Petroleum Storage Tank Study (language only)

Item 418 #1s

Language
Page 387, line 20, before "It" insert "A.".
Page 387, after line 23, insert:
"B.  The Department shall develop a plan to address the liabilities owed by the Commonwealth to owners of regulated and unregulated petroleum storage tanks.  In developing the plan, the Department shall consult with other states and representatives of the petroleum industry, environmental engineering firms, business groups, environmental organizations, private insurers, and other interested parties.  The plan shall include, but not be limited to, ensuring the fiscal integrity of the Petroleum Storage Tank Fund, identifying the environmental and public health risks associated with leaking petroleum storage tanks, and effectively addressing the environmental problems attributable to leaking petroleum storage tanks.  The Department shall submit the plan, including recommendations for administrative and legislative actions, to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees no later than November 7, 2001."

Explanation
(This amendment directs the Department of Environmental Quality to develop an action plan for addressing the liabilities owed by the Commonwealth for reimbursing businesses and individuals to cleanup leaking petroleum storage tanks. Claims against the Petroleum Storage Tank Fund take as long as one year to be paid, and the Fund's projected shortfall by the end of the biennium could be as high as $80.0 million.)