National City approves West Air permit for 30,000‑gallon propane tank after safety debate

The National City Council on May 5 approved a conditional use permit allowing West Air to install a 30,000‑gallon aboveground liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage vessel at 2100 Halfley Avenue, concluding a months‑long planning process that drew heavy public comment about safety and cumulative pollution on the West Side.

Community Development Director Martin Reeder told the council the facility is proposed at an existing industrial site and would require a coastal development permit because the CUP is discretionary. The project, as presented to the council, would include a large horizontal storage tank, automated cylinder‑filling equipment, and one bobtail delivery about every two weeks. Reeder said the site has an existing remediation system from past underground tank leaks and that the planning commission recommended approval by a 3–2 vote.

Why it matters: West Side residents urged delay or denial, saying the neighborhood already bears a disproportionate share of industrial uses and diesel traffic. Council members…