The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission voted unanimously in favor of a project that would install a 500-gallon propane tank underground near a wetland area.
The only hearing for the night was in regards to a Request for Determination of Applicability, filed by Donald and Ellen Ross. The applicants intend to install the propane tank for their home at 5 Woodland Avenue. According to the plans, the project would take place within the 100-foot buffer zone bordering a vegetated wetland area.
Placing the tank underground is not required, but engineer Dave Davignon, who represented the Ross family at the meeting, said it was for aesthetic purposes.
“You’re looking at about a five to six foot excavation,” he said, regarding the size of the hole that would be needed for the tank.
The tank would sit upon a bed of crushed stone and would be anchored down by cables.
Commissioner Bob Rogers was hesitant to allow the tank to be buried in that area because the Commission would not be able to authorize a certificate of compliance for the project.
Building Commissioner Andrew Bobola said that most tanks of that type are stainless steel and treated so as to prevent corrosion, lessening the risk of gas leakage into the ground.
“The volume in gallons is another reason why it’s going underground,” Bobola said. Smaller tanks are normally installed above ground, but in any case, Bobola said the project requires the approval from the fire chief before it begins.
Chairman Peter Newton read into the record a letter of support from abutting neighbors and another abutter gave his verbal approval for the project at the meeting.
The Commission then voted to issue a negative determination for the project, with the special condition that the Conservation Commission office inspects the hay-bale line before digging begins, as per the recommendation of the Mattapoisett conservation agent.
In other business, a public hearing for David Nicolosi regarding a Notice of Intent to construct an intermittent stream crossing on property near Fairhaven Road was continued until February 25, 2013. The commissioners also issued a certificate of compliance for construction of a timber boat ramp and walkway at Pease’s Point.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett will be held on Monday, February 11, 2013, at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall.
By Eric Tripoli
