# Thanks But No Tank v. Maine Dep't of Envtl. Protection

> Superior Court of Maine · November 13, 2012

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/10809958

## Case

- **Court:** Superior Court of Maine
- **Decided:** November 13, 2012
- **Precedential status:** Unpublished
- **Opinion:** Opinion
- **Judges:** Nancy Mills
- **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

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## Opinion text

STATE OF MAINE SUPERIOR COURT
KENNEBEC, ss Civil Action
Docket No. AP-1~-~8 1

~~,"1--- K ( /V -· I/ I ~/~()/L
/
THANKS BUT NO TANK,
et al.,

Petitioners

v. DECISION AND ORDER

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION,

Respondents

Before the court is the petitioners' Rule SOC appeal of the Maine Department of

Environmental Protection's (DEP) decision. The DEP granted Natural Resources

Protection Act (NRP A) and Site Location of Development Act (Site Law) permits to

DCP Midstream Partners (DCP). 38 M.R.S. § 480-A (2011); 38 M.R.S. § 481 (2011). The

permits allow DCP to construct a liquefied propane gas terminal in Searsport, Maine.

BACKGROUND

In October 2011, the DEP issued a permit pursuant to NRPA and Site Law to

DCP. (R. 99.) DCP proposed "the construction and operation of a liquid propane gas

(LPG) terminal in Searsport, Maine," adjacent to the Mack Point Terminal. 1 (R. 99.) The

DEP Order provides a detailed description of the plan. (R. 99.) The plan is also detailed

in the permit applications (R. 6, 8) and the petitioners' statement of the facts. (Br. of

Pets.' 7-9.) The most critical aspects of the project, as related to this appeal, are

discussed below.

1
"The Mack Point Terminal has an existing Liquid Cargo Pier, an existing Dry Cargo Pier,
numerous existing truck load out facilities for products other than LPG, and is serviced by a
Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railroad spur." (R. 99 (from DEP Order).)

1
The project will include building a new bulk storage tank that "will be a vertical,

insulated domed tank with diameter of approximately 202 feet and height above

ground of approximately 138 feet." (R. 6 at 1-4.) The facility, which will operate

continuously, will also utilize the Dry Cargo Pier for ship unloading, a truck loading

station, and a rail car loading station. (R. 6 at 1-1.) Additionally, "the proposed

terminal will include an emergency flare, expected to be approximately 75 feet tall, with

a continuously operating propane pilot light." (R. 6 at 1-5.)

The surrounding area includes residential and commercial development,

including a hotel and restaurant. (R. 6 at 1-6, 10, 13.) Sears Island is just outside of the

one-mile radius. (R. 8 at A. 14A.) A photo-simulated view was provided to

demonstrate the visibility from Sears Island's shore. (R. 8 at 14-4 & A. 14A.) The Maine

Historic Preservation Commission reviewed an Architectural Survey report to review

potential impacts to historic structures in the area. (R. 8 at 14-3.) Three scenic

resources, in addition to the NPHP-listed or NPHP-eligible properties, are also within

the three-mile radius used for the Viewshed Analysis. (Id.) "They are: Long Cove and

Penobscot Bay, which are part of the Atlantic Ocean, Mosman Park, a municipal park

near downtown Searsport, and Moose Point State Park, located near the

Searsport/Belfast town line." (Id.) In its application, DCP claimed that the visual

impact from these locations would be minimal and the "quality of the view is not

significantly diminished." (R. 8 at 14-3, 14-4.)

Ship, truck, and rail traffic to Mack Point Terminal will increase as a result of this

project. The current conditions are as follows:

The existing ship traffic at the two piers totals approximately 136 vessels
per year on average with a maximum to date of 166 vessels per year. The
number of trucks currently entering and exiting the Mack Point Terminal
is approximately 20,000 per year on average with up to approximately
30,000 trucks per year as a maximum. The existing rail traffic is typically

2
approximately 2,500 rail cars per year, averaging about 10 to 15 cars at a
time.

(R. 6 at 1-6.) The expected typical loading schedule for this facility is 50-60 trucks per

day and eight rail cars per day, with a maximum of 144 trucks per day. (R. 6 at 1-5.)

