Major Project SitingA Positive Case Study
Glenn McGinnisChief Executive OfficerArizona Clean Fuels Yuma
Glenn McGinnisChief Executive OfficerArizona Clean Fuels Yuma
SESSION 1
Presentation Overview
Arizona Clean Fuels Yuma Refinery (ACFY) project – Background, Overview and Impacts
Yuma County Community – Overview and Impacts
Maricopa County / Yuma County - Contrasts ACFY Community Approach Strategy Assessment of Results Lessons Learned – “Do’s and Don’ts”
Arizona Clean Fuels Yuma Project
Proposed new oil refinery – 150 kBD Original location in Maricopa County – moved to
Yuma County due to Air Permit Issues / Public concern
Complex Refinery - $4 billion project including new pipeline from west coast of Mexico
Construction requires 3000 people – Operations requires 500 people
Air Permit issued by ADEQ – emissions less than 50% of those from existing refineries
Yuma versus Maricopa County Sites
Maricopa County site:• within “Ozone non-attainment area”• In an area targeted for significant population growth• Subject to environmental justice concerns• Local opposition – political and community – project
viewed negatively• “Not a Good Choice”
Yuma County Site:• In remote area with little population & low land values• Local population interested in economic benefits –
jobs, taxes, etc.• Active local support – political and community –
project viewed positively
ACFY selected site – 45 miles from Yuma
Refinery Location
Yuma County Community Overview
Yuma County located in the SW corner of Arizona – bordering California & Mexico
County population is approximately 100,000 in summer – approaching 200,000 in winter
Closest town – Wellton is 10 miles west of the site – with population of 2,000
Farming area 3 miles northwest Population in area is sparse City of Yuma is 45 miles away – military and
farm economy – growing industrial and commercial
Project Community Impacts
Construction – worker housing and services• Rely on “Trailer Parks” with some temporary
housing• Company to provide transportation and on-site
services• Traffic around the site
Operations – expect 500 employees & contractors
• Will require housing – Yuma, Tacna, Dateland• Impact on Schools, Recreational Facilities, etc.• ACFY working with local Community College on
training programs for local hiring
Community Concerns
Emissions impact on local environment – impact on farm crops assessed by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in Permit Technical Support Document
Water use minimized by design – zero discharge Local traffic and community services
• Arizona Dept. of Transport/ACFY planning new interchange on I-8
• Impact minimal versus “Snowbirds” Emergency Response capability and impact on
local services Impact on land values - positive
ACFY Community Outreach Strategy
Meet with local politicians and community leaders – early and often!
Provide details of project and its impacts – “good” and “bad”
Address key community concerns and be willing to “invest in community” – Training, Infrastructure
Be diplomatic to detractors – “Take the high ground”
Ensure State and Federal politicians and bureaucrats are briefed
Be proactive and available to the press
Assessment of Success
Excellent relationship with Yuma County Administration • “The way ACFY has approached Yuma has been a textbook model – one that
everyone appreciated from the very first day” – C. Prochaska, Yuma County Supervisor
Public meetings are well attended with more supporters than detractors
Air Permit re-issue actively supported by ADEQ, State Administration, Governor
No “organized” opposition during zoning hearings, permit hearings, public meetings
Frequent exposure in local and national press, radio and television
Lessons Learned
Find a location with minimal negative impact potential
Address key community concerns up-front and commit to good corporate citizenship
Be a champion for open communication Deal with the tough issues and detractors Build a network of influential supporters