Mayor Vinis Urging New Location for Biofuel Transfer Station

by Tiffany Lewis (16 KMTR) Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis is working to stop a proposed biofuel transfer facility from being built in the Trainsong neighborhood.

This development comes after city staff approved the USD Clean Fuel's zone verification application in June.

The City of Eugene now has 90 days to reconsider the land-use application for the facility.

Vinis hopes USD Clean Fuels, based in Houston, will change the location for a proposed biofuel transfer facility or accept city regulations.

The city withdrew its approval after a local environmental watch group, Beyond Toxics, filed its intent to petition the city's zone verification with the Lane Use Board of Appeals on October 4th.

Beyond Toxics hosted a neighborhood meeting with Trainsong residents, Mayor Vinis, and Councilmember Lyndsie Leech on the 4th. Residents voiced their concerns about noise, pollution levels, traffic congestion, and the possibility of a chemical spill.

USD Clean Fuels sent a statement to our newsroom arguing that its Emergency Response Plan, created in consultation with local emergency responders, will ensure preparedness in case of emergencies, such as spills or fires.

Beyond Toxics argues that the facility, which would see 40 large trucks daily, 70% of which would operate between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., poses a significant burden to an already vulnerable neighborhood.

Eugene's Train Song area has long experienced elevated noise, pollution, and industrial impacts due to nearby rail and manufacturing activities.

USD Clean Fuels argues that the proposed Eugene Clean Fuels Facility at 799 Bethel Drive will support Oregon's Clean Fuels program by providing renewable fuels to local and regional markets.

The company says they've worked with Union Pacific railroad and clean fuels producers to identify railroad property for the proposed facility site.

The Bethel Drive site location was selected "based on its ability to serve the region demand and eliminate approximately 2 million truck miles per year from the current distribution network in and around Eugene. "

Mayor Vinis says, "It's possible that we will find we don't have enough regulatory authority to change this in a significant way or compel the company to choose a different site."

She adds, "The city takes this challenge very seriously... we are very concerned and we are looking hard for ways to protect public health and safety in that area."

Beyond Toxics says Trainsong residents have begun grassroots organizing. They've been meeting at Trainsong Barbershop to discuss the next steps and are planning to start a training neighborhood association in the coming weeks. READ MORE