New Bill To Protect Environment
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan announced that the Assembly has passed a bill that would increase the penalties relating to underground facilities and ensure that both excavators and operators follow the appropriate rules when they excavate a site involving underground pipelines.
“Bringing the penalties up to date would ensure the safety of Western Queens,” said Nolan.
In 2009, an underground pipeline was damaged after a sub-contractor hired by the MTA began drilling, causing a rupture that led to 500 gallons of jet fuel spilling into the streets in Sunnyside, Queens.
The Fire Department responded immediately. Buckeye Pipeline, which owns and operates the pipeline, also responded to the scene.
The spill was detected quickly and turn-off valves were activated preventing the accident from getting any worse.
This bill (A.145) increases the penalties for negligence regarding underground pipelines. The bill updates penalties that were first enacted decades ago. The penalties will increase from $1,000 to $5,000 for the first offense and from $7,500 to $15,000 for each succeeding offense.
The legislation was developed by Nolan, City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer and Community Board 2 Chairperson Joseph Conley as a result of the 2009 incident.
