Petition to Oppose the Proposed Belvedere Terminals Fuel Storage Facility in Palm Coast, FL

To: Palm Coast City Council, Flagler County Commissioners, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and all relevant regulatory authorities

We, the undersigned residents of Palm Coast and surrounding communities, strongly oppose the construction of the proposed Belvedere Terminals fuel storage facility on Peavy Grade.

This facility poses significant risks to our community, including threats to public health, safety, environmental sustainability, and property values. Given its close proximity to new housing developments, existing Palm Coast neighborhoods, an active water and wastewater plant, and multiple schools (including Matanzas High School, Christ the King Academy, and Belle Terre Elementary), we urge local officials and regulatory agencies to reject this proposal.

Key Concerns:

1. Environmental and Water Contamination Risks

• The facility’s proximity to the Palm Coast wastewater treatment plant increases the risk of fuel leaks contaminating our water supply, similar to the Red Hill fuel leak in Hawaii (2021) that poisoned the drinking water of thousands.

• Fuel spills or groundwater contamination could have devastating long-term effects on local ecosystems and residents’ health.

2. Explosion and Fire Hazards

• Industrial fuel terminals have a history of catastrophic incidents, such as the 2023 Phillips 66 explosion in Texas and the 2022 Matanzas oil storage explosion in Cuba, which led to multiple deaths and environmental devastation.

• Given Florida’s hurricane-prone climate, severe weather could trigger fuel spills or fires, putting thousands of nearby residents at risk.

3. Health Concerns for Nearby Schools and Residents

• Fuel vapors and emissions contain benzene, a known carcinogen, which can cause long-term respiratory and neurological issues.

• Children attending Matanzas High School, Christ the King Academy, and Belle Terre Elementary could face increased asthma and other health risks due to prolonged exposure.

4. Increased Traffic and Safety Hazards

• A high volume of fuel tanker trucks will travel on U.S. 1 and Matanzas Woods Parkway, leading to increased traffic congestion and a higher likelihood of accidents, particularly near school zones.

• In the event of a spill, roads could be closed for extended periods, affecting emergency response times.

5. Negative Impact on Property Values

• Homeowners in nearby developments and existing Palm Coast neighborhoods will likely see property values decline, as buyers avoid homes near hazardous industrial sites.

• The presence of a fuel farm contradicts Palm Coast’s identity as a residential and nature-focused community.

6. Tourism and Economic Damage

• Palm Coast promotes itself as a scenic, eco-friendly destination, and a large industrial fuel terminal could deter visitors and homebuyers.

• Similar projects in other areas have led to decreased real estate demand and economic stagnation.

7. Insufficient Public Transparency

• Many local residents were unaware of this project until recently, raising concerns about a lack of community engagement and proper public notice.

• We demand full transparency, public hearings, and independent environmental impact studies before any approval is considered.

Our Demands:

• Immediate rejection of the Belvedere Terminals project due to environmental, health, and safety risks.

• Comprehensive environmental and safety impact studies before any further permitting is granted.

• Public hearings and community engagement to allow residents a voice in this decision.

• Consideration of alternative, less hazardous locations for industrial fuel storage away from residential and school zones.

Sign the Petition

By signing below, you join us in urging Palm Coast officials, Flagler County leaders, and Florida regulatory agencies to protect our community by stopping the approval and construction of this fuel storage facility.