12-19-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View Planning Commission December 5, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 4 ______________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Cramblit questioned what would happen if the redundancies failed. Mr. Pehrson replied the redundant fail safe design has been proposed on the three above ground tanks and the fill area. He stated this is a new concept with little incident for evaluation. He stated this is a mechanical system designed to react should a hazardous event occur, but still must rely on it’s mechanics to operate properly. He stated it could not assure a zero risk; however, it would bring it down to what the code states to reduce risk. He mentioned a special fire resistant coating that could be applied to the large tanks as well as other options to increase safety. Chair Stevenson pointed out the location of the Townsedge Terrace manufactured home park and asked how much of a concern this is to the Fire Department. Fire Marshall Osmonson replied the safety of residents is always the primary concern of the Fire Department. She indicated though that she can only enforce the code. Mr. Pehrson replied standards are established that the tanks must pass. He stated the separation distances are met. He commented that a fire safety analysis is required for the new location. He explained that the release scenarios are not worst case scenarios for testing ultimate safety. Mr. Pehrson stated it would not appear to protect from rocketing tanks or cylinders. He stated that in the past there have been cases where this has been the case; however, the tanks or cylinders traveled less than 1,000 feet. He stated the code did not appear to address this. Fire Marshall Osmonson stated the code states only the minimums. Chair Stevenson stated it appears that Ferrellgas it is now closer to the Fedtech building. He commented he appreciated that Ferrellgas chose a location that is lower than the neighboring properties. Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek questioned what would be the difference in the procedures in Mounds View than in the current location for the escaping of odorant. Mr. Pehrson replied the adopted fire code minimums did not address odor thresholds and traveling distance from a site. He commented that there is one area where, if odor is a concern, low emission transfer may cut down on the odors. Commissioner Lang asked Fire Marshall Osmonson to elaborate on the additional fire department training requirements that would be needed if Ferrellgas were to move here. Fire Marshall Osmonson replied Ferrellgas has agreed to provide training to the Fire Department on an annual basis. Commissioner Cramblit questioned whether the Fire Department had the required equipment to handle an emergency at Ferrellgas.