Eagan council approves Rich Products permits for liquid nitrogen silo with safety conditions

The Eagan City Council on Nov. 19 approved a conditional-use permit and related variances to allow a vertical liquid nitrogen storage silo at Rich Products’ facility at 1000 Apollo Road.

City planner Schultz explained the applicant revised plans to move the proposed 11,000–13,000-gallon silo at least 25 feet from the rear of the building and screened it from public view. The project includes protective fencing and bollards and requires a planting plan to replace removed vegetation; the silo will be painted to match the principal building.

Justin Penka, representing Rich Products Corporation, described how liquid nitrogen would be piped from the silo to the building, noting the pipeline would be raised to enable safe egress and protected by bollards. He said the system will include automated shutoff and atmospheric/oxygen sensors inside the building and along the pipeline that would trigger closures if sensors detect a release.

Councilmembers asked technical questions about pressure-relief devices and mechanical details. The transcript records that the fire marshal reviewed safety concerns and that a mechanical permit and plan review would be required between the fire marshal and mechanical inspector before installation.

Councilmember Hanson moved approval of the conditional-use permit and council approved the permit and the associated height variances by voice vote.

What happens next: Rich Products must obtain required mechanical permits and inspections, satisfy the conditions listed in the advisory planning commission minutes and coordinate plan review with the fire marshal and mechanical inspector before construction or installation.