09-25-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COIINCIL SEPTEMBER 25, 2002 provided by City staff shows there are 31 properties that have structures within 50 feet of the edge of a pipeline easement. Fahey felt that the 50- foot policy creates a hazard zone in the City, and he did not feel there was solid evidence to support the creation of that zone. Fahey noted the State regulation for no construction of structures on pipeline easements, and that coupled with keeping the road off the easement area would create the buffer that is being sought without impacting those other 31 properties in the City. Scalze noted that the Williams Pipeline is a 45-year-old line that has had three undisturbed breaks. Given this information, Scalze felt that adoption of a setback policy was warranted. Fahey noted that the Office of Pipeline Safety is recommending a 150-foot setback from pipelines given that their research shows that 2/3rds of the damage from a rupture happens within the 150 feet. The other 1/3rd occurs within 500 feet. Fahey indicated that adoption of that standard would totally preclude development, and noted that cities, other than Maplewood, have not adopted setback standards over the State Statute. Fahey felt that if there was the need for additional setbacks than the easement area itself, then the State should adopt those standards. Ron Wiest, Chief Engineer, Office of Pipeline Safety, agreed that it was the recommendation of his office that a 150-foot setback be adopted from pipelines as outlined in their model ordinance. Fahey noted that this model ordinance was presented to the State Legislature and was not adopted. The State Statute says no development of structures within a pipeline easement area. Allen pointed out that the area involved in The Preserve plat is unique given the wetland. She pointed out that a rupture of the pipeline in this area will impact the adjacent wetland as well as could carry petroleum products through the chain of lakes system. Allen felt, therefore, that additional buffer was warranted in this a~~ea. David Crary pointed out that the Office of Pipeline Safety are the experts and they are recommending the 150-foot setback. Crary felt this was a life safety issue and urged the Council to be leaders on this issue. Tom Hartigan felt that the City needed an ordinance that establishes a reasonable setback from the pipeline. He also noted the impact that a road connection through to Viking Drive will have on the Arcand and Brausen properties. Hartigan felt that The Preserve plat crammed 17 homes into a narrow area. He urged the Council to not ignore the safety issue. 12