Use Caution when Clearing Snow and Ice to Prevent Heating Oil Tank Spills
February 26, 2015
Contact: Karl Wilkins, karl.e.wilkins@maine.gov or (207) 287-5842
AUGUSTA - With the record amount of snow that Maine has seen this year, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) cautions about possible damage to outside heating oil tanks from snow and ice. The fuel filter attached to the bottom fitting of a residential oil storage tank is a weak point and makes a good target for falling and settling snow to shear off that connection. If this happens, most of the contents of the tank will leak out before repairs can be made. These spills can pollute the ground, drinking water, streams, rivers and lakes. Spills can also create fumes inside your house and require expensive repair or replacement of the tank, not to mention the cost of purchasing replacement fuel.
Falling snow and ice is the second most common cause of releases from home heating oil tanks (internal corrosion is number one). To help prevent this from happening, DEP suggests:
- having a licensed oil technician install a steel filter protector;
- regularly and carefully clear snow from over and around your tank;
- remove snow and ice from the roof above to prevent slides; and
- when doing so, be mindful of the tank below.
If a spill does occur, please report it immediately to Maine DEP?s 24-hour oil spill emergency response hotline at 1-800-482-0777.
For more information from DEP about keeping your home heating oil tank safe, visit http://www.maine.gov/dep/spills