Snow + Ice = Heating Oil Spills

January 30, 2009

CONTACT:
Bob Demkowicz 207-287-7680 bob.a.demkowicz@maine.gov

(AUGUSTA)— The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is cautioning home owners to check the condition of their outside heating oil tanks following a number of spills statewide. Faced with an 80% chance of another batch of mixed precipitation Monday night, the DEP is encouraging home owners to carefully clear the snow away from their outdoor tanks this weekend. Falling ice from roofs and snow compaction around outdoor heating oil tanks can sever lines and break off filters causing costly spills. A broken off filter or severed fuel line can empty the entire contents of the tank.

"A heating oil spill clean up can be very expensive and disruptive, not to mention the cost of replacing all of the lost oil," notes DEP Oil & Hazardous Materials Specialist Sheryl Bernard. "A little bit of careful shoveling this weekend can prevent a disaster later.”

While homeowners can look up and spot the potential falling roof ice problem, the filter hidden under heavy snow can also cause problems. If left undetected the spill can lead to groundwater contamination and petroleum vapors in the home requiring costly cleanup. This is especially important to consider now, with above average amounts of rain falling on roofs and the heavy snow accumulation. Make sure the snow you shovel does not land on your oil filter or your oil tank.

The problem has a simple and inexpensive solution. Most heating oil technicians can easily install a small "doghouse" shaped filter protector. "The cost of the gadget and installation is a fraction of what a spill and cleanup could cost a homeowner both in money and aggravation," according to Bernard.

Filter protectors and advice on how to check out and protect your tank is available on the DEP’s website at www.MaineDEP.com