08-28-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 28, 2002 Fahey stated that he was very safety conscience pointing out his service on the Fire Department as well as the fact that he works for a gas utility. Fahey noted that gas utility lines exist right in the streets in front of al] the homes in Little Canada. These lines can be dangerous as well, yet there is not discussion for an increased setback from these lines, only for the Williams Pipeline. Fahey noted that the issue for the Council is trying to be fair and reasonable to all the parties concerned. Allen noted that safety is the neighborhood's concern, and he noted that some individuals present have experienced ruptured pipelines. Fahey felt that the Council needed additional information. First, information is needed on the location of the pipelines as well as the easement, and the relative distance from the pipelines to the proposed structures. Fahey stated that he would also like information about setback standards that other cities have adopted. Fahey indicated that the Council needs to be convinced that whatever standard is adopted is reasonable and desirable. Fahey stated that he was not interested in adopting a standard the sole purpose of which is to preclude development. Scalze stated that she would like to see where the pipeline runs through the entire City to review the impact of the pipeline on both developed and undeveloped properties. Fahey also stated that he would like the opinion of the City Attorney as relates to the liability that the City incurs if it adopts a setback that is significantly different from what other cities have adopted. Anderson asked if the recommended setback would be different depending on The depth of the pipeline. Weiss replied that depth is not a factor. Steve Brausen asked how much gasoline would flow from the pipeline if a major rupture occurred. Weiss indicated that Williams monitors the lines, and if a rupture occurred, the pipeline would be shut down immediately. However, he estimated that as much as 50,000 gallons of gasoline could leak before the pipeline could be shut down. That would be the equivalent of 7 tankers. Fahey agreed that a rupture is a major public safety risk. However, if it is assumed that a rupture is a certainty, no one would build next to a pipeline. Fahey also asked for information on the cathodic protection that is in place for the lines, the type of maintenance performed on the lines, information on the integrity of the lines, and any other information on safety issues. 12