In the wake of the first snowfall of the season, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan is reminding Island homeowners to act now to avoid a costly oil spill this winter.
"Last winter, my Department responded to 125 calls where oil lines, unprotected from the elements, had snapped under the weight of heavy snow and ice, leaving a total clean up cost of more than $1.5 million," said Minister Gillan. "I urge Islanders, don't be an oil spill statistic this winter. Take precautions now, before the winter ice and snow is a problem."
Minister Gillan said his department is advising homeowners with outdoor oil tanks to check their tank to ensure it is on a stable foundation, has a vibration loop in the product line, and has a weather protection device.
A vibration loop in the product line may help prevent an oil leak by reducing unnecessary stress on the valve or fuel filter should the tank heave due to frost. Weather protection devices sit approximately three to six inches above the valve and product line vibration loop, helping to keep these vulnerable parts from being broken or damaged by the natural elements.
"These devices are one of the most effective means of protecting against an oil spill. For a relatively small price, you can save a lot of money and a lot of heart ache," the Minister added.
Besides the clean-up costs, which ranged from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, Minister Gillan noted last winter's rash of oil spills took an emotional toll. In many cases, oil fumes forced families from their homes, and in some cases, leaking oil contaminated drinking water supplies and caused irreversible environmental damage to property.
Oil leaks are one of the most common causes of groundwater contamination. Just one litre of oil can contaminate up to one million litres of drinking water.
Minister Gillan said his department is advising homeowners that, while vibration loops and weather protection devices may help prevent an oil spill, it is vitally important that they check their oil tank regularly throughout the winter, keep snow and ice cleared from the tank and product line connections, and ensure there is no danger of damage from falling icicles or chunks of snow and ice.
For further information on oil tank weather protection devices or other home heat information, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-5042.