Law to ensure the safe transfer of fuel
Back in December Suffolk NY was trying to institute a law making it unlawful to fuel your watercrafts at any location other than a permanent fuel facility.
In January it was amended, and in February it was withdrawn.
Below is the beginning proposal with the link underneath if you want to read the entire law.
I think that even though it has been withdrawn it is worth keeping an eye on. It only affects recreational boaters. They seem to think that if you fill your boat at the dock there is less or no spillage of fuel into the water.
WITHDRAWN AS OF 2/5/2009
AMENDED COPY AS OF 1/12/2009
Intro. Res. No. 2165-2008 Laid on Table 12/2/2008
Introduced by Legislator Romaine
RESOLUTION NO. -2009, ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. -2009, A LOCAL LAW TO ENSURE THE SAFE TRANSFER OF FUEL TO BOATS AND WATERCRAFT
WHEREAS, there was duly presented and introduced to this County Legislature at a meeting held on December 2, 2008, a proposed local law entitled, " A LOCAL LAW TO ENSURE THE SAFE TRANSFER OF FUEL TO BOATS AND WATERCRAFT;" now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that said local law be enacted in form as follows:
LOCAL LAW NO. -2009, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
A LOCAL LAW TO ENSURE THE SAFE TRANSFER OF FUEL TO BOATS AND WATERCRAFT
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that boating is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by thousands of Suffolk County families on a regular basis.
This Legislature also finds and determines that public health and environmental protection are fundamental concerns of this Legislature and that the preservation of clean water in Suffolk County’s bays, ocean and sound is a critical goal.
This Legislature further finds that motor fuel is an environmental pollutant that may harm our ecosystem and County citizens when introduced into groundwater and waterways.
This Legislature determines that the use of portable fueling containers to fuel boats increases the risk of fuel spills onto the ground and/or into the water, while facilities which have and use fixed fueling facilities minimize pollution and spills through safer fueling procedures.
This Legislature also finds that minimizing the risk of spilling fuel onto our soil and into our waterways during the process of fueling boats and watercraft is important for the protection of our environment and the health of our citizens.
Therefore, the purpose of this law is to regulate the transfer of fuel to boats and watercraft so as to protect our environment and reduce pollution created by the spillage of fuel into our groundwater supply and waterways.
Section 2. Definitions.
As used in this law, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A) “BOATS OR OTHER WATERCRAFT” shall mean floating crafts used for residential purposes, as well as pleasure or recreational watercraft. This term shall not include public vessels which are used for commercial purposes, such as freight carriers, to transport passengers or provide towing services in exchange for compensation, nor does it include commercial fishing vessels that are engaged in the business of taking fish, mollusks or crustaceans for subsequent sale.
B) “PERMANENT FUEL TRANSFER FACILITY” shall mean a permanent fixed fuel tank which boats or other watercraft can access in order to obtain fuel.
C) “PERSON” shall mean any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, society, association, or any organized group of persons whether incorporated or not.
Section 3. Prohibition.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to fuel or provide fuel to a boat or watercraft at any location other than a permanent fuel transfer facility.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person to receive fuel to a boat or watercraft at any location other than a permanent fuel transfer facility.
C. It shall be unlawful for any person to permit the fueling of a boat or watercraft at any location other than a permanent fuel transfer facility.
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/legis/Re...8/i2165-08.htm
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