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DEC Advisory for Homeowners Regarding Fuel Oil Tanks
DEC Advises Homeowners to Check Fuel Oil Tanks to Prevent Leaks and Spills |
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded homeowners that heating fuel oil storage tanks should be inspected for potential leaks or spills prior to receiving the first shipment of fuel oil for the upcoming heating season. More than two million homes in New York are heated by fuel oil. Each year, the DEC Spills Hotline receives hundreds of reports of fuel oil spills from home heating oil tanks. These spills result in basement contamination, damage to basement contents, contamination of groundwater, wells, and soils, and expensive cleanups that are rarely covered by homeowner's insurance. Some of the most common causes of home fuel oil spills include: failing storage tanks; faulty fuel lines and connections; collapsing tank legs and supports; and overflows during delivery. Homeowners should consider using a company that offers a service contract to maintain tanks and heating systems. DEC also encourages homeowners to get their tank(s) inspected each year. An annual inspection can prevent impacts to human health and the environment from leaks and spills. Homeowners are advised to look for the following concerns and contact their fuel oil service provider if they see any of the items from the lists below. For above-ground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:
For underground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:
Report any actual spill or leak of fuel oil to the DEC Spills Hotline at 1-800-457-7362. For more information on home heating oil tank stewardship, visit the Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner's Guide webpage on DEC's website. |