DATE:

 

      

     05/20/02

SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-090

An ordinance amending and revising the 2000 International Fire Code by adding  Sections 105, and amending Sections 3402, and 3406 adding Appendix H to provide for Regulation of Mobile Fueling via Amendment of Section 3406 of Chapter 34, “Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, of the code of the City of Laredo (2001), as amended: Providing for the issuance of permits; providing that this ordinance shall be cumulative;  providing for severability; providing a saving clause; providing for publication in the official newspaper and providing an effective date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INITIATED BY: 

Larry Dovalina,

City Manager                   

STAFF SOURCE:

Luis F. Sosa, Jr.,

Fire Chief

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: 

Public Hearing and Introduction of Ordinance held May 8, 2002.

 

 

 

      

BACKGROUND: 

The 2000 International Fire Code Sections 105, 3402, and 3406 located in Chapters 1 and 34 of the Code of the City of Laredo, Texas (2001) be amended as stated.

 

   

 

  

FINANCIAL:  The revenue projections for the current Fiscal Year is $8,500.00. Amount will be deposited  

into account number 101-0000-312-2098.

              

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:  Ad-Hoc Committee recommends the adoption of this Ordinance.

STAFF: Final Reading and approval of

Ordinance No. 2002-0-090.  

 

         

     

 

 

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2002-0-090

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REVISING THE 2000 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE BY ADDING SECTIONS 105 AND AMENDING SECTIONS 3402 AND 3406 AND ADDING APPENDIX H TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF MOBILE FUELING VIA AMENDMENT OF SECTION 3406 OF CHAPTER 34, “FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS,” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF LAREDO (2001), AS AMENDED: PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCES SHALL BE CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWPAPER AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAREDO, TEXAS:

 

 

SECTION 1.

 

The 2000 International Fire Code, located in Chapters 1 and 34 of the Code of the City of Laredo, Texas (2001), as amended, is further amended by adding Sections 105.6.47 and amending 3402, 3406 and Appendix H as follows:

 

 

 

SECTION 105

PERMITS

 

Add Section 105.6.47 to read as follows:

 

105.6.47 Mobile fueling.    A separate permit is required for each mobile refueling apparatus utilized for the purpose of transferring fuel in accordance with this section.  A separate permit is required for each site where mobile refueling operations take place in accordance with this section.  Notwithstanding the requirements set out in Section 105, the fees for mobile refueling permits are as set forth in Appendix H.

 

FUEL STORAGE.                All above ground fuel storage tanks must conform with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electrical Codes (NEC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and International Commerce Commission (ICC) Requirements.  The fuel spillage containment area (Diked off area) must hold a capacity of not less than 1 ½ times the total capacity of the largest storage tank on the permitted property.

 

SECTION 3402

DEFINITIONS

 

Add Definitions to read as follows:

 

FUEL LIMIT SWITCH.      A mechanism, located on a tank vehicle, which limits the quantity of product dispensed at one time.

 

MOBILE FUELING.            The operation of dispensing liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles.  Mobile fueling may also be known by the terms “Mobile Fleet Fueling,” “Wet Fueling,” or “Wet Hosing.”

 

TRANSPORT FUELING VEHICLE.                                A detachable tank wagon not to exceed 8,000 gallons.  These fuel transport trailers are not permissible for mobile fueling.  Vehicles shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 385 and Local, State, and Federal requirements.

 

TANK FUELING VEHICLE (BOB-TAIL).                      A self-contained non-detachable fuel-dispensing vehicle not exceeding a 5,000 gallon capacity.  Vehicles shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 385 and Local, State, and Federal requirements.  

 

REMOTE EMERGENCY SHUT – OFF DEVICE.           The combination of an operator carried signaling device and a mechanism on the tank vehicle.  Activation of the remote emergency shut – off device sends a signal to the tanker-mounted mechanism and causes fuel flow to cease.

 

REPORTABLE SPILL QUANTITY.  Spills of 25 Gallons or more.

 

UNAUTHORIZED DISCHARGE.                     Spills of less than 25 gallons.

 

SECTION 3406

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

 

Amend Section 3406.5.4 to read as follows:

 

3406.5.4.               Dispensing from tank vehicles and tank cars.  Dispensing from tank vehicles and tank cars into the fuel tanks of motors vehicles shall be prohibited unless allowed by and conducted in accordance with sections 3406.5.4.1 through 3406.5.4.4 and Appendix H.  No gasoline fuel dispensing is permitted whatsoever.

 

Add Sections 3406.5.4.5 through 3406.5.4.5.4 to read as follows:

 

3406.5.4.5.            Commercial, Industrial, Governmental or Manufacturing.  Dispensing of Class II and III Motor Vehicle Fuel from tank vehicles into fuel tanks of motor vehicles located at Commercial, Industrial, Governmental or Manufacturing establishments is allowed where permitted, provided such dispensing operations are conducted in accordance with Sections 3406.5.4.5.1 through 3406.5.4.5.4.

 

3406.5.4.5.1 Site requirements.

 

1.        Dispensing may occur at sites that have been permitted to conduct mobile fueling.

2.        A detailed plan shall be submitted with each application for a permit and the site plan must indicate:

a.                    All Buildings, Structures, and Appurtenances on site and their uses or functions;

b.                   All uses adjacent to the property lines of the site;

c.                    The locations of all storm drain openings, adjacent waterways or wetlands;

d.                   Information regarding slope, natural drainage, curbing, impounding and how a spill will be retained upon the site property; and,

e.                    The scale of the site plan.

 

3.      The Fire Chief is authorized to impose limits upon: The times and/or days during which mobile fueling operations are allowed to take place, and specific locations on a site where fueling is permitted. 

