Installation of underground storage of gasoline and diesel tanks
in town will not be discouraged during the energy crisis because the
total storage capacity from all sources is a most important factor
to the community in a petroleum-short economy. The greater the capacity
to store, the greater the community ability to adjust to interrupted
or delayed deliveries.
Regarding the Board's powers and power to delegate responsibilities
through the office of the Town Manager, the following is governing:
A. MGL C. 148, §§ 13 and 14: These are the major and
controlling statutes governing application for such storage and guiding
all town officials on necessary details of administration.
B. Application forms as presently used should be reprinted to provide
a sketch or diagram on the reverse side showing:
(1) Location of closest private and/or public water supply.
(2) Notation by the Inspector of Buildings as to the tank's proposed
location in relationship to aquifer recharge areas.
The Board will not approve any aboveground storage during the
energy crisis and thereafter. Such tanks are subject to upset, flood,
wind, vandalism, impact rupture, etc. Dangers to neighbors' homes
and property are a concern.
The Board will set expiration dates for licensed tanks (except
fiber glass). That is, all licenses will expire after 15 years from
the time of issuance, together with the stipulation that the tank
is to be removed at expiration. (Tanks of 500 United States gallon
size are required to be constructed of a minimum of 12 USS garage
steel, and the normal life expectancy of 20 years should be reduced
to 15 years in order to provide a safety factor of 25% regarding pollution
concern. Licenses for fiberglass tanks need have no end term; they
should outlast world petroleum supplies. However, in all cases, the
gauge steel should meet State of Massachusetts specifications for
underground storage.)
The Board will encourage the policy that all tanks of 4,000
United States gallons or greater be of fiberglass construction.
Applications for underground storage shall be referred to the
Fire Chief and the Inspector of Buildings for approval or disapproval
before being submitted to the Selectmen.