New York Underground Oil Tank Regulations & Removal

The NY DEC regulates petroleum bulk storage under 6 NYCRR Parts 612-614. Key requirements: • **Registration** - Tanks over 1,100 gallons must be registered • **Closure requirements** - Proper decommissioning procedures required • **Spill reporting** - Any release must be reported to DEC Spill Hotline • **Licensed contractors** - Should use experienced, insured professionals • **Soil testing** - Required during tank removal • **Documentation** - Closure reports and soil sample results Long Island has additional county-level regulations due to sole-source aquifer protection concerns.

Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties) has unique concerns due to groundwater: • **Sole-source aquifer** - Groundwater is primary drinking water source • **Stricter oversight** - County health departments may be involved • **Common in older homes** - Many Levittown-era homes had oil tanks • **Real estate impact** - Tank issues can delay or kill deals • **Higher remediation costs** - Groundwater contamination especially serious Suffolk County and Nassau County both have environmental departments that may require notification.

Westchester County has high property values and many older homes with buried tanks: • **Pre-purchase sweeps** - Standard in most real estate transactions • **Municipal requirements** - Some towns have additional permit requirements • **Environmental consultants** - Often used for high-value properties • **Seller disclosure** - Known tanks must be disclosed • **Title insurance** - May require tank certification

Standard process for removing an underground oil tank in New York: 1. **Hire qualified contractor** - Verify insurance and experience 2. **Notify authorities** - DEC and/or local municipality as required 3. **Obtain permits** - Municipal excavation permits 4. **Pump remaining oil** - Proper disposal required 5. **Excavate tank** - Careful removal to prevent spills 6. **Soil sampling** - From beneath and around tank 7. **Laboratory testing** - For petroleum compounds 8. **Proper disposal** - Tank and contaminated soil 9. **Backfill and restore** - Site restoration 10. **Documentation** - Closure report for records