Agenda - 01-19-2021; 6-a - Zoning Atlas Amendment Master Plan Development Conditional Zoning District (MPD-CZ) for Efland Station (formerly Beaver Crossing)

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20 LFLAND STATION RESPONSE TO INNACURATE & FALSE INFORMATION Efland Station thanks the hundreds of Orange County residents who participated in the public input process as we seek to bring a mixed-use development to an underserved part of the county. Unfortunately, a number of individuals opposed to Efland Station cited inaccurate or false information during their public comments. As Orange County Commissioners begin their discussions to approve the rezoning request, it is important that the public record be corrected on a number of fronts. 1) False: Buc-ee's is not conducive to Orange County's goal of transitioning toward electric vehicles and away from gasoline powered vehicles These assertions are not true and ignore Buc-ee's commitment to install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station infrastructure. Buc-ee's will initially install no fewer than 10 Electric Vehicle stations, which will increase by more than 50 percent the number of EV stations currently available in ALL of Orange County. Opponents failed to cite the fact that true "Plug-In" EVs (not hybrids that rely on a combustion engine and use gasoline) amount to less than 1% of all vehicles on the road today. Buc-ee's Charging Stations will account for 8% of the total fueling positions, thus serving as a model for other companies. As more EV's become prevalent, Buc-ee's will transition accordingly. 2) False: Buc-ee's Fuel Storage Tanks Negatively Impact Environmental Quality A number of opponents all cited a Columbia University study that looked at "two large gas stations" for "approximately three weeks." A short study of two gas stations that are not identified by size, construction, type or age of the tanks and vents should not be the basis for alleging negative environmental impact. Other studies and verification should be obtained before giving this particular study credence. Even if the study is accurate, which we do not concede, the study advocates not for the abolition of gas stations but for increased setbacks. The Efland Station Buc-ee's is located central to the 100-plus acre site with ample setbacks from adjacent properties all around it. Opponents also stated that Buc-ee's gas pumps will vent 600 gallons of fuel per day at half capacity. This is simply false. There is no evidence in any of our operating gas stations to support such an assertion. All of Buc-ee's fuel storage and delivery systems are state-of-the-art and engineered, constructed, installed, inspected and operated to meet or exceed all federal, state, and local requirements. No Buc-ee's Travel Center has ever experienced a reportable release. Fuel storage and delivery at the Efland Station location will be monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we will be prepared with on- site cleanup protocols and immediately activate response teams if needed.