Storing certain chemicals can be dangerous for your company’s facilities and your employees. In fact, large-scale chemical or petroleum storage can also be dangerous for members of the general public. There are risks such as groundwater contamination to consider, as well as the possibility of a fire or explosion due to improper storage.
In New York, businesses often need to comply with bulk storage regulations if they maintain their own facilities to store petroleum, petroleum by-products or various chemicals. Certain companies are subject to regulations and even inspections if their storage facilities meet certain criteria.
Large-scale storage is smaller than you think
Given that some vehicles have tanks that can hold 20 gallons or more of fuel, you might imagine that a large-scale storage facility would have enough gas inside to power dozens of vehicles. However, reserves for even a single piece of farm equipment could be enough to trigger state regulations.
If you will have one or more tanks that can store 1,100 gallons or more aboveground or underground systems intended to store more than 110 gallons of petroleum require participation. These facilities will be subject to oversight by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Proper maintenance and regular inspections are necessary parts of the bulk storage program in New York.
Businesses that use or produce chemicals or petroleum as part of their regular operations will need to weigh the costs of bulk storage compliance against the possible expenses of outsourcing the service to another company.
Understanding the environmental regulations that may impact your business can help you better comply with all applicable New York and federal environmental laws.