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Board looks at fuel issues at Houston County Airport
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By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Aviation fuel for persons utilizing the Houston County Airport, and what to do with private fuel tanks took up a portion of the county board’s May 13 meeting. Tom Molling of the Highway Department, who also oversees the operations at the county airport near Caledonia reported the county needs to order more fuel.
According to Molling, the county purchased 1,000 gallons of fuel in April 2007 and another 2,000 gallons in August of 2007. He estimates they only have 485 gallons left. After soliciting for bids, the county received two bids, from Krause oil at $4.119.9 per gallon and Newton Oil for $4.11.9 gallon. Molling felt the county should order 2,300 gallons to fill the tank, since it does not appear as if fuel prices will be seeing a decrease in the near future.
The county also purchased 1,000 gallons of jet A fuel last summer and, according to Molling, have only sold about 15 gallons. The jet A fuel is a higher grade diesel fuel, which the county could mix and use in their diesel vehicles, as there just doesn’t seem to be much of a need for the jet A fuel.
Highway Department Engineer Marcus Evans said he had some concern about the fact some of the persons owning airplane hangers have their own fuel tanks in the hangers. The county owns the land under the hangers, but not the buildings themselves.
“The privately-owned fuel tanks could become a liability issue,” he warned the board. “We need to cover ourselves on this one. It is tricky, however, since we don’t own the buildings. I don’t know if there is language in the land lease that would allow us to address this issue. But I think it is something we need to look into.”
Evans added the county is required to conduct an annual storm water run-off study to ensure not pollutants are running out of the hangers or the runway. He felt if the private tanks were removed, it would improve the monitoring process.
The land leases at the airport run through next year. At that time, the county will take a look at the language, which will hopefully alleviate some of the concerns.
Holding tank at Spring Grove
The board decided to move forward with the purchase and installation of a holding tank at the county highway shop in Spring Grove. The shop, located on Highway 44 on the east edge of Spring Grove, has city water service, but not city sever. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) had voiced some concern about potential pollution run-off when the highway trucks are being serviced and cleaned.
The highway department looked at various options, but installing a holding tank, which could be pumped out, seemed to be the best option. The cost of the tank is approximately $3,000, and will cost another $3,100 to have it installed.
Variance request denied
Following the recommendation of the County Planning and Zoning Commissioner, the county board denied a variance request submitted by Al and Paul Hagen of Spring Grove Township for a setback on a proposed feedlot.
The Hagens wanted to construct two hog feedlots south of Spring Grove on two separate locations. One location, according to the P&Z commission was too close to an existing home and would have a negative affect to adjoining property owners.
The second request for a feedlot was approved, since it met all of the zoning requirements.
You can contact Charlie Warner at
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