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Los Angeles Trans-Pacific Telecommunications Cable Hub

The Project consists of the installation and operation of up to four transpacific submarine cable systems, which would connect the United States to various locations in Asia-Pacific, starting with Hong Kong. Phase I of the Project would include installation of the Pacific Light Cable Network (PLCN) subsea telecommunication cable system, a second marine cable “segment,” referred to here as the Trans-Pacific Cable Segment, and construction of associated infrastructure, including horizontal directionally drilled (HDD) bore pipes, underground beach manholes (BMHs), ocean ground beds, and the terrestrial conduit route connecting the BMHs to an existing data center. All permanent Project components would be installed below ground. Phases II, III, and IV would include installation and operation of a subsea cable system to complete the Trans-Pacific Cable Segment (Phase II) and two additional cable systems (Phases III and IV, respectively).

The proposed Project landing site is located within the northeast corner of a parking lot at Dockweiler State Beach (33°56'31.24"N 118°26'29.64"W), immediately west of South Marine Avenue, and approximately 70 meters (m) (230 feet [ft]) west of Vista Del Mar Boulevard abutting the western boundary of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A subsurface terrestrial duct system would be constructed from the project-installed beach manholes at the Dockweiler State Beach parking lot to an existing data center, requiring conveyance through public street ROW within the cities of Los Angeles and El Segundo. This particular project falls within a dual coastal jurisdiction zone; the project must meet local and state coastal development permit requirements.

A local Coastal Development Permit application has been submitted to the Bureau of Engineering with respect to the proposed development. The applicant for the Coastal Development Permit is TE Subsea Communications LLC (TE SubCom).  A public hearing was held on September 28, 2017 at the Westchester Municipal Building Community Room.

On November 13, 2017, the City Engineer issued a Notice of Permit Issuance for Coastal Development Permit 16-09, which allows TE SubCom to proceed with the installation of the subterranean telecom cable infrastructure under special conditions. This notice, as well as the staff report supporting the decision, may be viewed by clicking on the links below.

On December 14, 2017, the California Coastal Commission appealed the local Coastal Development Permit (Appeal No. A-5-DRL-17-0071). A subsequent hearing took place on February 7, 2018 at the Cambria Pines Lodge. The California Coastal Commission has approved the project with special conditions. 

Report
(Click on italicized text to view report)
Initial Study
Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report
Notice of Availability of an Environmental Impact Report
Draft EIR
Draft EIR Executive Summary
Draft EIR Appendices
Final EIR
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations
Notice of Determination
Notice of Permit Issuance
California Coastal Commission Staff Report
California Coastal Commission Notification of Appeal
California Coastal Commission Cambria Hearing Notice