Several South Bethany residents spoke against a proposal made by
Chesapeake Utilities officials Friday, June 13 to place eight
2,000-gallon propane tanks within town limits.
Those residents in opposition of the tanks said they would
appreciate the service the tanks would bring to the town, but do not
want them placed where they could possibly cause property damage.
However, Jim Moore of Chesapeake Utilities told residents the
county would not permit the tanks to be placed outside the town
elsewhere in the county unless they were to serve county residents.
"They told us to put it within the community you are going to
serve," Moore said.
Those residents who want it elsewhere continued to argue the
storage facility should be located away from them. Many said they
were concerned with safety issues including gas leaks and explosions
that could endanger South Bethany residents.
Property owner Barbara Socha presented two pages of information
she had gathered from the Internet outlining the hazards of
underground storage facilities. She also asked Moore several
questions trying to get worst-case-scenario information including
the possibility of explosions.
"We take our system seriously," Moore said, adding it would take
an intense constant flame directly on the tank for an extended
period of time to cause an explosion.
Socha then asked if placing a facility within the town was a
violation of the town code, Chapter 145-10, that reads, "Public
utilities may be located in a district subject to approval of the
town manager or his designee. In such cases, the following
requirements shall be complied with:
"A. Such facility shall be essential for the immediate area.
"B. Open space surrounding the facility shall be suitably
landscaped and maintained.
"C. When such facilities are located within a residential or
commercial district, the storage of vehicles and equipment
surrounding the facility shall be prohibited.
"D. The facility shall not constitute a nuisance."
Joe Vogel, a South Bethany property owner and Delaware Department
of Transportation engineer, suggested company officials consider
placing pilings under the bottom cement slab to keep it stable. He
then questioned why South Bethany officials were willing to place
such a hazardous facility in town when state and federal officials
are trying to reduce the risks of terrorist targets.
Rich Felton, assisting with the presentation, told residents
there would be several safeguards in place once the tanks were
placed underground. He added that because it would be located in an
area traveled by police and employees, it is unlikely someone would
have the opportunity to tamper with them.
"Over 25 years you haven't had any failures?" asked Len Lattanzi,
one of many residents who listened to the nearly three-hour exchange
during South Bethany's council meeting.
When officials confirmed his understanding, Lattanzi said that is
the point they should stress and confirmed his support of the
proposal.
George Morabito, South Beth-any resident, asked why officials
wanted to place the tanks in either the driveway to the maintenance
building or in the apron of the maintenance building. He suggested
putting the tanks in the wooded area on either side of the driveway.
Chesapeake Utilities officials disagreed with his placement
suggestion, stating there was no need to destroy trees to install
this system.
"It's just like a gas station," Felton said. "You drive over gas
tanks without a problem."
Officials also told residents about other systems around the
region that have similar facilities. Existing underground storage
tanks can be found at Fager's Island, Coconut Mallory Hotel and
Nick's Original House of Ribs, all in Ocean City, Md.
Future facilities similar to the one proposed for South Bethany
include Americana Bayside, Bear Trap Dunes and Bethany Lakes.
Council will hold a workshop on Friday, July 18 beginning at 7
p.m. to further discuss the issue.
Reach Roxann Moore at (302) 537-1881, ext. 108, or by e-mail at
mailto:rmoore@smgpo.gannett.com
Originally published Wednesday, June 18, 2003
