Many properties with domestic heating oil tanks usually situated in their garden.
Leaks from domestic tanks usually happen when either the tank, the fittings or the supply line into the house become corodd or have ben damaged in some way. Domestic oil tank leaks can happen gradually over time or suddenly and can catastrophic effect.
The impact of an oil tank leak can vary fo site to site. If the leaked fuel impacts buildings or buried services such as water supply pipes etc. this can cause a significant impact on the residents of the property ad may require the occupiers to move out while the clean up is taking place. Swift action is required to prevent the spread of the contamination where the leaking fuel may impact streams or underground water.
In the event of a loss of fuel being noted, the following action is recommended (where safe to do so):
- Identify the source of the leak and try to stem the flow if possible and if it is safe to do so
- If spilled fuel is on the ground, try to absorb this wherever possible to prevent the spread of spilled fuel to nearby buildings
- Check whether any leaked fuel has migrated and impacted a third party land.
- You should notify your insurer as soon as possible as they will call an accredited contractor suc as BioLogix Environmental Ltd. to respond quickly to any spill.
- It would help in the spill investigation if you can establish the amount of fuel lost from the tank and by examining your records of previous usage and/or delivery dates.
- If the leak is continuing you should contact your fuel supplier and request them to uplift the remaining fuel as soon as possible.
- If the leak has impacted streams, ponds, lakes or underground water, you sold contact the Environment Protection Agency.
- If the leak has impacted any building structures or if the drinking water has been contaminated you should contact your local Environmental Health Officer.
You should make sure your oil storage tank and pipes are in good condition by checking them regularly. Insurers may not always pay out for domestic heating oil spills if the fuel tank and pipes are in poor condition and not maintained or worn out. This is where your insurance company will cite that the spill is classified as ‘sudden, accidental or unforeseen’.
Additionally, spills affecting only garden areas and not buildings or third party land may also not be covered. We always recommend contacting your insurer and confirming that cover is in place to cover clean up works shld y be eafected by an oil spill.
If you need assitance with an oil tank spill call out Locall: 1890 98 74 67
