News
Farmers Union Oil Company relocates Souris' bulk plant
Scott Wagar
08/20/2013
Westhope’s Farmers Union Oil Company has moved its bulk plant in Souris out of its city limits to grant Souris a safer community.
“The plant was removed from the city limits and located east of Souris about two and a half miles,” said Kevin Schroeder, manager of the Westhope’s Farmers Union Oil Company.
“It shouldn’t really be in the city limits. A bulk plant with that much product should not be located there, but it’s been there since way back when; and, after some thought we figure it would be better out of town. And, I am thinking that in the next few years it is going to be mandatory that you can’t have a bulk plant in the city limits. So, it’s for insurance reasons and safety.”
The plant currently has seven tanks at the new bulk plant site which contains gas and oil. It was also designed as a bottom loader plant, once again for safety measures.
“When the truck comes up to the plant, the driver stays on the ground and loads the truck from the back. In Westhope, the driver goes up on a platform and loads the truck from the top,” Schroeder said. “For safety reasons, and safety of the drivers, we’re trying to get everything switched to a bottom load system.”
The bulk plant will also have lighting for nighttime and security cameras recording events taking place at the site.