Home and business owners in designated flood hazard areas within the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River can take advantage of a no-cost program to get their propane and fuel oil tanks anchored before the next flood.
The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) runs the program to secure above-ground tanks that could tip over within a building or float downstream during high water events, causing pollution, property damage and risks to public health and safety.
Oil tanks of up to 330 gallons and propane tanks of up to 420 pounds are eligible for this protective treatment if they are within 500-year flood elevations anywhere in the five-county Catskill-Delaware Watershed. Larger commercial propane tanks are also eligible for this service but require engineered designs and individual funding approvals from the CWC Board of Directors.
The CWC will cover the entire cost of anchoring tanks within basements or outdoors, a process that is estimated at $800 to $2,300 per tank. This involves emptying the tank, pouring a concrete pad if required, securing the tank with ground anchors and galvanized straps, and placement of vent lines within PVC sleeves with hookups at least one foot above the historical high water mark.
Fuel removed at the outset of the process will be replaced at no charge to the building owner.
Potential applicants should consult their town Code Enforcement Officer or John Mathiesen at the CWC (845-586-1400) for further information.
The CWC is a non-profit, Local Development Corporation responsible for several environmental protection, economic development and education programs in the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River. www.cwconline.org.
