Long Island, NY - October 29, 2014 - The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) invites public comments on revised proposed regulations for the construction and operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in New York State. A 30-day public comment period will begin Nov. 12 and run through Dec. 12.
The primary revision to the proposed regulations would limit the size of LNG storage facilities that can be permitted in New York State. DEC proposes to restrict permitting to facilities with a capacity of no more than 70,000 gallons, the threshold used by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This capacity limit was one of the main issues raised in public comments DEC received on the proposed regulations. In addition, a permit would be issued for a facility only if it addresses municipal fire and safety needs.
The limit in the revised regulations being proposed would accommodate the requirements of truck fueling stations, the facilities most likely to seek permits in New York in the foreseeable future.
"Public safety has always been the primary factor in determining whether to permit LNG storage facilities in New York," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. "Many of the comments received on the proposed regulations expressed concerns about the potential size of LNG facilities. The revised proposed regulations would address these concerns by establishing a conservative limit on facility capacity. In addition, conversion of diesel-powered trucks to LNG, which is likely to result after the regulations become effective, would further the State's environmental and economic goals."
The storage of LNG is allowed in the other 49 states, which rely on building and fire codes, including NFPA standards. New York's proposed regulations would establish standards for safe storage and handling of LNG, including a requirement that facilities obtain a state-issued permit to store LNG. New York would be the only state to require a permit for LNG storage.
A public comment period on the revised proposed regulations will run from Nov. 12 through Dec. 12, 2014. The public may submit written comments by email to derweb@dec.ny.gov [include 'Comments on Revised Proposed Part 570' in the subject line]; or mail to Mr. Russ Brauksieck, NYSDEC, Division of Environmental Remediation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7020.
DEC will post documents on the revised proposed Part 570 on a rolling basis on DEC's website prior to Nov. 12 when the proposed regulations will appear in the State Register.
