 |
|
|
Environment
|
|
|
|
|
Home Heating Oil Tanks
Background:
Nearly 40 percent of all oil spills reported to the Department of Environment annually are from domestic oil tanks at private homes.
A leaking oil tank can become a serious fire and environmental hazard. Whether the tank is located inside or outside the home, a spill can contaminate groundwater affecting a private well or other nearby drinking water supplies.
The removal of oil from a basement,
or the cleanup of contaminated soil and water can be difficult and very
costly.
Requirements:
A fuel oil leak is considered a release of contaminant
under the "Clean Environment Act";. All spills should
be reported to 1-800-565-1633, a 24 hour emergency service.
As a tank owner, the homeowner is responsible to protect their property and the environment by having a properly installed and well maintained home heating oil tank.
Home heating oil tanks are not governed
by the "Petroleum Product and Handling Regulation", unless the
volume of the tanks on site total 2000 litres or greater. An example of
a case such as this, would be a large home or apartment building having
two - 250 gallon home heating fuel tanks located on one property.
Recommendations for Installation:
When purchasing an oil tank it is important to ensure that the tank has
not been previously used. A good indication of tank reliability is the
presence of a label that indicates the date the tank was manufactured
and that it meets standards such as the National Standard of Canada.
- Prepare a non-flammable base constructed of concrete
block, poured concrete or patio blocks, for the tank to sit on.
- Ensure that the fill, vent and supply piping is made
of metal, and do not reuse old copper supply and return lines.
- Wrap a metal strap around the midpoint of the tank and
attach it to a solid structure such as wall studs.
- Place a rubber gasket between the strap and the tank
to prevent corrosion.
- Use flexible piping to encase the burner supply line.
This will act as a temporary containment sleeve in the event the copper
line develops a leak.
- Loop the burner supply line horizontally between the
filter and the building to allow for frost heaving.
- A sturdy cover should be placed over the supply line
and filter to prevent damage from falling snow, ice and vandalism.
- Protect the tank from the weather with a roof like structure.
Whether the tank is located inside or outside
the home it should be supported to prevent it from shifting, settling
or falling over. A spill containment dyke is recommended for indoor tanks
to help prevent the oil from spreading throughout the basement and damaging
the home or escaping through a floor drain.
Further Information:
Additional information and assistance can be obtained by contacting Staff
at a Department of Environment Regional
Office in your area:
| Back |