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A bulk product facility for LP gas storage has been given the go-ahead unanimously by the County Board.  The site proposed by Federated Co-ops Inc. offers tanks on parcels, at Highway 95 and 375th.

Federated spokespersons explained there is currently a facility in Almelund which is not ideal.  Access is limited and the site isn’t large enough to expand for product storage to meet demand.  The tank at Almelund will close and there will be two 30,000 gallon tanks at the new location.

The move to Palmdale (Shafer Township) where CJ’s Bar used to stand, will allow improved vehicular safety.  Spring road restrictions also make it necessary to be on a main highway.

The facility will be run by Federated Co-op which is based in Osceola, Wisconsin and authorities responsible for the operations are already in this area. The division manager is in Kettle River.

The permit restricts business hours, including loading and unloading, from after 6 a.m. to no later than 10 p.m.

The Palmdale facility will be in the Osceola Emergency Action Plan, and site specifics are still being written.  With a gas facility such as this the planning generally includes a chemical list, and response procedures, locations of all utilities, evacuation procedures, spill prevention and fire department policy.

Some mowing and weed removal is needed and the piers will be poured/erected for the tanks.  The facility work could be done by the end of this year yet, according to information given to the Chisago County Planning Commission.

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