Board allows existing parking-lot tanks to remain at 104 Charles Eldridge Drive if certified, approves nitrogen waiver

At its Jan. 15 meeting the Town of Lakeville Board of Health approved a package of local waivers for 104 Charles Eldridge Drive that allow the property to keep existing tanks beneath a parking lot after the tanks are certified by an engineer and protective measures are installed.

Darren McCaleb of Foresight Engineering described tanks installed in 2001 and said they had cast-iron lids and had been driven on for about 20 years. He proposed a Cape Cod berm and a full inspection certification rather than immediate replacement. “If we eliminate the traffic over them, I don't see the danger,” McCaleb said, noting the tanks meet sizing requirements and that two other similar tanks in the site will remain.

Board members pressed for proof the tanks meet H-20 structural loading or be certified. The board required that the tanks be certified and tested by the engineer and that a fence or berm be installed to prevent traffic or pedestrian access over the tanks. The board also approved a local waiver to allow a capacity figure of 1,200 gallons per day even though the property is limited to 1,144 gallons per day under the current calculations; the board cited provided water-usage records showing actual use near 500 gallons per day.

A motion to allow the existing tanks to remain subject to certification and installation of a fence/berm, and to allow the nitrogen/loading waiver, carried with the members present voting in favor. The approval includes a condition that the tanks be pumped at time of installation work and that certification documentation be supplied to the Health Department prior to final approval.