Salt Lake City’s water supplies could become safer from contamination under new rules being vetted at City Hall.
An ordinance proposed to the City Council would require a 350-foot buffer between new gas stations and any nearby water bodies or parks. The potential zoning change was sparked by a since-thwarted plan to build a Kum & Go convenience store near Sugar House Park, at the site of a now-demolished Sizzler restaurant.
City officials hope the ordinance will add further protections to the city’s water sources. A 2022 study from the state Department of Environmental Quality showed 1 in 4 underground fuel storage tanks did not adhere to regulations — and leaks were detected at 7% of the facilities tested.
In addition to the 350-foot buffer, the proposal would require new standards for aboveground and underground fuel storage at the fuel stops — such as placing gas tanks a minimum of 30 feet from the store’s property line. Underground fuel storage includes tanks that feed into gas pumps beneath the surface, according to a city presentation.
The ordinance also requires new fuel stations to have one electric vehicle charging station for every 10 on-site parking spaces; sets a minimum lot size for gas stations at 30,000 square feet; and requires gas stations to provide adequate access lanes so that customers don’t impede traffic.
Existing gas stations won’t need to make any changes to comply with the ordinance unless they are located near a secondary groundwater recharge area. These groundwater sources, which can account for up to 10% of the city’s water supply, are surrounded by layers of clay that can protect the water from contamination.
The standards will apply to all new stations, however, and will require property owners to be held accountable if any contamination occurs.
“This action is necessary to further the legitimate government interest in protecting rivers, creeks, streams and other water bodies in the city and increasing the protection of the groundwater protection areas,” city Planning Director Nick Norris said in a memo to city officials.
“This action,” Norris wrote, “will also further the role that parks and open spaces provide in creating large areas where groundwater can be recharged.”
Residents can provide input on the ordinance during a public comment period on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. The council has set a tentative date of Oct. 1 to vote on the new rules.
