DEP Extends Temporary Waiver of Fuel Oil Sulfur Limit

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently extended a temporary waiver of the 0.15 percent sulfur limit for fuel oil grade no. 4 set forth in Section 24-169(b)(2) of the New York City Administrative Code. As a result of supply disruptions and infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, fuel oil producers and distributors continue to encounter difficulties in obtaining and distributing sufficient quantities of low sulfur no. 2 fuel oil, which is blended with no. 6 fuel oil to produce no. 4 fuel oil. To ensure New Yorkers have enough fuel to heat homes and businesses, New York State issued an executive order on Dec. 21, 2012, extending a temporary suspension of low sulfur requirements relating to no. 2 fuel oil sold in New York City until Jan. 18, 2013. DEP also extended a waiver of the 0.15 percent sulfur limit on no. 4 fuel oil until Jan. 18, 2013.

In addition, DEP has introduced new, streamlined emergency boiler work permit guidelines to aid building owners recovering from Hurricane Sandy. The new guidelines allow temporary work permits to repair or replace damaged boilers to be issued by providing DEP with basic information about the work being completed, type of boiler being installed, and information about the licensed installer or plumber. The new emergency boiler work permit guidelines will allow work to begin immediately and cut the application process by as much as two weeks.