I own a local restaurant in Eureka, CA. For years, my establishment has been a beloved gathering place for the community to enjoy great food, engage in conversation, and create lasting memories. This restaurant has been here for many years, even before the start of my ownership nearly 10 years ago. Vista Del Mar has been around since the 1940's. A local watering hole for the fisherman that fished in these local waters. However, my business is facing a significant threat that could not only affect my livelihood but also pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of our neighborhood.

Recently, a proposal was made to install large gas tanks adjacent to my restaurant. While the need for energy resources is understandable, placing these tanks in such close proximity to a business areas raises substantial concerns. The threat of potential leaks or accidents could have devastating consequences not only for my restaurant but for the entire community of Eureka.

In addition to safety concerns, the installation of these gas tanks could impact the local environment and property values. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), gas storage facilities pose a risk of contaminating soil and groundwater, which in turn affects local ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, the presence of such industrial facilities can lead to decreased property values and a decline in local business revenue due to decreased consumer traffic.

Upon research, I learned:

-In 1989, the California Legislature found that in order to protect the State’s people and natural resources from aboveground petroleum storage tank spills, an inspection program was necessary.  APSA became effective January 1, 1990. On October 2, 2015, Senate Bill (SB) 612 amended the definition of a “tank in an underground area" (TIUGA). A tank regulated as an underground storage tank does not meet the definition of a TIUGA. 

-Effective September 25, 2014, Senate Bill (SB) 445 (Stats. 2014, Ch. 547) changed the underground storage tank (UST) regulatory program regarding design and construction of USTs. Specifically, this change requires that on or before December 31, 2025, the owner or operator must permanently close a UST if it was designed and constructed before January 1, 1984 and does not meet the requirements of H&SC, section 25291(a)(1)-(6) or if it was designed and constructed before January 1, 1997 in accordance with H&SC, section 25291(a)(7).

-All regulated USTs that do not meet the requirements of H&SC, section 25291(a)(1)-(6), must be permanently closed on or before December 31, 2025 in accordance with H&SC, section 25298, and the California Code of Regulations, title 23, chapter 16 (UST Regulations), section 2672. A single-walled UST is either the tank and/or the connected piping which do not have secondary containment and a continuous leak detection system meeting the requirements of H&SC, section 25291(a)(1)-(6). UST Systems which do not have secondary containment and a continuous leak detection system that have not been permanently closed by the regulatory due date are out of compliance, cannot be operated, and could be red tagged by the Unified Program Agency (UPA) or the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), preventing fuel deliveries and dispensing. Penalties for systems out of compliance are $500 to $5,000 per day per underground storage tank.

Therefore, the city has had plenty of time to determine a more reasonable area to place the new gas tanks. I, however, did not receive notice of "an upcoming city project" until June 5th, 2025. On September, 17th, 2025, I received another letter from the city stating that construction of removal of the existing single-walled underground tank would be being on September 18th, 2025. Only a one-day's notice.

I understand due to the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA), these tanks have no choice but to go aboveground. However, I believe there are plenty of other places the gas tanks can be installed. For instance, in Woodley Island Marina, just as the many marinas in California. Or perhaps, in some of the lots that lay empty along the Eureka Waterfront Trail. 

My restaurant is not just my livelihood; it's a cherished part of the Eureka community. We host friendly gatherings, community meetings, and provide employment opportunities to local residents. The safety of our patrons and staff, as well as the preservation of our city's unique charm, is at stake.

I am calling on local authorities and representatives to deny the request for installing gas tanks next to my restaurant and placing them elsewhere as there are other options that make more sense. We need your support to ensure they prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of Eureka's citizens and businesses. Please join me in signing this petition to make our voices heard and protect our community from potential harm. Together, we can foster a safer and more prosperous Eureka for everyone.