Sanger Residents Share Gas Distribution Site Concerns
DENTON (CBSDFW.COM) – The state agency that controls the fate of a planned gas distribution center in Sanger heard the concerns of about 100 opposed residents Monday night.
The homeowners and family members filled the Denton County Commissioners Courtroom and explained to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality employees why they feel their area isn't right for a gasoline distribution center.
The center would be a refilling stop for trucks delivering gasoline to stations in the area. Denton Terminal LLC has the environmental clearance to build the center on FM 2164 in the southeast part of Sanger.
Denton Terminal expects 150 truckloads a day, but residents fear that number could double once the center opens.
"A few, but not 300 a day," said Linda Hartman, who opposes the plant. "That's a lot. That's massive."
Denton Terminal spokesman Stephen Senter said the company has taken safety into consideration, promising that loading racks will be more than 600 feet inside the property and the gas tanks themselves will be 900 feet from the property line.
Those opposed have spent weeks protesting with placards, signs and their voices about the operation. Many stood up Monday and proclaimed that the planned distribution center was simply too close to their homes. They felt the infrastructure couldn't support the influx of traffic.
They've met in groups among themselves, but Monday was the first time they've expressed their argument formally in front of state officials. At least one county official shared her constituents' concerns.
"It's just crazy to think there's any way this could be made safe," said Denton County Judge Mary Horn. "It just really isn't."
Shortly after the meeting was announced this month, Denton Terminal released a statement saying the company had carefully planned its location and design with safety in mind.
"Design includes placing the terminal well off of the roadway to minimize any impact to local residents, and includes acceleration and turning lanes to safely accommodate the trucks entering and exiting the facility while keeping the roadway safe for all drivers," Senter said in a statement.
Denton Terminal still needs a public safety permit before it can begin building the distribution center.
