For Release: Monday, March 15, 2004
Getty Signs Consent Order to Address Environmental Issues
Company Will Conduct Environmental Audits at Facilities Across the State, Pay $2 Million
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced DEC has entered into a consent order with Getty Petroleum and Marketing, Inc (GPMI), requiring the company to conduct comprehensive environmental reviews at 400 gas stations throughout the State to ensure the facilities are operating in compliance with State environmental laws and regulations.
"The most effective way to protect New York's citizens and natural resources from petroleum spills is by making sure companies comply with environmental laws and regulations," Commissioner Crotty said. "Getty's commitment under this order is a positive and substantial step in reducing the potential impacts from their facilities. By entering into this order, we ensure that 400 facilities in New York are operated in an environmentally sound manner, and are fully protective of public health and the environment"
Over the past two years, DEC has investigated and carried out individual enforcement orders against GPMI for various environmental violations at gas stations in the State. Violations found at those facilities primarily consisted of petroleum bulk storage (PBS) compliance issues and petroleum spills. The latest action by DEC results in a global order that will address every GPMI facility in New York.
Under the consent order, Getty has agreed to pay a $2 million penalty, conduct an independent, third-party compliance audit at all of its gas stations in New York State, and remedy any environmental non-compliance discovered during the audit. The audit includes all federal, State and local environmental requirements at all GPMI facilities.
DEC bulk storage programs prevent releases from petroleum and chemical storage facilities. The purpose of the programs is to protect public health, safety and the environment by preventing spills, leaks and other discharges at these facilities. These programs are also charged with bringing bulk storage facilities into full compliance with laws and regulations adopted to prevent unauthorized discharges.
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