Fuel tank proposal worries community

Interstate Concrete and Asphalt wants options other than natural gas to fire its asphalt-making plants.

But neighbors to the company’s Hayden mine and a local conservation group worry about putting two 20,000-gallon fuel tanks over the Rathdrum Prairie/Spokane Valley Aquifer, which is the sole source of drinking water for more than 400,000 people.

“If these tanks rupture, like if a truck hits it, there is a potential to contaminate the aquifer,” said Barry Rosenberg of Kootenai Environmental Alliance, which opposes Interstate’s request.

Interstate currently powers its asphalt batch plants – which heat rock and then mix it with oil to make asphalt that’s used in road building – with natural gas. The company wants the ability to use other types of fuels, such as fuel oil or diesel, in case there is ever a natural gas shortage.

The company is asking to put 20,000-gallon tanks at its two current asphalt plants near the Hayden mine. The first tank would be near the site’s entrance on Murphy Road and the other tank would be near Wyoming Avenue. Interstate also wants to convert its other asphalt plants in Bonner County and its concrete plant in Elk, Wash., to use fuels other than natural gas.

Interstate Environmental Manager Corky Witherwax said the tanks would have double-steel walls with a monitor in the space in between that would detect any leaks from the inner tank. The tanks also would be surrounded by 3,600-pound concrete blocks to protect them from any impacts, such as a truck ramming into them.

Witherwax said Interstate has no immediate plans to use the tanks but just wants the capability. He said fuel wouldn’t be stored in the tanks unless Interstate stops using natural gas.

Both Panhandle Health District and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality wrote letters to the county saying the double-walled tanks are adequate protection. DEQ recommended that the tanks have a monitoring system and that Interstate place the tanks on a curbed, impervious surface, such as a concrete slab, so no minor leaks would seep into the ground. The agency also wants Interstate to keep a log of inspections.

KEA and neighbors argue that’s not enough protection for the aquifer or nearby wells. Rosenberg said that some other kind of containment system is needed beyond the double-walled tanks.

Rosenberg said the lowest part of the gravel pit is about 50 feet above the aquifer. Even though the tanks wouldn’t be in the pit, he fears that, if there was a major spill, the fuel could run into the pit and then seep into the aquifer.

Witherwax said the tanks would be located about 300 feet above the aquifer, and it’s doubtful fuels could even reach the pit.

KEA also is worried about potential increases in air pollution from burning fuel oil or diesel.

Witherwax said rock mines and asphalt plants are strictly regulated by the state and that Interstate plans to follow all the rules.

County Planning Director Rand Wichman said because there is opposition to Interstate’s request, the Kootenai County Commission will have a public hearing. The commission will schedule a date for that hearing Friday.

Kathie Gill lives on Rimrock, above the Hayden mine, and fought Interstate’s initial proposal to open the pit and asphalt plants. Her property value has decreased because of the dust, noise and fumes, she said. She doesn’t think the county should allow Interstate to add another potential problem to its operation.

“It was always a beautiful place to be, but it’s a sticky, dusty, dirty place to be anymore,” Gill said. “It’s uncomfortable not to be able to enjoy your yard or barbeque.”

Vic and Kathy Eachon live just west of Interstate on Ramsey Road and worry about how the fuel tanks could harm their community well, which is used by about eight families.

“Sooner or later, something is going to happen, and it’s going to mess up our water,” Vic Eachon said. “Plus there is the noise, dirt and smell.”

Witherwax said he is unsure how much the fuel tanks will cost and that he hasn’t gotten any complaints from the neighbors.

“We live here, too,” he said. “We don’t want to pollute the environment any more than anyone else wants us to.”

For more information, call 446-1070.