Richmond council OKs zoning change to allow underground propane storage with strict safety criteria

The Richmond Town Council on May 13 approved a zoning amendment to establish a propane use code that permits underground commercial propane storage under defined safety and environmental conditions.

The move followed a public hearing in which Robert Bridal, representing the applicant, and engineering expert Tom Hefner described a proposed 30,000‑gallon underground propane tank and a suite of controls intended to protect public safety and the town’s aquifer. "Underground propane containers are specifically addressed in NFPA 58," Bridal said, adding that properly engineered underground storage can allow the town "to protect the aquifer while also allowing a well‑designed professionally operated commercial facility." He recommended paved truck staging, cathodic protection, emergency shutoffs, spill response plans and periodic inspections.

Councilors pressed the applicant on migration and neighbor safety. Councilor Clauson asked whether propane could migrate into nearby houses if a leak occurred; the expert said migration requires an enclosed pathway and stressed setbacks and engineered protections, noting NFPA 58 allows a 10‑foot separation for some underground tanks compared with larger setbacks for above‑ground containers.

Councilor Reynolds offered and read an amendment that became part of the ordinance, listing eight specific objective criteria: allow only LP/propane in ASME‑rated underground tanks installed per NFPA 58 with local fire authority review; prohibit underground storage of gasoline, diesel, waste oil, solvents and other hazardous liquids; require corrosion protection and cathodic testing; ensure unloading and filling occur on impervious paved pads with vehicle impact protection and marked emergency shutoffs; require spill response materials, written procedures and employee training; prohibit routine parking or maintenance on unpaved surfaces; require engineered stormwater controls; and maintain inspection logs with annual APOD compliance certification.

Council debate touched on open‑meetings advertising requirements and whether the item should be placed as a distinct subsection; the town solicitor and planner advised that the amendment can be added to the zoning table and a new special‑use subsection so site‑specific criteria will be reviewed by the planning board and then the zoning board during the special‑use permit process. The council adopted the amendment and the main motion by roll call.

The ordinance change does not apply to residential tanks, councilors noted, and any specific development still must obtain planning‑board input and a zoning board special‑use permit where setbacks, curb cuts and truck turning radii will be evaluated. The applicant’s materials were entered into the record and will be incorporated into the ordinance language to be finalized by staff.