Chemical storage zoning is up for debate in the Tar Heel state. Winston-Salem, NC residents are fuming after a contentious zoning revision will allow potentially toxic chemicals into their community. The concrete manufacturer seeking variance for the ordinance said citizens have nothing to worry about because the issue at hand concerns language of the written law, not the chemicals they intend to use. An attorney speaking on behalf of the embroiled company said the company will use acetic acid, sodium nitrate, and corn syrup for concrete additive mixing. “There are no temperature changes or a pressure vessel involved with the chemical mixing process and the employees working in the building wouldn’t be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment),” the attorney said. Still, the community is worried about the dangerous precedent should other industries eye the zoned area for future development.
Why Chemical Storage Zoning Matters
Respecting Hazmat Boundaries and Setbacks
To ease the community’s concerns, the concrete company said they are considering “the possibility of retrofitting the facility so that the chemical mixture stored outside of the building could be moved inside of the building.” Furthermore, the unnamed company said a chemical storage locker could be brought on-site to store temperature-sensitive yet otherwise harmless chemicals. While zoning ordinances can hinder industries, well-thought-out regulations can prevent pollution while promoting suitable community growth. U.S. Hazmat Storage offers an array of hazmat containers and warehouses that follow the letter of the law while addressing chemical storage dilemmas.
Zoning setbacks establish distancing guidelines between high-impact facilities, chemical storage areas, and vulnerable population centers, like homes, schools, and churches. Companies found in violation of setbacks risk operator’s permit revocation and hefty civil penalties. While setbacks are designed with safety as a top priority, distancing also reduces noise pollution and protects community curb appeal. Our experienced and knowledgeable building advisors can devise suitable storage solutions for zoned areas requiring setbacks.
When storing hazardous materials or dangerous chemicals within 10 to 30 feet of sensitive or vulnerable property, you should consider a U.S. Hazmat Storage 2-hour-fire rated locker. These buildings are rigorously tested to hold their structural integrity for over two hours of intense internal blaze. They will contain a barrage of excessively hot gases, liquids, and solids. For chemical storage that is 30 feet or more from property lines, equipment or personnel, consider a non-fire-rated chemical storage locker.
Zoning Laws Encourage Chemical Segregation and Safety Protocols
Chemical storage zoning complements hazardous materials identification and segregation. Dangerous chemicals should never be stored with dissimilar hazardous classifications and incompatible materials. Our spacious chemical storage lockers can safely accommodate more significant chemical stockpiles, ensuring lasting zoning compliance and workplace protection. Contact us to learn more about chemical storage zoning compliance and solutions to common storage dilemmas.