Sharon Township, Ohio-A state representative who is closely watching efforts by the township to prevent installation of a 12,000-gallon anhydrous ammonia tank has introduced a bill that would keep local officials better informed about these matters. State Rep. William Batchelder has met with the town board once already, and plans another visit later this month to provide an update on legislation that would require an applicant for an anhydrous tank to submit written notice to the trustees, the county sheriff or police chief, and the fire chief of the township where the storage facility is to be located. Under Batchelder’s bill, the director of the state department of agriculture would retain authority over design and construction of the tank, but would not be able to approve any tank located in a densely populated area. The tank also would have to conform to U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines governing the storage of anhydrous ammonia. Batchelder was on hand in June when more than 250 residents attended a community meeting to express their concerns about the tank. At that time he said, “I don’t think these statutes have been touched in many years.” He is expected to make a second visit on Oct. 26 to discuss his proposed legislation (HB583), which has seven co-sponsors.
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