Prevent Oil Tank Spills, Protect Environment
Preventing spills from home heating oil tanks is an easy way for Nova Scotians to protect their homes and the environment.
Oil leaking from a tank or line can contaminate soil and drinking water. Its odour can enter a home through the sewer system or foundation. The cleanup is expensive, disruptive and may make it harder to sell the home in the future.
"Homeowners need to know that prevention is the best medicine when it comes to oil tank leaks," said Arnold Jones, executive officer of the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors. "With help from the provincial government, Nova Scotia realtors are helping homeowners understand that proper installation and maintenance of quality tanks are the key to preventing spills."
Environment and Labour has trained more than 60 realtors in the province on oil tank safety so they can pass on this knowledge to their clients. The information is also available in the department's Homeowners Guide to Heating Oil Tank Systems.
The guide advises that corrosion is one of the leading causes of oil tank leaks. Choosing an innovative tank can help reduce the chance of leaks due to corrosion.
Today's tanks are made of different materials, including stainless steel, fibreglass and composites of plastic and metal. Some are double-walled or lined. Traditional steel tanks are now available in heavier gauge steel. Some have fuel outlets on the bottom to help prevent water from accumulating. Copper oil supply lines with protective coatings add to the system's safety.
"Quality tanks may cost a bit more up front, but when they're installed and maintained properly, they can help homeowners avoid leaks, and the cost and effort of a cleanup," said Mr. Jones. "This effort at prevention goes a long way to avoiding environmental problems that may hamper the sale of a home in the future."
A good tank can still leak if it's not properly installed by a trained installer. Putting the tank indoors is recommended because it's less exposed to extreme temperatures, wind, snow, rain and vandalism.
Drip trays are now available to catch leaks under an indoor tank, as well as under the filter and under the supply line where it meets the furnace. Some drip trays are equipped with alarms to alert the homeowner to the leak.
An outdoor tank should be installed with its legs centered to prevent it from shifting or falling over. The connection between the tank and the oil supply line can be protected with a small tent-shaped cover that hangs from the side of the tank. Homeowners should check their tanks after every fill to be sure there are no leaks.
If a leak occurs, the homeowner is responsible to report it to Environment and Labour, and to hire a professional to clean it up. Spills should be reported through the environmental emergencies line at 1-800-565-1633.
More information is available in the Homeowners Guide to Heating Oil Tank Systems at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/envirowk . The guide is among the most frequently downloaded publications on the department's website.
Environment Week runs from June 5 to 11 this year, and Clean Air Day is on Wednesday, June 8. For more information on keeping Nova Scotia's environment clean, visit www.gov.ns.ca/enla/envirowk .