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ADEC helping homeowners prevent oil spills
Published: 03/08/2012 14:58:00
Oil spills can be messy and expensive, but there are some simple steps you can do to protect your heating oil tank.

Sarah Moore is an Environmental Program Specialist with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, she told us some of the things to watch out for: "One of the most important things that people don't know; is that rust red that your tanks come from the store as is actually just a primer, so the tank should be painted after you receive it and install it. Putting on a rust-protective coat will make a big difference in between the life span of your tank. Also making sure that the stand is sturdy so that it's not going to rust out and allow the tank to collapse. Protecting your fuel lines from snow and ice, and kids and pets, is also a good step to prevent a fuel spill."

Tanks can be installed above or below ground. A properly protected above ground tank makes it easier to spot potential problems. Underground tanks can have small leaks that may go un-noticed for years, but there are signs you can look for to catch trouble early.

"If a homeowner has an underground heating oil tank, we recommend checking their tank for water periodically. Because we live in such a moist environment, when your tank fails there's an increased amount of water that seeps into your tank" explained Moore.

DEC staff will be on hand with more tips and to answer questions at the Juneau Home Show this weekend at Centennial Hall at the following times:
Saturday March 10th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday March 11th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

ADEC's responders are always available to help, and prefer to prevent spills before they happen according to Moore. "Homeowners are required to contact the State of Alaska, and that's my office, when they have a heating oil tank spill that they know of, they can contact us at 465-5340. But more importantly what we're trying to inform the public about this weekend is the fact that they can call us at any time when they have a question about their tank; if they're considering decommissioning a tank they already have, or if they think they have a problem, or want to prevent a problem. They can give us a call, we can talk them through the process and we can even come out and meet with you and look at your tank and talk about it in person" she said.

http://dec.alaska.gov

By: Mikko Wilson - mikko@kath.tv

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