DCP submitted applications pursuant to NRP A (R. 8) and Site Laws (R. 6). The

NRP A application included a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) (R. 8 at 14), which the

plaintiffs found inadequate. Additionally, the Site Law application included a noise

analysis. (R. 6 at § 5.) This analysis estimated the project's noise level at 59.6 dBA,

which is within the applicable MDEP Noise Standard2 of 60 dBA. (R. 6 at 5-8.) The

plaintiffs also found this analysis inadequate.

The DEP issued a draft order and allowed public comments. 3 (R. 61.) They

received substantial public comments, primarily voicing concern about the project. (R.

36-60, plus others.) The DEP issued the final order in October 2011. (R. 99.)

Thanks But No Tank, an association, and some of those individuals who voiced

concerns about this project filed this appeal. They argue that

(1) DCP did not demonstrate compliance with the NRP A and the Site Law;

(2) the respondent did not consider the impact of accidents;

(3) the respondent did not consider the impact to air quality;

(4) the respondent's conclusion that the project will meet hourly sound standards

is erroneous and unsupported by the evidence;

(5) the respondent did not consider noise from tanker trucks; and

(6) the respondent did not consider the effect of the project on natural resource-

based businesses in the region.

2
"The applicable MDEP noise standard for the project is 70 dBA during the day and 60 dBA at
night at any protected location in a commercial zone. Since the facility will operate 24 hours per
day, the nighttime noise limit of 60 dBA is the controlling standard." (R. 6 at S-2.)
3
No request for a public hearing was received. (R. 99.)

3
DISCUSSION

1. Standard of Review

This appeal is permitted pursuant to 38 M.R.S. § 346(1) (2011) and is controlled

by the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, 5 M.R.S. § 11001 et seq., and Rule SOC.

When reviewing administrative orders, the court may reverse the decision if the

findings, inferences, conclusions or decisions are, among other things, "unsupported by

substantial evidence on the whole record; or [a]rbitrary or capricious or characterized

by abuse of discretion." 5 M.R.S. § 11007(4)(C)(5),(6) (2011). The court shall not

"substitute its judgment for that of the agency on questions of fact." 5 M.R.S. § 11007(3)

(2011).

Under the "substantial evidence" standard, the court examines the record to

determine whether the agency could "fairly and reasonably find the facts as it did."

Rangeley Crossroads Coal. v. Land Use Reg. Comm'n, 2008 ME 115, <JI 10, 955 A.2d 223.

Even if the record contains evidence inconsistent with the result, or a different

conclusion could be drawn from the evidence, the court must uphold the agency's

factual findings "if a reasonable mind might accept the relevant evidence as adequate to

support the [agency's] conclusion." Town of Vienna v. Kokernak, 612 A.2d 870, 872

(Me. 1992).

Additionally, the court defers to the agency's interpretation of its own internal rules,

regulations, and procedures "unless the rules or regulations plainly compel a contrary

result." Rangeley Crossroads Coal., 2008 ME 115, <JI 10, 955 A.2d 223.

2. Standing

DCP asserts that 19 of the 21 named individual petitioners as well as the

association Thanks But No Tank do not have standing in this case. (Br. of DCP 10.)

4
Because there is no dispute that at least two of the named individual petitioners do have

standing, this issue is not fatal to the appeal.

"A party has standing to appeal a judgment only where the judgment adversely

and directly affects that party's property, pecuniary or personal rights." Gaynor v.

McEachern, 437 A.2d 867, 871 (Me. 1981) (citing 14 M.R.S.A. § 1851). Each individual's

injuries must be "distinct from the harm experienced by the public at large." Nergaard

v. Town of Westport Island, 2009 ME 56, 9I 18, 973 A.2d 735 (quoting Ricci v.

Superintendent, Bureau of Banking, 485 A.2d 645, 647 (Me. 1984)). "If the appealing

party is an abutter, the threshold requirements to establish standing are minimal." Sahl

v. Town of York, 2000 ME 180, 9I9I 8-9, 760 A.2d 266. The Law Court has also noted,

"aesthetic interests are sufficiently real and definite to confer legal standing to sue."