4.        Mobile Fueling Operations shall be conducted in areas not generally accessible to the public.

5.        Mobile Fueling shall not take place within 25 feet of Buildings, Property Lines, or Combustible Storage.

 

 

3406.5.4.5.2.                        Refueling Operator Requirements

 

1.    The owner of a mobile fueling operation shall provide to the jurisdiction a written response plan which demonstrates readiness to respond to a fuel spill, carry out appropriate mitigation measures, and to indicate its process to properly dispose of contaminated materials when circumstances require.

2.      The tank vehicle shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 385 and Local, State and Federal requirements.  The tank vehicles specific function shall include that of supplying fuel to motor vehicle fuel tanks.  The tank vehicle and its equipment shall be maintained in good repair.

3.      Signs prohibiting smoking or open flames within 25 feet of the tank vehicle or the point of fueling shall be prominently posted on 3 sides of the vehicle including the back and both sides.

4.      A fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 40:BC shall be provided on the vehicle signage clearly indicating its location.

5.      The dispensing nozzles and hoses shall be of an approved and UL Listed type.

6.      The dispensing hose shall not be extended from the reel more than 50 feet in length.

7.      A fifty (50) pound absorbent bag, absorbent materials, non-water absorbent pads, a 10 foot long containment boom, an approved container with lid, and a non-metal shovel (intrinsically safe) shall be provided to mitigate a minimum 5 gallon fuel spill. 

8.      Tanker vehicles shall be equipped with a fuel limit switch such as a count-back switch, limiting the amount of a single fueling operation to a maximum of 500 gallons between resetting of the limit switch.

 

Exception:      Tankers utilizing remote emergency shut – off device capability where the operator constantly carries the shut –off device which, when activated, immediately causes flow of fuel from the tanker to cease.

 

9.        Persons responsible for dispensing operations shall be trained in HMF 126 (Haz-Mat Certification) and Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Requirements to appropriately mitigate actions in the event of a fire, leak, or spill.  This training will be available at the Laredo Fire Department International Training Facility.  All training records shall be maintained by the dispensing company and shall be made available to the Fire Chief upon request.

10.     Operators of tank vehicles used for mobile fueling operations shall have on their possession at all times an emergency communications device to notify the proper authorities in the event of an emergency.

 

3406.5.4.5.3 Operational Requirements.

 

1.      The tank vehicle dispensing equipment shall be constantly attended and operated only by designated personnel who are trained to handle and dispense motor fuels.

2.          Prior to beginning dispensing operations, precautions shall be taken to assure ignition sources are not present.  Examples:  No Smoking, welding, or electrical producing equipment is allowed to be used while in the fueling area.  The fueling process must include grounding.  

3.          The engines of vehicles being fueled shall be shut off during dispensing operations.

4.          Nighttime fueling operations shall only take place in adequately lighted areas.  All fueling vehicles must be equipped with spot lighting.

5.          The tank vehicle shall be positioned with respect to vehicles being fueled so as to preclude traffic from driving over the delivery hose and between the tank vehicles and the motor vehicle being fueled.

6.          During fueling operations, tank vehicles brakes shall be set, chock block shall be in place and warning lights shall be in operation.

7.          Motor vehicle fuel tanks shall not be topped off.

8.          The dispensing hose shall be properly placed on an approved reel or in an approved compartment prior to moving the tank vehicle.

9.          The Fire Chief and other appropriate authorities shall be notified immediately when a reportable spill or unauthorized discharge occurs.

 

3406.5.4.5.4 Fees.               Not withstanding the requirements set forth in section 105, the fees for mobile refueling permits are as set forth in Appendix H.

 

SECTION 2.

 

Add a NEW Appendix H to read as follows:

 

 

Appendix H

 

MOBILE FUELING PERMIT FEES

 

SECTION H 101

 

H 101.1  Mobile fueling permit fees.               Mobile fueling permit fees will be assessed as set forth in Table H 101.1.  Permits shall renew annually.  Permit fees shall be reviewed on the one-year anniversary date of passage of this ordinance and at such times thereafter as the City Council shall determine.

 

 

 

Table H 101.1

Mobile Fueling Permit Fees

 

 

For Each Site

Initial Fee (Refueler)

Initial Permit Fee

$ 250

1-3 vehicles:   $200 flat fee

4-6 vehicles:   $400 flat fee

7-10 vehicles: $600 flat fee

11 or more:     $800 flat fee

Permit Renewal fee

$250

Same as initial fee

 

H 101.2  Fund.                                      All funds generated as a result of this ordinance will be                deposited into the Fire Inspection Fees and Permitting Fund and shall be used for the purpose of administering and enforcing the provisions of the International Fire Code.

 

 

SECTION 3.

 

It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clause, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or degree of any court of competent jurisdiction such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this ordinances, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this Ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.

 

SECTION 4.

 

All rights and remedies of the City of Laredo, Texas, are expressly saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of Chapter 34 of the Code of the City of Laredo, Texas, as amended, or any other ordinance affecting construction and fire safety, which have accured at the time of this Ordinance; and, as to such accured violations and all pending litigation, both Civil and Criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such Ordinances, same shall not be affected by this Ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.

 

SECTION 5.

 

The City Secretary of the City of Laredo, Texas, is hereby directed to publish the caption, penalty clause and effective date of this Ordinance for two (2) days in the official newspaper of the City of Laredo, Texas, as authorized by section 52.013, Texas Local Government Code.

 

SECTION 6.

 

This Ordinance shall be effective sixty (60) days after its passage and publication.

 

 

PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR ON THIS THE __________  DAY OF _____________, 2002.

 

 

 

 

_________________________

Elizabeth G. Flores

Mayor

 

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________

Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

City Secretary

 

 

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

 

____________________________

Jaime L. Flores

City Attorney