Ogdensburg investigates underground storage tanks

OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Council recently discussed planning ahead for underground storage tanks which will be uninsurable in 2021, after becoming 30 years old.
Councilman Anthony Nasisi said the council does not want to be “hit financially all at once,” as many of the in ground tanks will time out over the next several years.
He also said they have to get all the tanks out and/or changed, but it will not save any insurance money.
The council also discussed removing unused fuel tanks near the firehouse and old DPW garage.
Nasisi commented, normally, when converting to another fuel type, the unused tanks are removed. However, two diesel tanks — still containing some diesel — remain underground.
Nasisi explained, tanks are most dangerous when not being used, because the fuel usually coats the inside, thus, preventing interior sweating and condensation.
Ciasullo said council discussion several years ago had never been finalized. At issue was the borough provides fuel, however, the fire department owns the tank and building. Now, he said, they need to discuss, settle, and move forward, including the old recycling garage.
After officials discussed possible options for borough buildings, including the historical and First Aid Squad buildings, Ciasullo summarized: for buildings still needing heat, the borough could get gas through Elizabethtown Gas, with tanks coming out, or they could put a 275-gallon tank in each building.
Nasisi will check if heat is still needed in the old firehouse and garage, plus continue to research costs.
Councilman Peter Opilla presented a cost proposal, originated by former DPW Supervisor Kenny Smith, to flush and test all borough fire hydrants after hours.
Ciasullo said he would first speak with Councilman David Astor, who was absent, about developing a plan to complete the maintenance of about 100 hydrants with the borough DPW.
Regarding repairing the water main loop on Beardslee Hill Dr., Ciasullo said, the borough will work together with the fire chief and DPW, in order to prioritize the project within all other infrastructure projects.
Council President Rachel Slater confirmed the Winter Fest was rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 25.
If Heater's Pond Island does not dry enough by the then, Ciasullo suggested, possibly the borough could have a Spring Fest later in the year.