Uliano v. Bd. of Envtl. Prot., 2009 ME 89, 9I 30, n. 7, 977 A.2d 400.

DCP agrees that two of the petitioners, Mr. Gocze and Mr. Hall, are abutting

property owners and have standing in this case. (Br. of DCP 10.) The petitioners argue

that all of the named individuals will be harmed if the facility is built. (Reply Br. of

Pets.' 4-5.) Additionally, the petitioners rely on In Re International paper Co., 363 A.2d

235 (Me. 1976), where the court allowed standing for all parties under the Site Law

based on the generalized harm of breathing contaminated air in an area affected by the

location of the proposed development. Id. at 237-38 (allowing air and water quality as

subject-matter issues "capable of aggrieving persons in relation to interests of specific

concern under the Site Law.").

The petitioners rely on the allegations in the petition to show the petitioners have

standing. Their standing must appear as a matter of record. Although some of the

5
petitioners' comments on the draft order appear in the record, it is difficult to determine

standing based on those submissions. (R. 36, 37, 39, 41, 44.) 4

DCP also argues that the association Thanks But No Tank does not have standing

because it is an unincorporated association 5 and not a legal entity. Tisdale v. Rawson,

2003 ME 68, 9I 15, 822 A.2d 1136 ("Generally, an unincorporated association does not

have capacity to sue or be sued in its own name, absent specific statutory

authorization."). Section 11001 provides that a "person aggrieved by final agency

action" is entitled to judicial review. 5 M.R.S. § 11001(1) (2011). Section 482(4), relied on

by the petitioners, includes an association in the definition of "person." 38 M.R.S. §

482(4) (2011). The record is insufficient to allow the court to determine whether the

association has standing. (Br. of Pets. 1; Pet. 9I9I 1, 10.)

3. Relevant Statutes

Natural Resources Protection Act

The department shall grant a permit upon proper application and upon
such terms as it considers necessary to fulfill the purposes of this article.
The department shall grant a permit when it finds that the applicant has
demonstrated that the proposed activity meets the standards set forth in
subsections 1 to 11, except that when an activity requires a permit only
because it is located in, on or over a community public water system
primary protection area the department shall issue a permit when it finds
that the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed activity meets the
standards set forth in subsection 2 and 5.

1. Existing Uses. The activity will not unreasonably interfere with
existing scenic, aesthetic, recreational or navigational uses.

4
The petitioners direct this Court to a series of e-mails and letters submitted by some of the
parties to this SOC appeal, (see BR. of Pets.' at 11-12), but fail to cite to specific comments that
identify any harm that is different from the impact to the general public or that appear as part of
the formal record on appeal.
5
The petitioners also state in their reply brief that Thanks But No Tank was granted Maine
Non-Profit corporation status on April 13, 2012. (Reply Br. of Pets.' 4, n.3.) That allegation is
not a matter of record.

6
38 M.R.S. § 480-D(l) (2011). Chapter 315 of the Department of Environmental

Protection Regulations "describes the process for evaluating impacts to existing scenic

and aesthetic uses resulting from activities in, on, over, or adjacent to protected natural

resources subject to the National Resources Protection Act, pursuant to 38 M.R.S.A. §

480-D(1)." 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 315 (summary) (2012).

Site Location of Development Act

The department shall approve a development proposal whenever it finds
the following.
3. No adverse effect on the natural environment. The developer has
made adequate provision for fitting the development harmoniously into
the existing natural environment and that the development will not
adversely affect existing uses, scenic character, air quality, water quality
or other natural resources in the· municipality or in neighboring
municipalities.
A. In making a determination under this subsection, the department
may consider the effect of noise from a commercial or industrial
development. Noise from a residential development approved under
this article may not be regulated under this subsection, and noise
generated between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or during daylight
hours, whichever is longer, by construction of a development
approved under this article may not be regulated under this
subsection.
B. In determining whether a developer has made adequate provision
for the control of noise generated by a commercial or industrial
development, the department shall consider board rules relating to
noise and the quantifiable noise standards of the municipality in which
the development is located and of any municipality that may be
affected by the noise.
C. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit a
municipality from adopting noise regulations stricter than those
adopted by the board.

