ZBA grants National Grid permits to replace LNG tank and allows height variance capped at 100 feet
Loading...
Summary
The Yarmouth Zoning Board approved National Grid's special permit to replace an existing LNG storage tank with a double‑containment tank and granted a variance to exceed the 35‑foot height limit, imposing a cap of 100 feet; the company said the replacement is driven by asset condition assessments and safety/regulatory needs.
National Grid officials presented plans to replace an aging LNG storage tank used for winter peak service and reliability for Cape Cod customers. Mark Riley, assistant general counsel, explained the existing tank (built in 1973 and partly below grade) must be replaced after recent asset‑condition findings and manufacturer recommendations. The proposed replacement is a full (double) containment tank constructed at grade, with a narrower but taller profile and reduced total storage capacity (about 20% less than the existing capacity).
Company representatives noted federal and state safety and vapor‑dispersion modeling drove siting and dimensions: keeping the required safety radius inside the property required a taller, narrower tank. They described a visual impact assessment and said vegetation, topography and setback reduce visibility from surrounding roadways. Delivery would continue by cryogenic trucks; the site will be remediated as needed and has monitoring wells. The applicant said the project will expand a security fence, involve clearing approximately five acres for initial civil work, and run in phases with on‑site construction estimated over about two years following mobilization.
Board members asked detailed technical questions about containment, leak behavior, applicable state and federal regulations, diameter/height tradeoffs, and project schedule. After deliberation the board found a public‑utility replacement serving an essential public need and concluded the special permit criteria were met. The board approved the special permit and separately approved a variance to exceed the 35‑foot height limit with the explicit condition that the finished tank height not exceed 100 feet. Both votes were unanimous. Counsel was reminded to submit a draft decision and to record the approvals with the registry of deeds following the town‑clerk clocking period.
