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Select Board approves aquifer‑protection special permit for 45 Crosby Drive life‑sciences building
Summary
The Bedford Select Board unanimously granted a special permit for fuel‑storage linked to generators at a new life‑sciences building at 45 Crosby Drive, approving contingencies including a hazardous‑waste contingency plan and any required biosafety permit.
The Bedford Select Board on June 15 approved a special permit allowing two large diesel generators and associated underground fuel tanks at 45 Crosby Drive to support a new life‑sciences building.
Attorney Pamela Brown, representing the applicant identified in materials as ABRE/Aubrey, told the board the project includes two generators with integrated tanks and secondary containment designed to meet 110% of the maximum fill volume. "The tank capacity itself is 3,452 gallons," Brown said, adding that the working fill limit and secondary containment figures were clarified in a memo to the board.
Board members focused questions on tenant fit‑outs and hazardous materials handling. Brown said the building shell is being constructed for up to six tenant spaces and that tenant fit‑outs would typically include internal containment measures such as recessed floor containment or curb systems to prevent spills from reaching municipal drainage.
The board closed the public hearing and approved the permit with conditions that include submission of a contingency plan for hazardous wastes and obtaining a biosafety permit if required by the use of particular tenants. The motion passed unanimously.
Why this matters: Most of Bedford lies within an aquifer‑protection overlay; storage of large quantities of diesel near drinking‑water resources raises regulatory and emergency‑response considerations. The board’s conditions require additional documentation before full operational approvals are issued.
What’s next: The applicant must supply the contingency plan and any required biosafety approvals and comply with the permit’s conditions before full occupancy or fuel storage at the facility.
