Chemical Tank Farm Closer to Groundbreaking After SEPA Documents Released

Sumner is a step closer to having a chemical plant off Zehnder Street.

On Friday, Sumner released its SEPA Decision Letter, the result of a lengthy city study on the impact of building plans submitted by Norhtstar Chemical, Inc. The document includes a list of 43 action items the landowner must complete before building its facility.

The action items are mitigation points needed due to environmental land impact, municipal codes and state law.

They include regulations to protect citizens against hazardous materials and prevent accidents. The conditions include tests to protect air quality and the local geology, monitor water pH levels and study the traffic impacts, among others.

Read the entire document here.

Friday’s development doesn’t necessarily mean that Northstar is moving in. After such a lengthy approval process, the city still doesnt know if the landowner is planning to build the plant in Sumner or not.

In a press statement, Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow urges residents to read the SEPA document closely and thanks them for participating in the process.

"We heard many concerns about this project from both the citizens and the property owner, and I’m glad that everyone cares enough about Sumner to share their thoughts and make this a full and complete process. The important thing now is for all of us to take the time to review the Environmental Impact Statement," said Enslow. "It may not be fun reading, but it is there to address and carefully analyze every one of our concerns. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate and thank you to our own employees who carefully balanced all the opinions and concerns with Federal, State and local laws."

Since Northstar proposed the project in 2004, citizens have been urging the city council to stop the project. Northstar’s plan calls for a tank farm of up to 24 tanks that would be primarily used to store liquid chemicals used in water treatment processes. None of the chemicals on the plant would be explosive, according to the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Other development plans on the land include a loading/unloading facility, an administrative building, parking, drainage services and landscaping. The entire complex will encompass 3 acres.

The chemical plant plan is in opposition with Sumner’s future plans for that area of town, which would call for future housing and enhancement in the downtown core.

At the April 16 city council meeting, Sumner denied boundary changes in the area that would affect the plans put forth by Northstar. While it didn’t stop the chemical plant plan, it did show that the landowner’s plans are not congruent with the city’s future vision.

Read that article .

The city council cannot vote for or against a chemical plant in town and legally, the landowner has the right to develop the property as long as the 43 conditions are met before breaking ground.