Westborough board approves Kayaku’s request to increase flammable liquids limit

The Westborough Select Board voted to amend the flammables and combustible materials permit for Kayaku Advanced Materials at 200 Flanders Road to increase the company’s licensed flammable liquids from 45,000 to 100,000 gallons.

Vinny Urdi, senior facilities adviser for Kayaku, told the board the company has a five-year master plan calling for roughly 45,000 square feet of new manufacturing space and said the permit change is necessary to support planned manufacturing and storage operations. "We are currently looking to increase our flammable license from 45,000 gallons to 100,000 gallons in order to support our growth," Urdi said.

Fire Chief Patrick Purcell described frequent inspections and safety checks at the facility and recommended approval with conditions similar to the original license. "Very rarely do we ever find a violation there," Purcell said, noting the department visits the site multiple times a year, the company exceeds testing requirements and maintains an emergency response plan and evacuation routes.

Board members asked technical and safety questions and confirmed that existing permit conditions, including foam-suppression procedures and reporting requirements, would remain in place. The board approved the amendment as presented by motion and voice vote. The board also opened and closed the required public hearing and recorded no public objections at the meeting.

Next steps: town staff will finalize permit paperwork to reflect the amended quantities and maintain the reporting and inspection schedule noted by the fire chief.