The motion, as substituted, was approved on a unanimous voice vote. Propane Gas Selectmen recommended no action. The proponent pointed out that the Fire Department has a policy of categorically denying propane permits when there is natural gas available on the street. She felt this is discriminatory, pointing out the high cost of a gas hookup, the convenience of propane, and the desire to have an alternate source of heat in the event of any Y2K problems, and that other towns, including some surrounding ones, have no such policy. Richard Maimone, the Director of Fire Services, says he feels propane is not in the public safety when natural gas is available.
Gas is lighter than air and can dissipate, propane is heavier than air and can pool.
If there is a house fire, at least one hose must be held on propane tanks to keep them cool so they do not explode. If they do explode, there will be shrapnel. This endangers firefighters. Mr. Maimone prefers to keep propane delivery trucks, which he feels are more unsafe than buried gas pipeline, off the streets as much as possible. He pointed out that other surrounding towns, as well as some elsewhere in the state, do have similar policies to Arlington's.