This proposed local law amends Chapter 24-424 of the Administrative Code by adding a new subdivision d. requiring an office or agency designated by the mayor to examine, survey and map all methane leaks and to provide written notification to any relevant gas utility of the city’s intent or the city’s grant of consent to open the ground on any public way to survey the area for the presence of natural gas. Where natural gas leaks are identified this proposed local law would require repair or replacement of any aging, leak-prone or leaking natural gas infrastructure located on or in any public way responsible for a large volumetric leak. Where any leaking natural gas infrastructure that is the source of a large volumetric leak is not repaired within ninety days after notice, the designated agency shall repair the leak and seek cost recovery on behalf of the city.
- Filed (End of Session)
History
Int. No. 1055
By Council Members Holden, Rosenthal and Cornegy
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the examination, survey and mapping of all methane leaks in New York City
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Section 24-424 of title 24 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new subdivision (d) to read as follows:
(d) An office or agency designated by the mayor shall examine, survey and map all methane leaks, both hazardous and nonhazardous annually within the city. The mayor shall also provide written notification to any relevant gas utility of the city’s intent or the city’s grant of consent, to any other entity to open the ground on any public way for any nonemergency purpose including to survey or map leaking natural gas infrastructure. Such notification may also allow the gas utility to survey the area to be opened for the presence of natural gas and to repair or replace any aging, leak-prone or leaking natural gas infrastructure located on or in any public way. Where any leaking natural gas infrastructure is the source of a large volumetric leak, having a migration area of five hundred square feet or more, that is not repaired within ninety days after notice to the relevant gas utility, the designated agency shall repair the leak and seek cost recovery on behalf of the city.
§ 2. This local law takes effect 120 days after it becomes law, except that the commissioner of environmental protection may take all actions necessary for its implementation, including the promulgation of rules, prior to such effective date.
SS
LS # 4838
4/25/16