“We’ve been working with the flammable liquids for a long time,” said Chris Lupold, Vestal’s fire inspector and an assistant chief with the volunteer fire department . “We’ve worked real closely with (the fuel companies) on how to handle situations there. Should something happen, we’re well prepared.”
The work on the projects is expected to be completed by October 1, 2009, according to Garay Fernando, a spokesman for Citgo. The company is installing the tanks to meet regulatory guidelines for refiners to install ethanol blending across a network of terminals.
During a town board meeting on May 13, 2009, town leaders will host a public hearing on Citgo’s request for an aquifer permit for the tank installation, something that’s required because of its proximity to water sources. Next, Citgo must get building permits and fire-safety permits.
Cigto did not respond to a request for information about the new tanks.
Each of Citgo’s new tanks will host a 4-inch pipe that allows firefighters to supply foam solution directly to the tank. Buckeye is paying for an on-site suppression system that will include an attached foam chamber. Firefighters have done extensive training in flammable liquids.
