Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-29588
The first bill before me today, Introductory Number 531-A, sponsored by Council Member Michels and 17 of his colleagues in conjunction with my Administration, would amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to motor fuel storage systems.
This legislation will provide a much-needed modernization of the City's Fire Prevention Code. It will repeal outdated requirements with regard to the installation, alteration, testing and repair of equipment used to store and dispense motor fuel in garages, automotive service stations, private filling stations and marine service stations.
In place of the current requirements, the legislation will establish appropriate standards, consistent with that of Federal and State requirements, for motor fuel storage and dispensing equipment, without inhibiting the development and use of new technology. The legislation also serves to clarify and simplify the permit and licensing provisions of the Fire Prevention Code.
As amended by this legislation, the Fire Prevention Code would allow the use of new motor fuel storage and dispensing technology that is more protective of both fire safety and the environment, while benefiting the businesses that use such equipment. Together with the rules that will be adopted upon its enactment, the legislation would require double-walled storage tanks with leak detection and containment systems and overfill protection, which reduce the risk of leaks and spills. These protections permit tank and service station capacity to be safely increased and diesel fuel to be safely stored above-ground. The use of larger tanks will also reduce the number of tank truck deliveries per station and thereby the number of tank trucks traveling on City streets and highways.
In conclusion, the Administrative Code amendments enacted by this legislation will serve to ensure the safe and efficient storage and dispensing of motor fuel and enable the Fire Department to effectively maintain such standards.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.