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DEC Oil Spill Reporting Rules for Long Island Businesses (2025 Update)

  • mintchipmedia
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Why DEC Reporting Matters for Businesses

Oil spills aren’t just an environmental hazard—they’re a serious regulatory matter. In New York, any oil spill must be reported to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). For businesses across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, failing to follow proper reporting rules can lead to steep fines, lawsuits, and costly cleanup delays.

If your commercial property uses underground storage tanks (USTs), aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), or heating oil systems, knowing these rules is essential.



Who Must Report an Oil Spill?

Under New York law, any person who discovers a spill is required to report it. This includes:

  • Property owners

  • Facility managers

  • Employees who notice leaks or spills

  • Contractors working onsite

For businesses, that means everyone from the facilities manager to the cleanup crew has a duty to act immediately.



How to Report an Oil Spill

The DEC requires spills to be reported to the NYS Spill Hotline: 1-800-457-7362 (available 24/7).

When you call, be prepared to provide:

  • Your name and contact information

  • Business name and property address

  • Type of product spilled (e.g., heating oil, diesel, gasoline)

  • Approximate quantity released

  • Exact location (soil, basement, waterway, etc.)

  • Any immediate hazards (fire risk, vapors, injuries)

Document the time of the call, who you spoke with, and any reference numbers provided.



When Do You Have to Report?

The rule is simple: report immediately upon discovery. Delays—even a few hours—can count as non-compliance.

Some common scenarios that require immediate reporting:

  • Leaks from USTs or ASTs

  • Spilled oil during delivery or transfer

  • Oil discovered in soil or groundwater during construction

  • Basement tank failures with visible oil on floors



Penalties for Failing to Report

Businesses that don’t report spills face serious consequences, including:

  • Civil fines of up to $37,500 per day of violation

  • Liability for cleanup costs and third-party damages

  • Potential lawsuits from impacted neighbors or municipalities

  • Harm to company reputation and public trust

In some cases, business owners and managers may also face criminal penalties if negligence can be proven.



Best Practices for Long Island Businesses

To stay compliant and protect your business:

  1. Train employees on spill awareness and reporting protocols.

  2. Maintain updated emergency contacts near tank areas and delivery sites.

  3. Inspect tanks regularly to prevent undetected leaks.

  4. Work with a licensed environmental contractor who can respond quickly and manage DEC reporting on your behalf.

  5. Keep records of all inspections, spill reports, and remediation efforts.



How Eastern Environmental Can Help

At Eastern Environmental, we’ve supported Long Island businesses for more than 20 years with oil spill emergency response, tank removals, and compliance services. Our team:

  • Responds 24/7 to spills across Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, and NYC

  • Coordinates directly with the DEC to ensure timely reporting

  • Provides soil testing and documentation for insurance and regulatory needs

  • Delivers complete cleanup and remediation, from containment to closure reports

When every minute counts, Eastern Environmental ensures your business stays compliant and protected.



FAQs

Who do I call if my business has an oil spill in New York? Call the NYS Spill Hotline at 1-800-457-7362 immediately.

How long do I have to report a spill? You must report as soon as the spill is discovered—waiting can lead to penalties.

What are the penalties for not reporting? Businesses can face fines of up to $37,500 per day, plus cleanup costs and possible criminal charges.

Can Eastern Environmental handle reporting for me? Yes—our team coordinates with the DEC during emergency response and provides all required documentation.



Final Word

Oil spills don’t just threaten the environment—they put your business at financial and legal risk. By understanding DEC rules and working with a trusted environmental partner, you can stay compliant, protect your reputation, and keep operations running smoothly.

👉 Contact Eastern Environmental today to learn more about our 24/7 spill response and compliance services


 
 
 
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