Community Concerns Delay Expansion of Charlestown, N.H., Oil-Storage Facility
Posted on: Thursday, 4 May 2006, 15:02 CDT
By Chris Fleisher, Eagle Times, Claremont, N.H.
May 3--CHARLESTOWN -- Irving Oil Corporation will have to address noise, dust pollution and traffic concerns before it expands a bulk oil storage facility near a residential neighborhood on River Road.
The company sought approval from the Charlestown Planning Board on Tuesday to triple its capacity there and build a barn-style garage at the site. But after hearing concerns from nearby home owners, the board asked the company to do a little more work.
Traffic at the site would increase by 30 percent if the project is built, according to Lou Beam of Irving Oil, and residents worried it would affect their quality of life and pocketbook.
"This is a residential area and most of these homes are valued at over $100,000," said resident Lorri Boynton. "Our concern here is what this would do to our property values." Irving is proposing to add two 40,000-gallon tanks for kerosene and home heating fuel. Currently, there are two 20,000-gallon tanks. Irving also wants to construct a 6,840 square foot barn-style building around the tanks.
Residents complained of the noise from trucks currently going in and out of the facility and said the vehicles sometimes kicked up enough dust to cover their homes.
Larry Broder, a nearby resident, said he planned to sell his house this year and worried about its value if the project is approved.
"I personally think I'm going to get hurt by this and I don't like it," Broder said.
The expansion would help Irving comply with stricter EPA regulations over controlling spillage, Beam said. The tanks would be specially lined to prevent seepage into the ground water and the entire facility enclosed.
Having more fuel on site will also help Irving meet higher demand after it acquired Lebanon, N.H,-based Johnson & Dix Fuel Corp. in January.
If the tanks are not installed, then traffic at the site would increase even more, Beam said.
Irving will have to present the new information to the board on May 16.
Even with the expanded capacity, Beam said the project was comparatively small next to other area fuel companies. Residents responded with a shrug.
"That's all relative," Broder said. "It's large to me."
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Copyright (c) 2006, Eagle Times, Claremont, N.H.
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Source: Eagle Times, Claremont, New Hampshire
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