On Thursday, Selectmen denied a request that would have expanded the 7-Eleven in East Wareham's fuel capacity from 24,000 to 40,000 gallons, because members on the board were concerned about the environmental impact.

The second hearing for the request was held at the board's meeting and dealt with the potential environmental impact of increasing the capacity at the gas station, located at 3106 Cranberry Highway.

The environmental consultants representing 7-Eleven, Marcie Redmond and Louis Ferreira of Aecom, said they spoke to the Onset Fire and Water District and were told there were no foreseeable issues with increasing the capacity.

Selectman Patrick Tropeano said he was concerned by the issues the 7-Eleven has had in the past. Last year, there was a vapor problem with one of the tanks and someone drove into a gas pump. Because of that incident, the gas station is currently not dispensing gas and will replace the system.

“I don’t see them being good stewards, in my opinion,” Tropeano said. “They made it work with 24,000 [gallons] and I don’t see why to add any more to that at this time...I have to think about the town and not any other reason.”

Tropeano said he was concerned about how the town’s water supply would be impacted if leaks occurred from the gas station, which is in a sensitive area, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Groundwater there is given "very serious protection," Tropeano said.

Given that particular store's history, Tropeano said he doesn't want to risk that the groundwater in that area would be contaminated.

“I’m just trying to protect the town,” Tropeano said.

The increase in capacity was denied unanimously by Selectmen, but the store’s inflammable fluids license was renewed for 24,000 gallons of fuel.