Snow, ice equals heating oil spills

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is cautioning home owners to check the condition of their outside heating oil tanks. Faced with accumulations of snow and ice on roofs, the DEP is encouraging home owners to carefully clear the snow away from their outdoor tanks. Falling ice from roofs and snow compaction around outdoor heating oil tanks can sever lines and break off filters causing costly spills. A broken off filter or severed fuel line can empty the entire contents of the tank.

While homeowners can look up and spot the potential falling roof ice problem, the filter hidden under heavy snow can also cause problems. The repeated build up of snow and ice can sometimes lift the oil filter and snap the line connecting it to the tank. If left undetected the spill can lead to groundwater contamination and petroleum vapors in the home requiring costly cleanup. Make sure the snow you shovel does not land on your oil filter or your oil tank.

The problem has a simple and inexpensive solution. Most heating oil technicians can easily install a small "doghouse" shaped filter protector. "The cost of the gadget and installation is a fraction of what a spill and cleanup could cost a homeowner both in money and aggravation," according to Bernard. A filter protector can help with danger from both directions, above and below.

Filter protectors and advice on how to check out and protect your tank is available on the DEP’s website at www.MaineDEP.com. Click on “Talk to Tom about Tank Safety” and “Filter protectors.”