Town advances Astar Oil project following municipal court proceedings

During the recent Smithfield Planning Board meeting, significant discussions centered around the ongoing development project involving Astar Oil, which has faced scrutiny and legal challenges over the past few years. The project, which has been in the pipeline for approval, is nearing its final stages, pending necessary zoning variances and development approvals.

The background of the project reveals a history of environmental concerns, initially sparked by reports from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) regarding tires found in nearby water. Although these issues were not directly linked to Astar Oil, town officials discovered that the company had been operating without the required permits. This led to multiple municipal court hearings, with the owner of Astar Oil attending at least ten sessions to address the violations.

Despite these challenges, Astar Oil has shown a willingness to cooperate with local authorities, agreeing to several fines as part of the resolution process. The delays in moving forward with the project have been attributed to the backlog of surveyors, which has slowed down the necessary engineering work.

The Planning Board was informed that the existing buildings on the site are currently compliant with fire safety regulations, although they do not meet building codes. The fire marshal has conducted inspections, ensuring that safety standards are being upheld.

As the project progresses, the Planning Board is expected to receive further details from the company’s attorney, who will outline the specifics of the development plan. This project is crucial not only for Astar Oil but also for the community, as it aims to address regulatory compliance and environmental concerns while paving the way for future development in the area. The outcome of this meeting could have lasting implications for local business operations and environmental stewardship in Smithfield.