STOP the Proposed Belvedere Fuel Farm in Ormond Beach

Through this petition, we voice our unwavering opposition to the construction of Belvedere's Fuel Farm at 874 Hull Avenue in Ormond Beach. The planned fuel farm will consist of 16 tanks, some 40 feet tall, that will store more than 20 million gallons of gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel, additives, and propane and will feed a constant stream of tanker trucks (164 trucks per day). We oppose the massive fuel farm for the following reasons: 

1. Proximity to residential neighborhoods: 
* Bear Creek Retirement Community: 0.65 mi
* Ormond Lakes Neighborhood: 0.87 mi
* Ormond Grande Townhomes: 1.2 mi
* Village of Pine Run: 2 mi

2. Property Values. The presence of a massive fuel farm near residential neighborhoods may negatively impact home values. Homebuyers may see this area as a risky investment.

3. Proximity to Ormond Beach Municipal Airport. The fuel farm will be 1 Mile away from the airport runway. The airport averages 119,000 operations (takeoffs or landings) per year and provides flight instruction to student pilots. This increases the risk of potential collisions, which in turn would result in catastrophic explosions and loss of life.

4. Proximity to Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Within a mile of the proposed fuel farm is the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, which includes 29 sports fields, walking and bike path, playground picnic area, and pavilion. Every year thousands of families use the complex for a wide variety of sports and activities. The massive fuel farm would be walking distance to the complex, which puts children and families at risk of health problems associated with inhaling dangerous chemicals, as well as potential catastrophic events, such as fuel tank explosions.

5. Traffic and Noise Concerns. Tanker trucks filled with fuel will be making deliveries 24 hours a day (164 trucks per day). The truck route will be from Harmony Road to Hull Road, and out to U.S. 1, where there is no light signal. This will lead to increased congestion and traffic collisions. Traffic problems would be further escalated during bike week, and other similar events.

6. Air quality. Fuel farms release harmful chemicals during fuel storage, transfer, and loading operations. These chemicals can cause a variety of health problems including eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches and loss of coordination; damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. Fuel farm emissions, such as benzene, are known to cause cancer.

7. Spills and Leaks. Fuel farms are at risk of spills and leaks, which can release large amounts of pollutants into the environment. Spilled fuels can contaminate soil, groundwater, and surface water, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems, drinking water supplies, and nearby communities.

8. Fire and Explosion Hazards. Fuel farms store flammable and combustible materials making them highly susceptible to fire and explosion hazards. Numerous incidents of fuel farm damage have been documented due to natural disasters (ex: hurricanes), floods, fires, lightning strikes, and human errors. The proximity of the OB Municipal Airport to the fuel farm makes this an even greater threat. 

Please protect our community by signing this petition to stop the construction of the Belvedere Fuel Farm in Ormond Beach.