As part of the PlaNYC program to lower the carbon footprint in the city, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection is moving to phase out low-grade #4 and #6 heating oils. Because these oils are responsible for most of the city’s soot pollution, eradicating their use will contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

The DEP is looking to make it easier for building owners and property managers to do their part and better comply with New York City boiler regulations. The all-new Clean Air Tracking System, also known as CATS, allows building owners and property managers to register boilers online, instead of having to catalog them in-person or via mail.

How CATS Works

  • Easier registration. Filers can now register boilers and equipment via the Internet, and receive registration in a matter of days instead of weeks. CATS also cuts down on visits to the DEP office during restrictive business hours and eliminates hassles with mailing registrations. (Boilers with at least 350,000 BTUs of power must be registered, and boilers with more than 2.8 million BTUs require certificates.)
  • Reduce paperwork, time and costs. Instead of spending the money to visit the DEP office or mail in registration forms, participants can process transactions online. The online boiler registration system will also cut down on the amount of paperwork, which is especially useful for building owners that own multiple structures and/or facilities with multiple units.
  • Streamlined data. The system lets users track current and previous registration filings. It also allows building owners with multiple properties to use a single account so they can monitor all of their boiler registrations’and access them from anywhere.
  • Better compliance. Automatic alerts and reminders will let users know when payments are due, and remind them about upcoming registration deadlines. By paying bills and registering boilers on time, the system makes it easier to comply with city regulations and avoid violations. The hub will also track activities that can help attain the goal of phasing out the use of the heating oils and contribute to overall PlaNYC success.

Overall, having a central location to monitor and oversee boilers will help the city quantify the results of the CATS initiative. That, in turn, will be able to contribute to PlaNYC’s citywide efforts to improve air quality.

As it stands, the approximately 10,000 buildings in the city still burning heating oils #4 and #6 make up only 1% of the buildings, but they generate a staggering 86% of the total soot pollution in the city. When implemented, the CATS along with the latest New York City boiler regulations will contribute to an estimated 63% reduction of fine particles. The city also says it will lower carbon dioxide by more than 3% of the total needed to meet PlaNYC’s goal reducing greenhouse gases to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.

To learn more about the phasing out of oil grades #6 and #4, go here. American Boiler Company can assist you in converting from oil grades #6 and #4 to #2 or natural gas, or explain New York City boiler regulations. To schedule an appointment or talk to one of our knowledgeable sales professionals, fill out this form or call us at (973) 923-1999.