The Moorhead Planning Commission on Nov. 3 voted to recommend that the City Council approve a conditional use permit allowing MacroSource LLC to install a 30,000‑gallon anhydrous ammonia storage tank at 201220 Eighth Avenue South in the HI (Heavy Industrial) zoning district, staff said.

Assistant City Planner Forrest Steinhoff told commissioners the proposal would provide permanent storage where the facility currently relies on 90,000‑gallon railcars for on‑site material, a condition staff said increases the potential risk to the facility and nearby community. Steinhoff said the project would reduce that risk by eliminating prolonged railcar storage and that staff recommends approval of the permit contingent on conditions listed in the meeting packet. "MacroSource LLC is requesting a conditional use permit to install a 30,000 gallon anhydrous ammonia tank within the HI Heavy Industrial Zoning District at 201220 Eighth Avenue South," Steinhoff said during the presentation.

Applicant Chad Hahn, MacroSource director of operations, described a multi‑year process to clear regulatory and site constraints. "About 10 years ago, we had to rezone the facility because it wasn't heavy industrial," Hahn said. He said state agricultural officials required clearances that delayed a permanent installation and that those matters have been resolved, allowing the company to pursue a permanent tank now.

Staff and the applicant described engineering and security measures intended to limit odor, accidental release and theft. Steinhoff said a thin fan cooler would be installed that staff estimated could reduce smell by about 50 percent. Hahn said the tank system will include 24‑hour monitoring with sensors that, as described in the meeting, will alert the fire department and company staff if ammonia is detected at levels the applicant described as 15 parts per million. Hahn said the facility will add chain‑link fencing and provide the fire department with keys for access. "We actually have that system in place today," Hahn said of remote monitoring.

Commissioners asked whether a long‑range proposed roadway or off‑ramp in the area might affect the site. Staff said the roadway concept remains far in the future, layouts vary and no decisions have been made; any relocation or conflict would be addressed later in coordination with the property owner and regional planning partners such as Metrocog.

The public hearing closed with no public testimony. The commission moved and seconded a recommendation that the City Council approve the conditional use permit for anhydrous ammonia storage at 201220 Eighth Avenue South, subject to the conditions outlined in the staff packet; commissioners voted in favor and no opposition was recorded. The commission's recommendation forwards final approval to the City Council.

The planning commission record and staff packet list the proposed permit conditions and required findings of fact. The City Council will consider the recommendation at a future meeting; no date for council consideration was specified in the transcript.