Fertilizer warehouse and blending facility for Hartsburg gets pending approval from ZBA

[December 04, 2015]  LINCOLN - On December 3, 2015, the Logan County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) held a public hearing at the Hartsburg Legion Building to review AgLand FS's request for a conditional use permit for the construction of a 12,000 ton fertilizer warehouse and blending facility, a 7,500 ton Urea and Ammonia Nitrate (UAN) storage tank, and a 15,000 square foot chemical blending, storage, and warehouse facility at the AgLand FS property on 2281 Old Route 121 in Hartsburg.

ZBA chairman Doug Thompson, secretary Judy Graff, and members Rick Sheley, Rick Farmer, and Derek Martin were present as well as several from the Hartsburg community, and four AgLand FS employees.

Ross Dowell, Operations Manager at AgLand FS, provided a summary of their plans. Dowell said the facilities will be built to tested and engineered designs proven at other locations and will follow local zoning laws and requirements. The facility will be built according to the Department of Agriculture's rules and regulations designed to protect the community and environment. The facility will also have annual inspections by both the Department of Agriculture and AgLand FS.

Dowell said the facility will allow for storage of many dry fertilizer products, which will be hauled there by trucks. He said AgLand FS uses several products tested and approved for use by the EPA. AgLand FS uses the latest technology and Dowell said they provide products and services in a safe and efficient manner.

ZBA Chairman Doug Thompson asked Dowell about access since there are no lights and crossing rails at the railroad tracks when trucks enter AgLand's site from Route 121.

Dowell said he has contacted the railroad about this issue, but has not received a response.

Thompson also asked about drainage issues and whether AgLand FS could ensure that water does not exit the property.

Dowell and employee John Eigenbrod said water runs straight south when it rains. John Schneider, who owns the nearby Sugar Creek Lodge said the water actually runs south and then west.

Dowell said they have retiled and will be replacing a water main and are working to ensure water is contained. AgLand FS will have engineers look at the property to make sure water is not a problem.

Thompson also asked about whether they handle anhydrous ammonia and do not handle the more danger ammonium nitrate.

Dowell said they do use anhydrous ammonia, which is also handled at a New Holland facility. He they do not handle ammonium nitrate due to regulations that make it hard to handle.

Neighbors express concerns

Hartsburg residents Doris Last and Tim Schmidt both asked about increased traffic. Schmidt said he is concerned more trucks entering the property would further tear up corners.

Dowell said that most of the trucks would enter from route 121 and he will talk to the drivers if he sees that the trucks are tearing up the road.

Other neighbors said they were concerned about trucks entering from first street, which is behind the facility, but Dowell said he will try to ensure that trucks are not entering that way.

John Schneider said he had a list of concerns, which he handed out to ZBA members. He asked about water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution, hours of operation, and security. also asked whether IDOT might be able to put up caution lights near the crossing and whether the road would be able to keep up with the number of trucks coming in.

Diane and Kevin Leindl, who live near the facility said the noise and odors are already bad and Kevin Leidl said the dust would likely increase with more traffic and they worry because their son has allergies.

Hartsburg resident Marvin Hilton asked how many dry mix facilities would be consolidated here and said he is also concerned about dust during year round operation since his wife has allergies.

Dowell said six to seven would be consolidated and said much of the work will be done in the fall season between August and October.

Hartsburg resident Tom Schmidt asked whether they would use more dry or liquid fertilizer.

Dowell said they use more dry fertilizer now, but it could change as rules and regulations change.

Gene Bathe, Hartsburg Mayor pro-tem said the city does not produce enough water to help with their operations. Dowell said they could drill a well.

After the public presented concerns, Thompson said the ZBA had five criteria to consider for conditional use.

Criteria for the Conditional Use

1 The establishment of the conditional use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare.

2 The conditional use will not be not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity or substantially diminish property values in the neighborhood.

3 The establishment of the conditional use will not impede normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for use permitted in the district.

4 Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, or necessary facilities have been or will be provided.

5 Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide entrance and exit in order to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.

Thompson said that looking at the criteria, road access and more truck traffic is the biggest concern because it could endanger people. He said AgLand FS may need to talk to the state and make sure the road is wide enough and ask if the railroad needs arms.

D'Andrea said that it is a private crossing and they would have to talk to the railroad about some of the issues. The state could tell them what other improvements are needed.

ZBA member Rick Sheley said he would also like to see traffic flow addressed as well as proper access to the facility.

Thompson said it may be difficult to fix the access, but they could communicate these concerns to the Logan County Board.

D'Andrea said the ZBA could make these recommendations and approve it by saying proper access is a condition.

For the ZBA recommendation, Graff said she had written that they would approve the conditional use with proper access with confirmation from the railroad and IDOT. All members of the ZBA voted to approve.

This recommendation will be presented to the Logan County Board at the Workshop on Thursday, December 10.

[Angela Reiners]