JOHNSTOWN - Fulton County is considering emergency expenditures estimated at $36,000 to rectify tank problems at two county facilities.
County Superintendent of Highways and Facilities Mark Yost outlined the problems for the Board of Supervisors' Buildings and Grounds-Highway Committee on Monday at the County Office Building.
His first 2012 capital plan proposal was to solicit quotes for replacement of an inoperable and obsolete underground leak-detection/tank-monitoring system at County Services Complex I on Route 29. The committee approved the request, which must go before the Finance Committee and the full board.
"I'm requesting permission to perform this work immediately," Yost stated.
He said the state Department of Environmental Conservation on June 29 conducted a Petroleum Bulk Storage Program site inspection, determining the tank system had "several deficiencies." He said DEC indicated it could fine the county $37,500 per day if it doesn't fix the problem.
Yost estimated it may cost the county $26,000 to replace the obsolete system to comply with DEC regulations.
He also received permission to solicit quotes for replacing oil-fired equipment at the Department of Social Services' Cooper Building on Daisy Lane with natural gas-fired equipment and for removal of a 21-year-old underground fuel oil tank and associated piping. That work was estimated to cost $10,000.
Yost said he talked with National Grid on Monday, and the utility will do an inspection.
"They're confident they can get gas back there," he said.
Yost said it costs the county $14,000 annually to heat the DSS building with oil, but it may cost about $5,200 using natural gas.
He said county Budget Director Alice Kuntzsch recommended project funding come from either the county contingency fund or capital reserve account.
He said the state on May 7 conducted an inspection at the Cooper Building, determining the 4,000-gallon underground fuel tank wasn't in compliance. He said there was no spill, but there was a monitoring issue.
Yost said the $10,000 figure for the DSS building is a "guess" and he's "hoping that's enough."
Contact Michael Anich at johnstown@leaderherald.com.