Town Of Cortlandt: DEC Advisory For Homeowners Regarding Fuel Oil Tanks

Press release from the Town of Cortlandt:

October 14, 2021

More than two million homes in New York are heated by fuel oil. Each year, the DEC Spills Hotline receives hundreds of reports of fuel oil spills from home heating oil tanks. These spills result in basement contamination, damage to basement contents, contamination of groundwater, wells, and soils, and expensive cleanups that are rarely covered by homeowner's insurance.

Some of the most common causes of home fuel oil spills include: failing storage tanks; faulty fuel lines and connections; collapsing tank legs and supports; and overflows during delivery. Homeowners should consider using a company that offers a service contract to maintain tanks and heating systems. DEC also encourages homeowners to get their tank(s) inspected each year. An annual inspection can prevent impacts to human health and the environment from leaks and spills.

Homeowners are advised to look for the following concerns and contact their fuel oil service provider if they see any of the items from the lists below.

For above-ground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:

For underground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:

Report any actual spill or leak of fuel oil to the DEC Spills Hotline at 1-800-457-7362. For more information on home heating oil tank stewardship, visit the Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner's Guide webpage on DEC's website.

https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html

This press release was produced by the Town of Cortlandt. The views expressed here are the author’s own.