Neighbors press planning board to limit truck hours and require pipeline notifications for proposed propane facility

Several neighbors told the Newton Planning Board on July 28 they were worried about truck noise, lighting and the proximity of propane tanks to existing gas transmission lines. Tom Alberti, a nearby resident, asked the board to “strongly consider limitations on the hours of operation” and for information about trip counts, citing concern that deliveries could generate dozens of daily vehicle trips.

Residents also asked that the town require closer coordination with pipeline owners. In response, staff proposed — and the board adopted — a condition requiring the applicant to notify natural gas transmission operators of proposed activity within 1,000 feet of pipeline easements per RSA 6:74–75. The board set routine hours at 06:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday with emergency fuel deliveries excepted and required that fuel trucks "turn right when exiting the site to proceed immediately to New Hampshire Route 108" unless a delivery was being made to a left-side property, language intended to reduce truck traffic through adjacent neighborhoods.

Applicant and industry speakers emphasized safety and normal operating practices. Operations manager Jeff Tufts said drivers generally “fill them in when they come in at night,” noting that routine daytime truck trips are often limited; applicant representatives also stressed plans for double-walled tanks and an oil–water separator to limit environmental risk. The board said conditions and required permit filings (DOT driveway permit amendment, engineer sign-off) are intended to mitigate neighborhood impacts and be enforceable through the permit process.