Leaks from damaged or faulty domestic heating oil tanks occur frequently, especially over the winter months and can cause major problems to the environment. It can contaminate the ground, kill plants, harm wildlife, pollute rivers and contaminate drinking water supplies. Clean up costs often run into thousands of pounds. Importantly, such events are not always covered by insurance.
Householders are asked to take the following steps:
· Check your tank and pipework regularly, look for corrosion damage and signs of leaks.
· Keep a close eye on how much oil you use. If it suddenly changes you might have a leak.
· Don’t allow your tank to be overfilled.
· Have your boiler, tank, ancillary equipment and all pipework checked by an Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC, www.oftec.org.uk) technician at least once a year.
· Check your home insurance policy – you may not be covered for loss of oil or pollution clean-up costs.
For further information and advice please refer to the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk). Alternatively please contact the council’s contaminated land officer Kevin Beer on 01256 845520 or by emailing ehteam@basingstoke.gov.uk
