Let this one simple fact shine through all of the controversy surrounding the proposed propane terminal in Rigby Yard: Propane storage in excess of 10,000 cubic feet for over 24 hours is prohibited.
This is the plain language of Chapter 27, Section 964 of the South Portland Code of Ordinances. The NGL Supply Terminal Co.’s proposed development ran afoul of this law when it was first proposed almost a year ago, and it runs afoul of this law in its current form now.
How, then, should we interpret the advice of the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce that the proposal “should be considered on it own merits, pursuant to existing laws, ordinances and municipal process”?
Is the chamber unaware that this ordinance prohibits it? Or is the chamber inviting NGL to circumvent the obligation of key city staffers and elected officers to uphold its own laws?
Such circumvention has plagued this proposal from the beginning. But should we apologize to NGL for its rocky road to approval? Emphatically no. Why? Propane storage in excess of 10,000 cubic feet for over 24 hours is prohibited.
Eben Rose
District 3 city councilor
South Portland
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