38 M.R.S. § 484(3) (2011). Chapter 375 of the DEP regulations provide that the

"regulations describe the scope of review of the Board in determining a developer's

compliance with the 'no adverse effect on the natural environment' standard of the Site

Location Law (38 M.R.S.A. Section 484(3)); the information which shall be submitted,

when appropriate, within an application for approval; and, the terms and conditions

7
which the Board may impose on the approval of an application to ensure compliance

with the standard." 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 375 (2012) (summary).

4. Visual Impact

The petitioners argue that the permits violate the laws regarding visual impact.

They argue that the Penobscot Bay coastline is "a world-class scenic resource" and the

construction of DCP' s facility would "severely alter this incredible visual landscape."

(Br. of Pets.' 17-18.) The petitioners maintain that the applications for the permits were

inadequate. First, they argue that the DEP did not consider the impacts of mandated

lighting, especially nighttime lighting. (Br. of Pets.' 19-21.) Second, they assert that the

VIA is illegal because it is deficient. (Br. of Pets.' 22-30.)

a. Lighting

As a preliminary matter, it is not clear whether this issue was raised at the

administrative level, as required. New England Whitewater Ctr., Inc. v. Dep't of Inland

Fisheries & Wildlife, 550 A.2d 56, 58 (Me. 1988) (issues not raised at administrative level

not preserved for appeal). The petitioners claim that the issue is preserved because

lighting is mentioned in two e-mails sent by Ms. Ramsdell on September 7, 2011 and

October 3, 2011 made during the comment period. (Br. of Pets.' 11-12; Reply Br. of Pets.'

10.) Wells v. Portland Yacht Club, 2001 ME 20, ~ 5, 771 A.2d 371 (explaining that the

agency, not the court, should have the first opportunity to decide an issue).

In her September 7 e-mail, Ms. Ramsdell discusses general grievances made by

the public at a hearing she attended in January. (SeeR. 38.) While Ms. Ramsdell made

reference "to the usual fears of dangerous accidents, concerns about additional lighting

and tremendous increase of heavy truck traffic ... " the focus of her concern was the

aesthetic impact the tank would have on Searsport and the "adverse affect on local and

area businesses ... " It is doubtful that an e-mail about generalized public grievances is

8
sufficient to provide notice. See Wells, 2001 ME 20, <JI 6, 771 A.2d 371 (stating that letters

and comments are not sufficient enough to alert the Board of an issue).

In contrast, in her October 3 e-mail, Ms. Ramsdell raises specific issues with

DCP's application that she believes to be "either disregarded or 'conveniently' covered

by DCP." (R. 90.) In particular, Ms. Ramsdell asks the questions "What about lighting?

Is the tank just going to hide in the dark at night?" (Id.) Petitioners argue, in their

Reply Brief, that this e-mail is "no generalized grievance" and "alerted DEP and DCP

that the Department must consider lighting impacts and that the application lacked the

required lighting plan." (Reply Br. of Pets.' 11.)

Although the facility requires nighttime lighting, (see 33 C.P.R. § 127.1109 (2012)

(requiring outdoor lighting for liquefied hazardous gas)), the DEP did not consider the

visual impact of safety and security lighting because it was not required to do so. The

regulations for the Site Law do not require consideration of nighttime lighting, unless

the facility is a large parking lot. See 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 375, § 14(B)(3) (2012) (providing

guidelines for the landscaping of parking lots).

The petitioners argue that "common sense" informs the court that the DEP must

consider lighting in order to comply with the rules and regulations. (Reply Br. of Pets.'

7.) The regulations, for both NRP A and Site Law, require full consideration of the

visual impact. 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 315, § 6 (2012) ("An applicant is required to

demonstrate that the proposed activity will not unreasonably interfere with existing

scenic and aesthetic uses of a scenic resource listed in Section 10."); 06-096 C.M.R. ch.

