CASPER, WY — In a 4–0 vote Tuesday, the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission decided to table the conditional use permit (CUP26‑06) sought by Texas‑based Genesis Custom Chemical Blending. The company wants to store more than 12,000 gallons of flammable and combustible liquids at a 2.21‑acre parcel located at 1844 Welsh Avenue.
Public safety concerns drive the decision
Commission Chair Hal Hutchinson said he would have liked more time to review the ten‑page technical packet from Genesis, noting he only saw the documents minutes before the meeting began. “I, for one, think the fire department needs to give us something definitive before anybody says take off and do it,” Hutchinson told the commissioners.
During the public hearing, several neighbors voiced strong concerns. Elijah Reish, who rents storage space next door, measured Welsh Avenue at roughly 20 feet wide – the minimum width for emergency trucks – and pointed out that the nearest fire hydrant is more than 350 feet away. He also criticized county staff for relying on satellite maps rather than visiting the site in person.
Karla Vinson, who lives across the street at 1833 Welsh Avenue, warned that she and her neighbors could become trapped in an emergency. “I don’t even live 100 feet probably from that building. If something was to happen there, there would be no way for me to get out or my other two neighbors that live behind me,” she said.
Company’s safety plans and county’s legal review
Genesis compliance manager Michael Taylor explained that the firm uses atmospheric storage tanks and is prepared to add several safety upgrades, including foam fire suppression systems, containment curbs to catch spills, and specialized electrical wiring for hazardous areas. He also said trucks would turn around inside the fenced yard and offered to work with neighbors to identify a secondary emergency exit route.
County planners noted that tanker trailers on wheels might fall under state and federal transportation regulations rather than county zoning rules. County Attorney Ashley Smith recommended tabling the request so she and Development Director Sabrina Kemper could verify the information received. Smith added that she does not believe a conditional use permit is required for the operation, but she wants to confirm that conclusion.
Other commission business
In a separate matter, the commission voted 3–1 to recommend approval of a zone change at 3737 Andy Road. Applicant Ryan Wenger seeks to rezone a 2.32‑acre parcel from Suburban Residential to Light Industrial so he can legally run his contracting and storage business from the site.
Planning Technician Madeline Pennington reported that county departments found no direct impact on county‑maintained roads, though nearby private access roads remain in poor condition. Area resident Schelly Burnett opposed the rezoning, citing heavy trucks and business traffic that could damage the already deteriorated private roads, especially during winter and spring. “In the winter particularly and in the spring that road is horrid,” Burnett said, noting that older neighbors rely on the road for home medical care.
Commissioner Ken White also opposed the rezoning, warning that it could open the door to increased industrial traffic on residential streets. The request now moves to the Natrona County Board of County Commissioners for a final vote.
Future data‑center application
During staff updates, Development Director Sabrina Kemper announced that Prometheus Hyperscale will soon submit a formal application for a planned data center. Company officials presented an informational briefing to county commissioners on Sept. 1, covering public interest, power demands, water use, and unit‑development rules. Staff recommended placing the Prometheus application on a standalone agenda for a future public hearing, ensuring residents have ample time to comment.
The commission’s decision to table the chemical blending permit reflects a cautious approach to public safety, while the ongoing zoning and development discussions illustrate Natrona County’s commitment to balanced growth that respects both economic opportunity and community well‑being.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
