The modification of Article 7 allows farm owners with old single-walled tanks, to use Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation Service grants to upgrade to state-of-the-art double walled systems.This modification will provide financial relief for farmers, as well as reduce air pollution and risk of possible fuel spills.
“Our health officials over the last few months reached out to both industry and environmentalists, listened to their concerns and collaborated with them to adapt the sanitary code so that it made sense for all stakeholders… This is an example of government working at its best, and this decision will result in a tremendous benefit to our farm communities in the future.” – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
Photo: Brian Lewin, Sharon Frost, SC Soil District Technician, Ken Clunie, Assistant Public Health Engineer, County Executive Steve Bellone Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner Suffolk County Health Department, Legislator Al Krupski, Jim Meyers, Principal Public Health Engineer, Erick Lewin
Article 7 of the Sanitary Code permits for aboveground diesel storage up to 1000 gallons and aboveground motor oil and used oil tanks to 300 gallons each. The limit previously allowed by code was 250 gallons total per site, adopted in May 1985.
“Funding totals over $1.5 million, demonstrating the full support of state and federal agencies to replace fuel storage facilities,” – Rob Carpenter, Long Island Farm Bureau and Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District
According to Carpenter, the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has granted the funding to replace fuel storage facilities, through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program.
“Farmers need to have safe fuel tanks on their land as part of their infrastructure… The modifications will allow farmers to save on fuel costs and usage and enable them to grow and serve their customers more effectively. This is a huge benefit to our communities on the east end.” – Suffolk Legislator Al Krupski, Riverhead
Legislator William Spencer, Chairman of the County health committee and member of the Suffolk County Board of Health, also played an instrumental role in reaching out to those with environmental concerns. Legislator Spencer affirmed the change in code, stating on site fueling would reduce air pollution, fuel usage and spills that result from repeated trips to refill small tanks.
“I am very comfortable recommending these changes to the sanitary code, having recently met and discussed the changes with my colleagues… We expect that the increase in storage limits will not have a negative impact on Suffolk County’s groundwater due to stringent design requirements, inspection and additional controls required on these tanks.” – Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Revised changes to the code also allows for used oil to qualify for the same exemption that exists for heating oil. This permits companies that currently collect used oil from fleets to upcycle into heating oil tanks, to heat their buildings. The benefits include lower heating bills, a reduction in use of heating oil and eliminating the need for transportation and disposal/processing of the used oil. It will also phase out the need for onsite used oil storage.
Other minor changes were also made to the code to clarify code sections, eliminate ambiguous terminology and correct errors.
The code changes took effect upon filing, which occurred Monday, February 1, 2016. To view the Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 7 changes, visit http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/BoardofHealth.aspx
Funding may be available for farmers to upgrade their diesel fuel tanks and to come into compliance with Article 7 regulations. For more information or a free evaluation, contact Sharon Frost at the Soil Water Conservation District at 631-852-3287.