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Pipeline proposal restricts building
Pipeline proposal restricts building
Draft ordinance would require $50 million insurance policies
Austin American-Statesman
Wednesday, October 2, 2002
Austin city officials have decided to hedge their bets and play a wild card that few cities have tried.
A draft of an ordinance that would limit development around the lines and force all pipeline operators pumping hazardous liquids through the city to carry $50 million insurance policies, will make appearances at four public hearings, beginning Oct. 14 at LBJ High School.
A final ordinance could come before the City Council in December.
Aside from addressing financial liability, the ordinance would put safety squarely on the shoulders of those who plan to build in a pipeline's shadow: Any development within 200 feet would have to meet rigorous standards set by the city's fire marshal, including early leak-detection systems and construction that would allow for safe and quick evacuation.
Existing structures, however, would require no retrofitting unless the owners plan to undertake major renovations that would cost more than 50 percent of the structure's value.
If approved, the ordinance would prohibit certain types of development within 200 feet, including hospitals, child-care facilities and retirement homes that house residents who might not be able to evacuate the property within an hour, which is the national standard.
Draft ordinance would require $50 million insurance policies
Austin American-Statesman
Wednesday, October 2, 2002
Austin city officials have decided to hedge their bets and play a wild card that few cities have tried.
A draft of an ordinance that would limit development around the lines and force all pipeline operators pumping hazardous liquids through the city to carry $50 million insurance policies, will make appearances at four public hearings, beginning Oct. 14 at LBJ High School.
A final ordinance could come before the City Council in December.
Aside from addressing financial liability, the ordinance would put safety squarely on the shoulders of those who plan to build in a pipeline's shadow: Any development within 200 feet would have to meet rigorous standards set by the city's fire marshal, including early leak-detection systems and construction that would allow for safe and quick evacuation.
Existing structures, however, would require no retrofitting unless the owners plan to undertake major renovations that would cost more than 50 percent of the structure's value.
If approved, the ordinance would prohibit certain types of development within 200 feet, including hospitals, child-care facilities and retirement homes that house residents who might not be able to evacuate the property within an hour, which is the national standard.
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