A recently unearthed gas tank is holding up completion of the current phase of the Main Street beautification project, which covers the area from Center Street to the Narrows Bridge.

The gas tank was discovered in the area between Hess and Cumberland Farms. According to Community and Economic Development Director Salvador Pina, nobody knew the gas tank was there when the project was planned and executed.

"We know that it was probably here at least in the '80s, but probably before," said Pina.

The tank has been removed. The soil surrounding it is being tested to find out if it's contaminated, and if so, how far the contamination has spread.

"We're waiting to see what we have for contaminated soil," said Pina. "We may have to go back in at some point and do additional work."

The project was expected to wrap up June 28, but the discovery of the tank has thrown a wrench in the timeline.

"We would be done already if it wasn't for this," said Pina.

The cost of extricating the gas tank and of cleaning up any contamination won't be known until the soil has been tested and the scope of the contamination is known.

The town has already had to use $30,000 of contingency funds for the project to clean and dispose of gasoline-contaminated soil on Main Street, not far from where the gas tank was found. There is approximately $100,000 in contingency funds set aside to deal with unanticipated situations such as these.

"On the project side, we came in within budget," Pina noted.

For now, work between Hess and Cumberland Farms has ceased.

Throwing another wrench in the project, the site on which Hess sits may be sold.

"We have reason to believe Cumberland Farms is interested in taking over the Hess site," Pina said.

Should the property change hands, Pina says his department would want to work with the new owners on any redesign that may take place.

The Community and Economic Development Authority completed the first phase of the project last year. It updated the curbing, sidewalks, street lights, and signs on Main Street between Center Street and the Post Office.