By Ted Carter

Tybee City Council approved a zoning variance Thursday night for a 10,000 gallon fuel tank at Lazarreto Creek Marina that drew concerns from member Paul Wolff about spillage into the nearby creek and marsh.

Lazaretto Development plans to put the doubled-walled tank on a concrete slab situated within a 50-foot marsh buffer zone.  The marina left the tank off site plans approved by the council in July because the tank was still awaiting further approval from the state, said attorney Phillip McCorkle, representing applicant Paul Burns.

Just before the vote, Mayor Jason Buelterman advised council members issues relating to the tank’s placement are out of the council’s jurisdiction. “It’s not up to us to deal with the tank,” he said.

Council approved the tank variance on a 3-1 vote, with Charlie Brewer, Wanda Doyle and Eddie Crone in favor and Wolff dissenting. Members Dick Smith and Barry Brown recused themselves.

Wolff said spills from the tank could pollute the nearby creek and marsh.  “It just seems environmentally irresponsible to put a 10,000 gallon tank right up next to the creek,” he said.

The tank is needed to accommodate increased boat dockage at the marina after it completes an expansion that includes a 140-foot floating dock.

State environmental officials say water runoff from the tanks will be directed away from the marsh.