375, § 14(B)(3) (2012) (requiring Board to consider relevant evidence showing that

"structures will be designed and landscaped to minimize their visual impact on the

surrounding area"). Because the regulations do not require the DEP to consider the

9
impact of nighttime lighting, the DEP determines whether it must consider lighting

with regard to the overall visual impact.

b. Visual Impact Assessment Deficiencies 6

The petitioners submit a variety of reasons to support their argument that DCP's

VIA is deficient for purposes of approval of the NRP A permit:

(1) IIDCP arbitrarily limited the radius of the viewshed analysis to a one-mile
APE [Area of Potential Effects] and a less detailed three-mile review area,
as measured from the bulk storage tank rather than from the project
boundaries." (Br. of Pets.' 22.)
(2) DCP did not include the visual impact of increases in ship and truck
traffic resulting from the project. (Id.)
(3) II All visual impacts beyond three miles from tank were arbitrarily
excluded without explanation or justification." (Br. of Pets.' 23.)
11
(4) DCP failed to accurately inventory scenic resources in the MDEP Visual
Evaluation Field Survey Checklist." 7 (Br. of Pets.' 24.)
(5) The description of existing land use and scenic quality is incomplete and
biased because it does not II describe or illustrate the existing natural
scenic character and scenic and aesthetic uses of the surrounding
landscape." (Id.)
(6) The VIA is inaccurate because it maps only a three-mile radius and the
photo-simulation does not show the clear cutting and resulting changes. 8
(Br. of Pets.' 25-27.)
(7) DCP did not provide a worst-case photo-simulation or line-of-sight
profiles from most of the identified protected scenic resources. (Br. of
Pets.' 27.)
(8) DEP used incomplete and inaccurate data to determine that the Total
Visual Impact Severity was moderate and the visual impacts were
acceptable. (Br. of Pets.' 28-29.)
(9) "DCP and DEP failed to address the impact on viewer expectations or the
cumulative visual impacts of industrial development on the Searsport and
Penobscot Bay region." (Br. of Pets.' 29.)

6
The VIA is an optional assessment. "The Department may require a visual impact assessment
if a proposed activity appears to be located within the viewshed of, and has the potential to
have an unreasonable adverse impact on, a scenic resource." 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 315, § 7 (2012).
7
Based on the application, all of the necessary scenic resources were taken into consideration
even if they were not all listed on the checklist. (R. 8 at 14-1 to 14-3.)
8
The DCP points out that not all of the vegetation will be clear-cut. (DCP Br. 14.) "DCP has
committed to leave undisturbed the approximately 6-acre, wooded upland on the land they will
own between the existing railroad tracks and Long Cove." (R. 6 at 10-1.)

10
These alleged deficiencies either are not deficiencies or they are insufficient to

require a remand. Further, many of these complaints are interrelated. For example,

complaint number eight, above, is a generalization of the other alleged deficiencies.

The VIA considered a one mile radius from the tank, not the border of the

facility, and a three mile radius. The petitioners claim that several aspects of these sizes

were deficient because they were arbitrary and did not take the full viewshed9 into

account. The guidelines do not require that the radius go to the outer edge of the

viewshed, or that the radius is measured from a specific point. Instead, the regulations

say, "[t]he radius of the impact area to be analyzed must be based on the relative size

and scope of the proposed activity given the specific location." 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 315, §

7 (2012). The record does not show that a larger radius is necessary based on the

specific location and proposed activity.

DCP asserts in its application that the view of the tank is minimized through its

location:

The screening of potential visual impacts from the terminal facilities
located on the upper parcel will be achieved through using a combination
of existing and proposed topography and forest vegetation. The existing
topography of the upper parcels drops significantly between U.S. Route 1
and the shoreline. This downward slope between U.S. Route 1 and the
shoreline will limit views of the project from the south along U.S. Route 1.
In addition, the base of the largest structure at the facility, the bulk storage
tank, has been established at as low an elevation as feasible. Views of the
project are further limited by retaining as much of the existing tree cover
as can be allowed by facility safety and security requirements. Visual
screening will also be enhanced in most directions by existing tree cover
on surrounding properties.

