Commissioners press staff on which commodities would be allowed under pipeline amendment

Several commissioners said they were comfortable with allowing the specific commodity POET seeks to handle (CO2) but worried that broad language could permit other commodities that might draw public complaints. Commissioner Arnie asked whether the ordinance needs to list acceptable commodities and warned that the word could encompass "water...natural gas...crude oil, refined fuels, slurries," which could change how the city is affected.

Planning staff responded that "commodities is pretty standard language" and that state and federal regulations would govern hazardous materials and pipeline operations. Tammy said staff worked with POET on the draft; she also noted that the 1965 ordinance language reflected past expectations that only public utilities would do these activities.