BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) - A judge has approved a permit for a proposed anhydrous ammonia storage facility that had been rejected by the Gage County Board of Supervisors.
Gage County District Judge Julie Smith said in a ruling filed Sunday that the Holtmeier Brothers Inc. plans comply with the county’s comprehensive plan and that the board should have approved the permit.
Holtmeier Brothers sought the permit for two storage tanks, a scale and an outbuilding at a spot 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Beatrice. Anhydrous ammonia is used for crop fertilizer.
The board rejected the permit following an outcry from residents who cited concerns about their safety in the event of a leak and about road damage. Holtmeier eventually appealed to the court.
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