By Nancy Hiser
Portland’s Bureau of Development Services (BDS) is scheduled to approve McCall Oil’s proposal to “create a renewable feedstock hub on the Willamette River” by approving their Greenway Review on Friday, 10/13. Following this approval, McCall can take next building and development steps.
The City’s Greenway Review considers the first 25 feet adjacent to the river and an additional 50 feet away from the river. McCall’s tanks are approximately 90 ft. from the river so are not considered within the review’s scope. Their project includes adding a 12” pipeline into the river to transload feedstock–fats, oils, and greases from plants and animals–and converting a huge tank to renewable diesel. Additionally, 10 new rail spots will be added, signaling more railcar traffic locally and beyond with the risks that accompany this, although this is not part of the scope of the land use review as “freight movement is allowed in industrial zones.”
The Heavy Industrial base zone is one of three zones that implement the Industrial Sanctuary map designation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Public input is accepted for the zoning code and is considered to be a sufficient basis on which to build additional regulations. However, the North Reach Plan has not been active since it was appealed to the Land Use Board of Appeals more than a decade ago, despite Sarah Taylor and others meeting with City representatives about zoning for many years.
Linnton NA’s letter of opposition (reported in the May issue) stated that this site should not be developed because it is on liquefiable soil and cannot be made safe. A decade of published research and reports support this.
None of these agencies objected to the proposal:
• Bureau of Environmental Services
• Portland Bureau of Transportation
• Fire Bureau
• Site Development Section of BDS
• Urban Forestry Division of Portland Parks & Recreation
• Life Safety Review Section of BDS
Staff Planner, Timothy Novak, who wrote the decision and helped us understand it, shared this link to a web folder that includes all of the exhibits and the decision. Stewardship Solutions, agents of McCall Properties, describe the McCall location along the river as “ideal”. Go to: https://tinyurl.com/2j67py37
We were told that our concerns are at legislative or policy levels and should be taken to City Council. The next City election is critical in supporting candidates who advocate for community rights as our concerns are not considered in current City Council decisions.