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Issue · Plymouth, MA

TL Edwards gas station aquifer protection permit

Disputed APOD delineation and environmental safeguards for a proposed gas station near public water supply.

Overview

The TL Edwards gas station at 360 Cherry Street faces aquifer risk due to an unresolved dispute over whether the site lies in the Aquifer Protection Overlay District. The zoning board continued the case in May 2026 then approved it with nine conditions in June 2026. Opponents cite modern modeling placing the site inside the protected zone while the applicant relies on current delineations.

Background

The TL Edwards gas station proposal at 360 Cherry Street centers on a fundamental dispute over whether the site lies inside the Aquifer Protection Overlay District. The project involves a gas station and convenience store on a 5.05-acre portion of a 39-acre site previously rezoned to Mixed Commercial.

On May 18, 2026, the zoning board of appeals heard continued discussion of the special permit application. Opponents presented modern modeling showing the fueling infrastructure within the APOD while the applicant relied on current municipal delineations. The board continued the case to June 15 specifically to address the aquifer protection issue.

At the June 15, 2026 meeting, the board deliberated Case 4198 on the gas station in the mixed commercial zone near the aquifer protection overlay. The applicant offered to shift pumps 10 ft, install emergency trapdoors, and use highest-standard double-wall tanks with monitoring. The board approved the project with nine conditions including pump location verification and enhanced tank standards.

The approval relied on guidance from town professionals despite unresolved delineation disputes. Revised site plans must now confirm pumps outside the overlay district before further permitting steps.

On April 27, 2026, the zoning board of appeals considered a request from McKenzie Engineering Group to continue the public hearing for the 360 Cherry Street project.

How it unfolded
Granted a continuance for the public hearing on the 360 Cherry Street gas station project to May 18, 2026, following a request from McKenzie Engineering Group.
2026-04-27Zoning Board Of Appeals
Continued the TL Edwards gas station special permit case to June 15 to resolve the APOD delineation ambiguity after debate on updated zone 2 modeling and site placement.
2026-05-18Zoning Board Of Appeals
Approved Case 4198 gas station special permit with nine conditions including pump location verification and enhanced underground tank standards after reviewing engineer reports and proposed conditions.
2026-06-15Zoning Board Of Appeals
Arguments in favor
Applicants outside current well protection zone per state design
zoning-board-of-appeals 2026-06-15
For
Offered to shift pumps 10 ft and install emergency trapdoors
zoning-board-of-appeals 2026-06-15
For
Prior 2022 approval existed with only use change triggering review
zoning-board-of-appeals 2026-06-15
For
Arguments against
Modern modeling shows the proposed fueling infrastructure falls within the APOD district
zoning-board-of-appeals 2026-05-18
Against
Project poses direct threat to town's public water supply serving 200,000 people
zoning-board-of-appeals 2026-05-18
Against
Proposed stormwater system insufficient for removing dissolved contaminants like benzene
zoning-board-of-appeals 2026-05-18
Against
Key voices
“Modern modeling shows the proposed fueling infrastructure actually falls within the APOD district and approving the project would pose a clear threat to the groundwater quality for Kingston”
Hydrogeologists for Haley Aldrichzoning-board-of-appeals 2026-05-18
“Three different engineers are providing three different results regarding the delineation line and the burden of proof is on the proponent”
Attorney representing ten concerned citizenszoning-board-of-appeals 2026-05-18
“The proposed system is insufficient for removing dissolved contaminants like benzene and the manual shutdown valve for spills is a risk”
Civil engineer representing ten concerned citizenszoning-board-of-appeals 2026-05-18
What's next

Revised site plan to be submitted to Planning and Inspectional Services confirming pumps outside overlay district

TL Edwards360 Cherry StreetAPODaquifer