Plan commission approves above-ground fuel tank and 8-foot security fence at public works facility

The Wheeling Plan Commission approved a fence-height variation and site plan on April 22 to allow installation of an above-ground fuel-storage tank and associated improvements at the village public works facility, 77 West Hint Road.

Staff said the existing underground storage tank was found to have leakage into its interstitial space and is now obsolete; the village proposed removing it, testing and remediating soil as needed, and installing a white, cylindrical above-ground tank on a new pad. For safety and security, the village requested an 8-foot black-coated chain-link fence (no privacy slats) with barbed wire and protective bollards.

Staff provided details on canopy lighting, tree removals and replacements, and noted Fire Bureau requirements for bollards and other protections. The presentation included approximate tank capacity (combined ~12,000 gallons divided between gasoline and diesel) and staff said the village applied for and received a community-project funding grant that will cover about 80% of installation costs.

Commissioners approved the fence-height variation and the minor site-plan and appearance approval with listed conditions (black-coated chain-link fence, replacement of disturbed landscaping, floodplain permit requirements, and others read into the record). The case will be presented to the Village Board for final action per the standard process (May meeting date noted for final review where applicable).

Next steps: The underground tank will be removed, soil testing performed, remediation done if necessary, and above-ground tank construction permitted following receipt of required approvals and compliance with site- plan conditions.