(R. 8 at 14-3.)

9
Definition of "viewshed"
The geographic area as viewed from a scenic resource, which includes the
proposed activity. The viewshed may include the total visible activity area from
a single observer position or the total visible activity area from multiple
observers' positions.
06-096 C.M.R. ch. 315, § S(I) (2012).

11
The record reveals comments from concerned residents and business owners

about the size of the viewshed, including photos taken from a helicopter hovering "over

the proposed site of the DCP tank at the projected tank height." (R. 88.) These photos

show panoramic views with the helicopter, but the distances and the accuracy of the

helicopter's location are unknown. (R. 88.) Although the DEP must consider all input,

the residents' primarily anecdotal evidence does not mandate vacating the DEP's

decision. Based on the record, the radius used is sufficient.

The petitioners' concerns involving the existing uses and viewers' expectations

present a similar problem. DCP discussed these concerns in the application and the

information was before the respondent. (R. 14-1-14-4.) The respondent's conclusion

that the impact was not substantial enough to deny the permits does not suggest that

the respondent did not consider the information. The record supports the DEP's

decision regarding the VIA.

Perhaps the petitioners' strongest argument relates to concern number seven,

above. The petitioners assert that DCP did not provide a worst-case photosimulation or

line-of-sight profiles from most of the identified protected scenic resources. (Br. of

Pets.' 27.) Based on the regulations it is unclear whether the DCP was required to

submit additional line-of-sight profiles. The regulations provide:

Areas of the scenic resource from which the activity will be visible,
including representative and worst-case viewpoints, must be identified.
Line-of-sight profiles constitute the simplest acceptable method of
illustrating the potential visual impact of the proposed activity from
viewpoints within the context of its viewshed.

06-096 C.M.R. ch. 315, § 7 (2012). In the application DCP identified impacted scenic

resources, but it did not necessarily indicate which viewpoints were representative or

worst-case. (R. 8, 14-1-14.4.) DCP included one line-of-sight profile photosimulation.

(R. 8, 14.) Subsequently, additional viewpoints were submitted, "that were in the

12
historic structures report sent to the MHPO, taken from the closest NRHP-eligible

structures on Route 1." (R. 93.) 10 In this later correspondence, DCP indicated that the

photosimulation included with the application was from Sears Island and "represented

the 'worst case' from tidal waters where most recreational boaters would be." (R. 93.)

The three photosimulations appear to be the only line-of-sight profiles provided

by DCP. The respondent was clearly aware of this issue because it requested additional

photos after the draft order was distributed for review and concerned parties had

complained. (R. 61, 93.) 11 The regulations do not require a certain number of line-of-

sight profiles. The respondent determined the available photosimulations were

representative and included a worse-case viewpoint.

The respondent had sufficient evidence to conclude the VIA was adequate. The

petitioners took advantage of the opportunity to submit additional evidence, which the

respondent considered in conjunction with the VIA.

5. Accidents and Precautions

The petitioners argue that the respondent did not have all of the necessary

information to make its decision because it did not consider federal studies regarding

10
The images in the record are black and white photocopies. The tank is not visible on one. (R.
93, Figure 20.)
11
The DCP responded to this request by providing the additional photosimulations and stating
the following argument:
We did not do any others from the water or shoreline because we felt the one
from Sears Island represented the "worst case" from tidal waters where most
recreational boaters would be. We could do additional simulations from the
shore, such as Moose Point State Park which apparently has been raised as a
location where one should have been done, but if the tank is visible (our view
shed model indicates there is a chance you could see it from one spot right on the
shoreline) it would be much farther away than from Sears Island, it would only
be the very top of the tank, and it would be in the background of the existing
Sprague/Irving terminals. Doing simulations from the water can be done but it
is more problematic for the obvious reason. So our preference is to see how the
appeal plays out and, if it is decided that an additional simulation or two are
necessary, DCP will do them. If you feel strongly about doing additional
simulations now, don't hesitate to let me know.
(R. 93.) The DEP did not require an additional photo-simulation.

