DEC Contact: Kevin O. Frazier (518) 402-8000 October 03, 2018
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DEC ADVISES HOMEOWNERS TO CHECK FUEL OIL TANKS TO PREVENT LEAKS & SPILLS |
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised homeowners that heating fuel oil storage tanks should be inspected to ensure they will not leak or spill before 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, hundreds of fuel oil spills from home heating oil tanks are reported to the DEC Spills Hotline. These spills have resulted in contamination of basements, damage to basement contents, contamination of groundwater, wells and soils, and expensive cleanups that are often not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Some of the most common causes of home fuel oil spills are: 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 schedule an inspection. An annual inspection of fuel oil storage tanks can prevent impacts to human health and the environment from leaks and spills. Above Ground Heating Fuel Oils Storage Tank Checklist
Underground Heating Fuel Oils Storage Tank Checklist
If one or more of these items are observed contact your fuel oil service provider. Report any actual spill or leak of fuel oil to the DEC Spills Hotline: 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. |
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