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Marina seeks to replace aging underground tanks with double‑walled aboveground tank; commission asks for updated SPCC and operational details
Summary
Newburyport Harbor Marina representatives proposed removing two aging underground tanks and installing a 9,950‑gallon aboveground double‑walled tank, updating piping to the floats and changing dispensing operations; commissioners requested an updated SPCC plan, fire department sign‑off, certified backfill and additional operational safeguards before a decision.
Representatives for Newburyport Harbor Marina described a plan to remove two aging ~3,000‑gallon underground storage tanks and install a new above‑ground, double‑walled ~9,950‑gallon tank, relocate product distribution piping along the sheet‑pile bulkhead and reconfigure dispensers and containment. The applicant said the new tank will be double‑walled with an interstitial alarm (Veeder‑Root monitoring) and fire‑protected design.
Commissioners and staff pressed the applicant on permitting with the local fire department and the need for an updated federal SPCC (spill prevention, control and countermeasure) plan. Bob Coluccio of Webb Engineering described alarm monitoring and secondary containment systems: "The tank will be a double wall tank... the space between the two walls is monitored and alarmed," he said, adding that an interstitial alarm notifies owners rather than prompting an immediate public emergency response.
Members raised questions about dock dispensing procedures, a small spill last year that released an estimated 10–15 gallons to the water, and how operator procedures and training are documented; marina operators said dock hands observe fueling and fueling companies monitor tank levels. Commissioners also asked for documentation of clean imported backfill for any excavation associated with tank removal and for an updated operational/SPCC submittal consistent with federal requirements. The applicants agreed to revise and resubmit the SPCC and related operational details and the commission continued the matter to the April 7 meeting to allow staff time to review the updated documentation and for applicants to secure local fire department coordination.