13
existing uses and public safety. (Br. of Pets.' 31-37.) The respondent replies that it is not

charged with analyzing risks of accidents and terrorist attacks. (Br. of Resp. 13.) The

respondent argues further that it can issue permits prior to the issuance of federal

permits. (Br. of Resp. 14.) DCP argues similarly that the respondent need not consider

these issues. (Br. of DCP 27-31.)

Based on a review of the statutes and accompanying regulations, the respondent

is not required to analyze the risk of accidents and attacks. Such analysis is done by

other permitting organizations. The order specifically requires that the applicant

"secure and comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local licenses, permits,

authorizations, conditions, agreements, and orders, prior to or during construction and

operation as appropriate." (R. 99, 18; see also 99, 17; 99, 19.)

6. Air Quality

The petitioners argue that the respondent violated the Site Law by not properly

considering the increased non-point source air pollution caused by increased traffic.

(Br. of Pets.' 38-39.) The Site Law regulations provide:

The Board recognizes that point sources emissions from certain types of
commercial and industrial developments and solid waste disposal
facilities and non-point source emissions deriving from industrial,
commercial, and governmental development can have an unreasonable
adverse effect on air quality.

06-096 C.M.R. ch. 375, § 1(A) (2012); see also id. § 1(C).

The parties dispute the significance of the increase in the number of trucks for

the community. The respondent and DCP argue the increase in traffic in minimal. (Br.

of Resp. 15; Br of DCP 22.) The petitioners argue that the number of trucks is increased

substantially. (Br. of Pets.' 39.) The focus must be the effect of emissions on air quality.

In its application, DCP stated: "Non-point sources of air emissions such as fugitive dust

will be insignificant and associated primarily with construction of the facility. The

14
construction plan provides for controlling the amount of dust generated by application

of water and/ or calcium chloride on dry dusty surfaces. Following construction,

facility roads and production areas that will receive frequent truck and other traffic will

be paved." (R. 6, 21-1.) The respondent's conclusion on this issue is supported by the

record. (R. 99, 15 of 20.)

7. Noise

The petitioners argue that DCP did not fully and properly identify all of the

sources and impacts of noise associated with the facility. (Br. of Pets.' 40-48.) In part,

they argue that not all of the necessary equipment was used in the model. Most of the

equipment that they list, however, is not equipment used in routine operation. For

example, the flares and generators are not part of routine operation.

Under the regulations, "the hourly sound levels resulting from routine operation

of the development ... shall not exceed ... 70 dBA between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00p.m."

and "60 dBA between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m." 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 375, § 10(C)(1)(iii)

(2012). 12 In the application, DCP provided a calculated project noise level of 59.6 dBA.

(R. 6 at 5-8.)

The regulations provide little guidance regarding information that must be

submitted with the application concerning noise. "Technical information shall be

submitted describing the applicant's plan and intent to make adequate provision for the

control of sound." 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 375, § 10(D)(2) (2012). The regulations provide a

list of information to be provided "when appropriate." Id. Because predicting noise

may be a difficult task, 13 the regulations request general information such as "a

description of major sound sources, including tonal sound sources and sources of short

12
The parties appear to agree that these guidelines apply. Because the facility is expected to be
in operation 24 hours a day, the nighttime limit is used as the overall limit.
13
The word "expected" is used often. 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 375, § 10(D)(2)(e), (f),(g) (2012).

15
duration repetitive sounds, associated with the construction, operation and

maintenance of the proposed development, including their locations within the

proposed development." Id. § 10(D)(2)(b).

Although estimations were included in the application regarding nOise, the

language of the regulations assumes estimates will be provided. There is no indication

that these estimations are incorrect. The respondent accepted the information provided

in the application.

The petitioners also argue that the application does not take into account the

trucks that will idle for less than 60 minutes during their trip to the facility. (Br. of Pets.'

47.) Although the petitioners express valid concerns regarding these trucks and the

increased noise, DCP was not required to include them as part of the assessment.

"Sounds associated with the following shall be exempt from regulation by the Board ...

