After two years of conflict, a Newington company got the green light today to bring propane by rail to the New Hampshire Seacoast.
On Friday, the state’s Site Evaluation Committee voted to allow the propane company SEA-3 to expand its facility without a year-long evaluation process.
The decision came after opponents agreed to drop objections in exchange for additional safety measures, paid for by SEA-3. The agreement limits railcar traffic and includes fire safety measures paid for by SEA-3.
Fears of an explosion had prompted the city of Portsmouth to join other objectors before the SEC.
"I believe that the settlement agreement reached by the parties, and the cooperation shown by all parties was in the best interest of not only the city of Portsmouth, but the Seacoast region," says Jane Ferrini, attorney for the city of Portsmouth.
SEA-3 says the cheap propane from western oil fields will help bring down heating costs in the region.
The SEC's decision is effective immediately.