The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is advising 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:
- Contact a plumber licensed to work on gas lines and have the fuel source switched to utility natural gas or consider another fuel or heating appliance;
- Natural gas directly from a well is odorless and colorless, meaning it may build up to explosive levels without detection. Install methane detection alarms in any closed space where methane may accumulate;
- Commercial gas suppliers always add the odorant mercaptan to natural gas before it is delivered for use. Consider adding mercaptan to natural gas from a home use well so it can be more easily detected; and
- Contact DEC if the well is not registered in DEC’s database. Owning and operating an oil or gas well comes with regulatory responsibilities to protect the environment. New York is actively plugging oil and gas wells throughout the state and home wells may be eligible for the State’s program.
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:
- Bent, rusty, or wobbly tank legs or tank located on an unstable foundation;
- Signs of rust, weeps, wet spots, or many dents on the tank’s surface;
- Drips or any signs of leaks around the oil filter or valves;
- Fuel oil lines not covered in a protective casing – even if under concrete;
- Overhanging eaves where snow and ice could fall onto the tank;
- Stains on the ground or strong oil odor around the tank;
- Browning, dying, or loss of vegetation around the tank;
- Silent overfill whistle while tank is being filled – ask fuel delivery person;
- Fully or partially blocked tank vent from snow, ice, or insect nests;
- Signs of spills around fill pipe or vent pipe;
- Improperly sized vent pipes – ask fuel delivery person; and
- Cracked, stuck, or frozen fuel level gauges or signs of fuel around them.
For underground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:
- Water in the tank – ask fuel delivery person to check;
- Oil or oil sheen in your basement sump or French drain;
- Silent overfill whistle while tank is being filled – ask fuel delivery person;
- Fully or partially blocked tank vent from snow, ice, or insect nests;
- Signs of spills around fill pipe or vent pipe;
- Well water has strange tastes or smells;
- Complaints from neighbors of fuel oil smells; and
- Using more than normal amount of fuel.
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:
- apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program, with applications starting on Nov. 1;
- be more energy efficient to lower energy usage;
- receive a customized list of energy-related assistance in the State;
- contact DEC’s regional offices to be added to an oil and gas well-plugging priority list, including eligibility for state and federal funding assistance through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL);
- sign up for Community Solar;
- get a free energy audit;
- join a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign;
- know your rights and protections regarding utility services; and
- consider bill payment options, among other steps.
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