[r]egistered and inspected vehicles[] while operating on public ways, or which enter the

development to make a delivery or pick up and which are moving, starting or stopping,

but not when they are parked for over 60 minutes in the development." 06-096 C.M.R.

ch. 375, § 10(C)(5)(c) (2012). Since the application complied with the regulations the

DEP's decision to issue the permit is not arbitrary and it is supported by substantial

evidence.

8. Impact on resource-based businesses

The petitioners request that the respondent consider the economic impact of the

project. (Br. of Pets.' 49-50.) The respondent is required to regulate the cumulative

impact of the project on the environment, not on the commercial aspects of the

community. The regulations of the relevant permitting laws indicate that existing

scenic and aesthetic uses must be taken into consideration.

16
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the proposed
design does not unreasonably interfere with existing scenic and aesthetic
uses, and thereby diminish the public enjoyment and appreciation of the
qualities of a scenic resource, and that any potential impacts have been
minimized.
The Department's determination of impact is based on the following
visual elements of the landscape:
A. Landscape compatibility ...
B. Scale contrast ...
C. Spatial dominance ....

06-096 C.M.R. ch. 315, § 9 (2012).

The non-industry uses are based on the visual beauty of the area. (See, e.g., R. 8

at 14-1.) It is clear that the tank will be seen from the surrounding area. But the project

is located in an industrial area adjacent to existing petroleum storage and distribution

facilities. The record does not reflect that the impact of the project on existing scenic

and aesthetic uses required the respondent to deny the permit.

The entry is

The Decision of the Department of Environmental Protection
is AFFIRMED.

Petitioners Gocze and Hall hav STANDING to appeal. The
remaining Petitioners are DIS ISSED from this Appeal.

Date: November 13, 2012
Nancy Mills
Justice, Superio

17
Date Filed 12/2/11 Kennebec Docket No. AP-11-58
County

Action: Petition For Review J. Mills
80C

Thanks But No Tank, et al. vs. ME Dept of Environmental Protection

Plaintiff's Attorney Defendant's Attorney

Stephen Hinchman, Esq. James Kilbreth, Esq. (PII DCP)
537 Fosters Point Road 84 Marginal Way Suite 600
West Bath, ME 04530 Portland Maine 04101

Kelly Boden, Esq
One Portland Square
Portland Maine 04112-0586

Date of Entry

12/7/11 Petition For Review Of Final Agency Action, filed 12/2/11. s/Hinchman, Esq.

1/3/12 Certification of Record, filed. s/Bensinger, MG

1/6/12 DCP Midstream Partners, LP Notice of Appearance, filed. s/Kilbreth, Esq.
1/12/12 Phone Conference set for 1/24/12 at 8:00 a.m. with Justice Mills.
Notice mailed to attys. of record

1/24/12 Telephone conference with Attorneys Kilbreth, Boden, Hinchman and AAG Bensinger.
No objection to my handling case.
Copies to attys. of record.

1/26/12 Notice and Briefing Schedule issued.
Copies mailed to attys. of record.

3/5/12 Petitioners' Brief, filed. s/Hinchman, Esq.

3/14/12 Amended Index to Record, filed. s/Bensinger, MG

4/2/12 Motion for Enlargement of Time, filed. s/Bensinger MG
Proposed Order, filed.

4/3/12 ORDER, Mills, J.
The motion is unopposed and it is granted. Responsive briefs must be filed on or before
April 6, 2012.
Copies to attys. of record.

4/6/12 Brief of Respondent, filed. s/Bensinger, MG

SOC Opposition Brief of Intervenor DCP Midstream Partners, LP, filed. s/Boden, Esq.

4/23/12 Petitioner's Reply Brief, filed. s/Hinchman, Esq.
Page 1 AP11-58
11/13/12 DECISION AND ORDER, Mills, J.
The Decision of the Department of Environmental Protection is AFFIRMED.
Petitioners Gocze and Hall have STANDING to appeal. The remaining
Petitioners are DISMISSED from the Appeal.
Copies to attys. of record.
Notice of removal of exhibits mailed to attys. of record.

Page 2 AP11-58

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/10809958. Public record. Not legal advice.