Board approves concrete pad at Mapac Marina but defers tank and piping work pending detailed plans

The Environmental Conservation Board granted authorization on June 4 for Old Trolley Properties (doing business as Mapac/Mohopak Marina) to install a concrete pad and adjacent concrete appurtenances at 97 Southlake Boulevard, while deferring approval of the above‑ground gasoline tank, piping, and dispenser equipment until the applicant submits detailed plans and obtains building‑department permits.

Applicant Charlie Melchner of Mohopak Marina told the board he purchased the tank and much of the tank kit and that he received a Department of State variance that authorizes portions of the project. Melchner said he researched piping options and vendors, and raised cost concerns about double‑wall piping, estimating a roughly $10,000 premium for double‑wall systems compared with seamless schedule‑40 piping and flexible couplers.

The board repeatedly stressed safety and environmental safeguards: it asked Melchner to show dispenser‑sump details, explosion‑proof electrical fittings, a proper dispenser pedestal, and a leak detector on the submersible pump. The chair recommended double‑wall piping for buried runs and for piping on docks to reduce leak risk and requested that the applicant add dispenser and sump details to the drawings.

A motion to accept the portion of the application authorizing the concrete pad (drawings D05 and D07) and to require tank equipment and piping to be submitted later with the requested recommendations was moved and approved. The board directed the applicant to obtain the requisite building department permit and to provide the dispenser details and any code citations if claiming exceptions.

Melchner said he will continue researching Brugg, Omega Flex and other double‑wall options, update the plans to show the dispenser pedestal and sump, and coordinate with building‑department staff. The board emphasized any buried piping must be double‑walled and that additional tank work will not proceed without the required documentation and permits.