Guest Opinion: Propane Storage Unsafe for Seaview Neighborhoods

— by Eric Gourley —

I am [sending to the county] this memo in opposition to the proposed propane storage facility on Aeroview Lane.

I own a hangar/apartment on 77 Aeroview Lane. I have a tenant who lives year round in the apartment. I am at my hangar almost on a daily basis. The proximity of a large propane tank within 300 feet of my property is daunting.

I well remember the propane spill emergency on February 17, 2015. I was leaving my hangar and upon exiting at Seaview, I found it to be cordoned off and was told I would not be able to return until the spill and fumes had been controlled. I was later told that a truck had pulled away with the refilling hose still attached resulting in propane gas pouring out into a neighborhood occupied by many residents along Seaview with the potential of a devastating explosion.

I bring the spill incident up because it illustrates that no matter how many safety precautions are taken, accidents happen. If one were to occur this close to my property, it would be just as dangerous.

We now have propane at the end of Seaview St., on Mount Baker road for the County, and three or more tanks plus an equal amount of trucks behind San Juan Propane [on Mount Baker Road]. Adding another tank increases the potential for a disastrous occurrence for not only me but all residents along Seaview St. and Aeroview Lane. The population density on Seaview and Aeroview is much greater than realized. People live in their homes year round on Aeroview and [in the Grassylvania neighborhood north of Aeroview]. There are numerous apartments and OPAL homes on Seaview St. from the beginning to the end. Even with the greatest safety precautions in place, a gas explosion would be disastrous in this area.

The last I heard was there was going to be a kayak shop on the vacant lot. It has apparently been sold and much to my surprise is now earmarked for a large propane tank (and who knows how many others might follow). Safety is my upmost concern. Trucks running in and out to fill the tank(s) — or be filled — are going to significantly increase our traffic.

We have placed signs attempting to guard our privacy and minimize traffic on Aeroview. Unless stored in a hangar/home similar to those existing on Aeroview, a naked storage tank is going to be an eyesore and counters the neighborhood atmosphere we have created.

Has OPAL been informed of this proposed facility? [It was indicated in my phone call to the county]  that comments could still be made until the hearing [pn July 13] although the advertised deadline was June 21.

I encourage the County to be proactive and reach out to these other residents as I am sure they will be seriously concerned.

Please do not allow this facility to go forward.