ThisWeek CW 02/16/2012
Waste Management received the planning commission’s unanimous approval Feb. 13 for a variance so it can install a compressed natural gas (CNG) station at its West Walnut Street property in Canal Winchester.
Joe Looby, a consultant with Stantec Consulting, representing Waste Management, told the city’s planning and zoning commission Monday the company is in the process of converting its fleet of vehicles from diesel to natural gas.
“The trucks are currently diesel and in this case, they’ll park the convert-ed trucks here next to the (natural gas refueling station) at the end of their shift and go home while the trucks refuel,” Looby said. “The storage vessels are there to regulate and com-press the gas for fueling. They won’t actually be storing gas like the diesel tanks; the natural gas will come through a line underground.”
The planning commission was required to review the variance request because the refueling station will be in a flood zone, according to city planning and zoning administrator Andrew Dutton.
“The 100-year flood plain is at 750 feet above sea level,” he said. “The flood protection elevation is at 751.5 feet, and they’re proposing 750.5 feet.
“Even if they raise this to 751.5 feet, they’ll need a variance because it is a requirement of (the Federal Emergency Management Agency).”
The commissioners discussed the issue of screening for machinery that could reach 12 feet high. Commissioner Mike Vasko said he was concerned about setting a precedent if Canal Winchester allowed less than the federal recommendation.
“I don’t want to be the guy that when something happens and there’s a flood and the city looks at us as the guys who voted yes,” he said. “There’s a reason why we have rules and if we waive them, then we have to let other people do it, too. I’m concerned about the height, and I know (raising this equipment up) will be aggravating the appearance issue, but safety comes before appearance.”
Looby said the company would rather not raise the equipment higher due to safety concerns for workers on a day-to-day basis.
He said a higher platform for the natural gas refueling equipment would then require additional stairs and safety equipment, such as railings.
The commission voted to approve the variance with the condition that the natural gas refueling station be built at 751.5 feet above sea level, per federal requirements.
In other news, members unanimously approved a zoning amendment to allow a two-foot setback instead of three feet for driveways in the Fischer Homes development off Gender Road.
According to Dutton, this will allow the homes to be built with side-loaded garages instead of front-facing garages; side-loaded garages are considered preferable in the zoning code.
The next planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, March 12, at Town Hall, 10 N. High St.