As a practicing physician assistant living near the Sprague and Global tank farms, I fear for health impacts from tank fumes. Daily, I question whether to open my windows or leave them closed.

Absurdly, after many years of activism around the hazards of these “neighborhood tank farms,” Sprague remains a Department of Environmental Protection licensed emitter of 49.9 tons volatile organic compounds (VOCs/air pollution) and Global pollutes us with 21.9 tons of VOCs yearly.

EPA air pollution lawsuits against Global and Sprague did nothing. The complaints of many to City Hall and DEP — no result.

A supposed solution in our comprehensive plan was presented to City Council on June 12. Since new neighborhoods are proposed near tank farms emitting 49.9 yearly tons or less, such neighborhoods will suffer for decades to come. Imagine moving into a new neighborhood, unknowingly exposed to 49.9 tons of toxic air pollution.

South Portland’s 50 tons of VOCs safety level is chosen to have exactly zero impact on large real estate developers.

A comprehensive plan policy calls for “evidence-based analysis of multiple health risks…”. Numerous studies have shown no such analysis is needed. Any exposure to cancer-causing tank fume benzene increases cancer risk.

South Portland’s unfortunate legacy of mixing petroleum hazards with people needs to end. The City Council should reject this false protection and implement, at a minimum, a 1,000-foot buffer between these toxic hazardous facilities and new residential zones — something that should have been established decades ago.

Robert Klotz
South Portland