Commission clears BodyCo plan to install 37-foot liquid-nitrogen tank and vaporizers at Burke Street site

The Santa Fe Springs Planning Commission unanimously approved a development plan and modification for BodyCo Thermal Processing to install a 37-foot-5-inch carbon-steel liquid-nitrogen storage tank and two 18-foot-5-inch ambient vaporizers at 11845 Burke St.

Assistant Planner Cynthia Alvarez presented the proposal (DPA case 1015; MOD case 1371) and explained the nitriding process the company will use. Alvarez emphasized that nitrogen is nonflammable, odorless and non-toxic but noted asphyxiation risk if not stored and ventilated appropriately; she said the tanks were sited to preserve fire access and parking, minimize visual impacts where feasible, and that the vaporizer units would be mostly screened by the building. Alvarez recommended approval and adoption of Resolution 306-2025, and said staff coordinated with the fire department on safety design.

Alvarez described the siting distances presented to the commission: the tank would sit approximately 165 feet from Burke Street and about 450 feet from Slauson Avenue and Dice Road. The tank is sized to meet roughly a week’s worth of production to reduce refill frequency, and staff showed photo-simulations of expected visual impacts. The project was presented as categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15303 (Class 3) for small new structures. Notices were posted to nearby owners and published in the Los Cerritos Community Newspaper; staff reported two inquiries but no opposition in the record.

No members of the public registered opposition at the hearing. The commission closed public comment, moved and seconded approval, and adopted Resolution 306-2025 by roll call vote, 5–0. A 14-day appeal period was announced.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 1366; topfinish SEG 1556.