment will reimburse each eligible household for air conditioner
unit(s). For this purpose, LA Sanitation & Environment shall define air conditioner unit as air conditioners, fans, air purifiers, air filters, and associated installation. The limit will remain at a $600 limit per household for homes 1000 square feet or smaller, and a $1,200 limit per household for homes above 1000 square feet. Itemized receipts will be required within 14 days of purchase. This offer is valid from July 12, 2021 through August 5, 2021 unless otherwise extended in writing by the City of Los Angeles.

Option 2. Reimbursement for hotel room, meals, and incidentals

LA Sanitation & Environment will reimburse each eligible household for one hotel room of up to $182 per day and hotel self parking for one vehicle per day. Meals and groceries will also be reimbursed at the rate of $62 per day for each person currently residing full time in the household as noted on the completed application. Receipts will be required for the hotel and parking, but not for meals or groceries. Most hotels are able to provide a receipt with room, tax, and parking only with other charges separated out. This offer is valid from July 12, 2021 through August 5, 2021 (for hotel checkout the morning of August 6, 2021), unless otherwise extended in writing by the City of Los Angeles.

Can I be reimbursed for air conditioner unit(s) or hotel room purchased before the reimbursement program was offered?

Yes, if you qualify for reimbursement, we will retroactively reimburse for air conditioner unit(s) or hotel rooms purchased on or after July 12, 2021 through the end of the reimbursement program, within the above-stated limits

Will I be reimbursed for my increased utility bill?

No, at this time, the City is not in a position to offer assistance with utility payments.

Does the reimbursement include installation?

Yes, if the total of the purchase price of the unit(s) plus professional installation falls below the maximum reimbursement amount of up to $600 for homes smaller than 1,000 square feet, and $1,200 for homes larger than 1,000 square feet. Itemized receipts with proof of purchase and/or service are required.

Can I purchase and install central air with Option 1?

Yes, but it does not change the maximum allowable reimbursement amount.

How were the hotel limits decided?

LA Sanitation & Environment followed federal GSA per diem guidelines.

What are incidentals?

Federal GSA guidelines define incidentals as fees and tips given to porters, baggage carriers, hotel staff, and staff on ships. Reimbursement for incidentals is limited to this guideline.

Will you reimburse for AirBNB stays?

No, at this time the reimbursement program is applicable only to hotels and motels within Los Angeles County.

How do I apply for assistance?

1. Complete the online Application for Assistance; all fields must be completed as indicated
2. Receive email approval from LASAN with a link to the Reimbursement Request Form (check spam box)
3. Purchase your units or reserve your hotel room
4. Complete the Reimbursement Request Form and submit the required paperwork/receipts
5. Anticipate reimbursement within 2-3 weeks of complete and accurate submission of the required documentation.

How do I submit my receipts for reimbursement?

Please use the online Reimbursement Request Form which is provided in the application approval email. You must complete the application and receive written approval before completing the reimbursement request. Receipts for daily meals, groceries, and incidentals are not required. A completed and signed IRS form W-9 is required for reimbursement.

Do you need receipts for everything?

No. We need receipts for the purchase and/or installation of air conditioning unit(s), fans, filters, and air purifiers, and for hotel rooms and parking. Receipts are not required for meals, groceries, and incidentals. If you are staying in a hotel, you will be reimbursed $62 per day per person for meals and incidentals, according to the information you shared on your application.

How long will reimbursement take?

You may anticipate reimbursement approximately 2-3 weeks of complete and accurate submission of the required documentation.

How will reimbursement be issued?

Upon review and approval of your reimbursement request, a check will be mailed to your home. You may also complete additional paperwork to request direct deposit if you prefer that.

I don’t want to sign away my rights. Do I have to check the release of liability box?

This is the only field on the application that is not required. However, note that checking this box does not legally prevent you from taking action against the City of Los Angeles in the future.

I'm not within the boundaries, but I still want to apply for reimbursement. What can I do?

Although households outside the boundaries noted above are not eligible for the program, they are welcome to file a Claim for Damages with the City Clerk's office. Click here for more information about the process. You may start your digital application here. For questions about how to file a claim, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (213) 978-1133.

 

 

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, which borders El Segundo, is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles and is its oldest and largest wastewater treatment facility. 

• Hyperion Website
  • To join Hyperion's general mailing list for monthly updates and citizen forum meeting announcements, etc., click here.
• Hyperion Air Monitoring Website
  • To receive email notifications for elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at the fence line of Hyperion, click here.
• Hyperion 24-Hour Reporting Hotline: 310-318-8232

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, which borders El Segundo, is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles and is its oldest and largest wastewater treatment facility.

For more information or to file a complaint, please contact LA Sanitation & Environment's 24-hour Customer Care Center at: 1-800-773-2489 or visit its website. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Community Outreach Team at LASAN.CleanWater.Outreach@lacity.org.

South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is the local air quality regulatory agency that has been the lead in responding to odor complaints. Residents can submit air quality complaints by calling 1-800-CUT-SMOG (1-800-288-7664), via the South Coast AQMD mobile app or online at www.aqmd.gov/complaints.

Residents can also sign up for air quality alerts here.

For more information on South Coast AQMD’s actions please visit the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant webpage.

For questions about water quality at our local beaches please visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also responds to calls about odors as it relates to potential health impacts. To report odors call Public Health at 1-888-700-9995 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

The Los Angeles Regional Water Board is one of nine Regional Water Boards statewide. These Boards are part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CAL/EPA), along with the Air Resources Board, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substance Control, the California Integrated Waste Management Board, and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

For more information, call 213-576-6600 or go to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board website.

An independent report submitted to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on July 20, 2021 provides the community with detailed information about the July 11, 2021 sewage spill at Hyperion located in the City of Los Angeles.  View report.