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Hearing officer approves 68-foot silos at White River North treatment plant to boost capacity
Summary
Citizens requested two dry powdered activated carbon silos about 68 feet tall as part of a plant expansion to increase capacity by roughly 75%; planning staff recommended approval citing large setbacks and site constraints.
The hearing officer approved a variance July 28 allowing two silos about 68 feet tall at the Citizens White River North Water Treatment Plant to support a capacity increase the petitioner described as roughly 75 percent. Corin Hendrix represented Citizens and said the silos (about 14-foot diameter, ~68 feet high) would store powdered activated carbon so the plant can operate at higher demand.
"They would like to build 2 large silos about 14 foot diameter and 68 foot height to hold powdered activated carbon," Corin Hendrix said, describing the silos as part of an expansion that adds sedimentation basins and a new filter building. Planning staff noted the site is residential in the surrounding area but said the silos would be located centrally on the site with setbacks of approximately 650 feet from the side property line and 630 feet from the street. "Planning staff is supportive of the variance request, and we recommend positive consideration as well as the adoption of the findings of fact," Angie said.
A nearby resident, Jennifer Johnson of 6167 East 120th Street, expressed opposition, saying operations and increased activity have previously affected her property and wildlife. "There's always something going on there ... I oppose it. I don't think anybody else really wants a bunch of monstrosities growing up here," Johnson said.
Petitioner representatives said alternatives, such as slurry tanks, are less volumetrically efficient and that much of the plant is built in constrained conditions including floodway areas, making taller, centralized silos a space-minimizing option. The hearing officer granted the variance and adopted the findings of fact; no roll-call tally was recorded on the transcript.
Future actions — such as building permits and design treatments to minimize visual impact — remain subject to separate approvals and permit requirements.
