Islanders are reminded that they have only a few weeks left to have their oil tank inspected.
Provincial regulations require oil tanks to be inspected by a licensed inspector by this September and tagged with a PEI Oil Tank ID Tag by September 2007. The ID tag is stamped with the date the tank must be replaced. By September 2007, oil companies cannot deliver oil to a tank that is not tagged.
Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said it’s important that Islanders get their tank inspected now.
“If the tank does not meet inspection, homeowners and business owners then have that year to make the required changes,” said Minister Ballem. “The other concern is that if the tank is old and needs to be replaced, it poses a risk to both the property and the environment. An oil spill can contaminate drinking water and cost thousands of dollars to clean up.”
The Government of PEI introduced changes to provincial regulations in 2001 to help eliminate the most common preventable causes of domestic oil spills – internal corrosion on tanks that are too old and improper tank installation, including inadequate weather protection. The regulations apply to oil tanks of 2,200 litres or less. That includes tanks used for homes and many small businesses.
As an added incentive to encourage Islanders to have their oil tank inspected and tagged, the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry and the Canadian Oil Heat Association are partnering on a joint initiative which gives homeowners the chance to win $750 worth of home heating oil. To qualify for the Oil Giveaway, homeowners enter the identification number found on their PEI Aboveground Oil Tank ID Tag. There are two draws remaining: September 14 and October 26.
For more information on the Oil Giveaway promotion or provincial regulations governing oil tanks, call the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at (902) 368-5042, or visit the website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/oilgiveaway