A tank farm that has raised safety concerns in Red Deer County will be given another year to find a new location.
The facility is located on land leased from Parkland Industries in the Petrolia Business Park south of Red Deer.
In 2004, the county’s municipal planning commission denied an application to allow eight above-ground storage tanks on the 2.5-acre site because it did not complement existing uses in the area and was considered a safety risk to nearby housing.
The subdivision and development appeal board overturned the commission’s decision and granted DG Specialty Tankers a three-year approval.
In 2008, council gave first reading to change zoning to accommodate the tank farm, but it did not go further.
The county remains concerned about the tank farm because long-term plans for Petrolia Business Park see it evolving into office, storage and warehousing facilities near the tank farm. There is also a modular home park nearby.
Normally, the county requires a 1.6-km buffer from heavy industries and incompatible uses such as homes or schools.
Staff recommended repealing first reading of the rezoning and giving the company six months to relocate.
The commission heard that Parkland had plans for the land and the tank farm was expecting to move within a year. The tanks on site contain mostly non-flammable chemicals.
Council amended the resolution to give the company an extra six months.