National City council moves proposed propane storage project to public hearing after safety concerns

The National City Council voted to pull and set for public hearing a Planning Commission notice of decision on a proposed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage and dispensing facility at 2100 Haffley Avenue, after multiple residents and speakers raised concerns about explosion risk, evacuation zones and increased truck traffic.

At Tuesday’s meeting staff noted the Planning Commission had recommended approval of a conditional‑use permit and coastal development permit. Several speakers said the project’s proposed 30,000‑gallon tank represents a major escalation over the site’s current 4,000‑gallon tank and argued staff’s environmental-impact conclusions understate the potential hazard.

“If someone has exposed skin within that area, they have a thermal radiation burn in 2 seconds,” said Doyle Morrison (public commenter), describing emergency-response guidance for boiling‑liquid expanding vapor explosions and arguing the city’s fire department and multiple regional agencies—Chula Vista, the Navy, the Port of San Diego and the U.S. Coast Guard—would need to be part of any credible emergency plan.

Another resident asked why the applicant seeks a 30,000‑gallon tank when their current tank is refilled three to four times a week, calling the increase a ‘‘massive escalation of risk’’ that would enlarge evacuation zones to include parks, schools and City Hall.

Councilmember motioned to have the item pulled from tonight’s consent and set for a full public hearing; the motion carried unanimously. Staff said the item is expected back on the Council agenda for a May 5 public hearing so that a fuller record and additional staff reports, including emergency‑response and public‑safety analysis, can be provided.

Martin Reeder, the city’s Development Services Director, told the council staff needs about a three‑week turnaround to prepare the required reports; the city indicated it will return the item in May with expanded materials.

What happens next: the council will consider the matter at a public hearing on May 5. The hearing will allow further public testimony and give staff time to provide an expanded analysis of evacuation planning, mutual‑aid responsibilities and the project’s traffic and hazardous‑materials risks.