What's happening
This bill requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to review and recommend measures to prevent water contamination from heating oil tanks.
Why it matters
Targets residential and small-scale tanks. The bill specifically addresses "heating oil tanks" used for on-premises consumption and under 1,100 gallons, which are common in homes and small businesses—potentially impacting a large number of property owners.
Focuses on science-based prevention. By requiring a review of current tank construction standards and best management practices, the bill aims to use the latest scientific information to reduce leaks, rather than relying solely on punitive measures after contamination occurs.
Considers local environmental sensitivities. The legislation directs consideration of stricter rules for underground tanks in environmentally sensitive areas (like sole source aquifers and watersheds), which could lead to more protective policies in places where water resources are most at risk.
Could influence future regulations and homeowner guidance. The findings and recommendations from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s report and website postings could shape future tank regulations, installation practices, and maintenance expectations for homeowners and contractors, ultimately aiming to prevent costly water contamination incidents.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Stop Heating Oil Tank Leaks
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to environmental conservation
- Referred to environmental conservation
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8430
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
June 16, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. ENGLEBRIGHT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the prevention of water contamination from heating oil tanks
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The environmental conservation law is amended by adding a new section 15-0517 to read as follows: § 15-0517. Prevention of water contamination from heating oil tanks.
1. For the purposes of this section:
(a) the term "heating oil tank" shall apply only to heating oil tanks used for on premises consumption at the same site which is not interconnected to any other heating oil tank and is used to store or contain less than one thousand one hundred gallons of petroleum unless such tank is located on a site that otherwise meets the definition of facility as defined in subdivision one of section 17-1003 of this chapter.
(b) the term "petroleum" shall have the same meaning as defined in subdivision fifteen of section one hundred seventy-two of the navigation law.
2. The department shall examine existing heating oil tank construction standards to determine what additional standards should be required to decrease the risk of leaks and resulting water contamination, including but not limited to: materials used; secondary containment; and, tank wall construction.
3. The department shall prepare recommendations for posting on the department website regarding best management practices for the care and maintenance of heating oil tanks to decrease the risk of leaks and the resulting water contamination.
4. The department shall, no later than January first, two thousand nineteen, prepare a report to the legislature regarding effective methods to reduce leaks and water contamination from heating oil tanks. Such
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13160-01-7
A. 8430 2
report, which shall be based on the best available scientific information, shall include:
(a) review of effective management measures being taken in other states;
(b) the need and effectiveness of prohibitions on the placement of underground heating oil tanks in certain critical environmental areas, sole source aquifers, and watersheds; and
(c) recommendations pursuant to subdivision three of this section.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.