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From the April 2008 issue
DEC Settles with Hess Over Gas and Oil Storage and Tidal Wetlands Violations
Hess Corporation will bring 65 gasoline stations and oil storage facilities into compliance with state requirements and fund an important habitat restoration project in the Hudson River Estuary under an agreement announced recently by DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. The consent order also requires a penalty of $1.1 million for storage violations at the facilities, a portion of which will be deposited into DEC's marine resources account, which helps support activities related to the improvement and protection of New York's marine ecosystems.
"Because gas stations and oil-storage facilities can be found in nearly every neighborhood, it is critical that they adhere to the stringent requirements the state has in place to protect the public and the environment," Commissioner Grannis said. "This agreement will address Hess's violations in New York City and the Hudson Valley, while also providing a valuable benefit to critical marine and freshwater ecosystems in the region."
Gasoline storage tanks are found in neighborhoods throughout the state
Agreement Resolves More Than 100 Violations
The agreement resolves more than 100 violations at Hess's Brooklyn Major Oil Storage Facility (MOSF), as well as 65 gasoline stations located in New York City and lower Hudson Valley regions (DEC regions 2 and 3). The violations go back to inspections in the 1990s and early part of this decade and involve non-compliance with gas and oil storage regulations, as well as repairs made without proper tidal wetlands permits.
Hess has been cooperating with DEC throughout the negotiations and addressing many of the non-compliance issues raised during the investigation. All of the violations at the Brooklyn MOSF have been addressed to DEC's satisfaction. The violations stemming from inspections of the gas stations-including inventory, records and equipment maintenance issues-are more recent and are in the process of being addressed by Hess. To help further ensure that all violations are addressed, the order requires an audit to be done by Hess and, if any violations are found, Hess is required to address them with oversight by DEC.
Wetlands Restoration Also Scheduled
The order also includes $300,000 to be administered by The Nature Conservancy as part of an environmental benefit project (EBP) agreed to by Hess and DEC. The EBP will focus on the restoration and management of rare freshwater tidal wetlands in the Hudson River Estuary.
During a three-year project, The Nature Conservancy will select restoration sites in freshwater tidal wetland sections of the estuary that have been impacted by invasive plants. Biologists will develop invasive species removal plans and monitor the anticipated improvements to the ecosystem. Public and private property owners along the river will also be approached to implement management strategies that will help ensure the continued success of the project.
Related Links:
The Nature Conservancy (leaving DEC site)
