FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 17-78
August 25, 2017
deppressoffice@dep.nyc.gov, (718) 595-6600
Online Permitting, Additional Testing Options and Updated Emission Control Regulations Part of Air Quality Improvement Effort
Deleting Outdated Rules Makes Compliance Easier for Property Owners and Businesses
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection today announced a number of new initiatives and updated rules and regulations aimed at improving air quality and making compliance easier for property owners and businesses. This includes an updated one-stop online system for information and required registration of certain equipment, additional compliance testing options for portable generators, new emissions control requirements for wood or coal burning stoves in food establishments, and equipping enforcement staff with wireless tablets to quickly upload inspection reports. This builds upon the City’s successful effort to phase out the use of Number 6 heating oil, the dirtiest and most polluting oil. As of December 31, 2015, all 5,300 buildings that were using Number 6 oil had switched to a cleaner burning fuel, which modeling shows will prevent 210 premature deaths and 540 hospitalizations each year.
Air Quality Program changes include:
DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 in the upstate watershed. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $20.7 billion in investments over the next 10 years that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.