Seaview West Campground granted 90‑day continuance as board presses for propane‑tank remedy and DEP remediation

Seaview West Campground returned to the Planning Board for an update on outstanding conditions including buffer restoration, stormwater plan details, and propane‑tank placement. Chris Wilbur of Qatar Engineering and planning staff described recent submissions: higher‑scale site plans (1"=40') that show as‑built conditions, and additional notes and markups the board requested.

Staff reminded the board that DEP had denied a requested stormwater waiver and that the campground’s increase in impervious surface is dispersed across multiple subcatchments; staff asked for a written confirmation that the divided drainage would not adversely affect abutting properties if the board did not require an updated hydrologic analysis. The applicant agreed to supply that written statement or to perform an analysis if the board requested one.

A central outstanding item remains dozens of existing propane tanks placed in buffer areas. The state has restricted fills for some tanks and the campground’s propane vendor has limited crews; applicants said the vendor has performed a small number of fills but cannot quickly relocate all tanks. The board discussed whether tanks could be relocated to unit fronts or other locations; the state inspector reportedly forbids some front‑of‑unit placements. Applicants said they are seeking alternative vendors and will continue coordination with the state and vendor.

Given the outstanding DEP and propane issues and some plan details still to be added, the board granted a 90‑day continuance by unanimous vote and told applicants to provide the additional plan notes, the written stormwater/buffer statement or an analysis, and updates from the propane vendor.

Why it matters: DEP action and the propane‑tank situation present both regulatory and public‑safety considerations for campground operation during the approaching heating season.

Quotes "We can't get any fills," an applicant said of the vendor’s ability to service tanks. "They've only done maybe 3 to 5 in all this time."

"We would ask for a statement regarding no impacts for stormwater in writing," planning staff said.

Ending The board extended the review timeline by 90 days. Applicants were directed to continue working with the propane vendor and DEP, provide the requested written confirmations or analysis on stormwater, and submit the revised plan sheets and notes the staff requested.