10/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 12:01
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised property owners to prioritize safety when preparing for home heating needs this fall and winter. DEC reminded property owners that connecting occupied buildings to wells producing natural gas is dangerous and potentially deadly. DEC also encouraged property owners to inspect fuel storage tanks for potential leaks or spills prior to receiving shipments of fuel oil for the upcoming heating season. In addition, DEC urged residents to take steps now to utilize programs designed to save consumers energy and money.
"Planning ahead for the winter season will help save New Yorkers time, money, and potential headaches later on when it comes to home heating," DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. "Annual inspections and other simple precautions can prevent leaks and spills and ensure people, property, and the environment are protected."
Natural Gas Safety
Natural gas produced by a gas or oil well is odorless and difficult or impossible for a person to detect. While the primary component of natural gas is methane, gases like propane and butane may also be present in addition to water, because the gas is raw and untreated. This may result in improper and erratic combustion in appliances. The risk of an explosion due to natural gas build-up in a home is substantially greater when that gas is not provided by a utility.
If a home-use well is connected to a house or other structure:
For questions and additional information about home-use wells, contact DEC at (518) 402-8056 or [email protected]. Also, visit DEC's website for details.
Fuel Oil Safety
DEC also reminds home and property owners to inspect heating fuel oil storage tanks for leaks or spills before ordering and receiving fuel oil.
Annual inspections can prevent leaks and spills and protect property, public health, and the environment. Homeowners are advised to look for the following concerns and contact their fuel oil service provider if they see any of the items from the lists below.
For above-ground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:
For underground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:
Fuel oil spills or leaks should be reported to the DEC Spills Hotline at 1-800-457-7362. For more information on home heating oil tank stewardship, visit the Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner's Guide webpage on DEC's website.
Help for Homeowners
New Yorkers can take the following steps in their homes to help improve safety and protect against higher energy costs, including:
DEC is interested in reaching interested landowners to participate in a voluntary oil and gas well plugging program using more than $50 million in state and federal funding.
Landowners who suspect an orphaned well may be located on their property should review the information on DEC's website: Finding and Identifying Oil and Gas Wells. Landowners will also find contact information for DEC's regional offices to report the well for placement on DEC's well plugging priority list.