Island homeowners are reminded that changes affecting oil tank installation came into effect recently as part of continuing efforts to reduce the number of oil spills from home heat tanks.
As of September 1, a person must have a valid home heat tank installer's licence to install, alter or remove a home heat oil tank. Nineteen installer courses have been offered through Holland College since the changes were announced in June of 2001.
"More than 300 contractors and individuals across the province have received the certification to date, and additional one-day courses will be offered to Islanders as needed," said Minister of Environment Chester Gillan.
The most common preventable causes of domestic oil spills are improper tank installation and internal corrosion on tanks that are simply too old. The changes in regulations, which are being phased in over a number of years, are designed to eliminate these problems. They apply to oil tanks, with a capacity of 2,200 litres or less, which are used for heating residential, commercial or other premises.
The next phase of the changes comes into effect in September 2006. By that time, all home heat tanks must be inspected by a licensed home heat tank installer or inspector and have a valid identification label permanently affixed to the vent pipe. The identification label indicates the date by which the home heat tank must be replaced.
Under the regulations, tanks are to be replaced every 15-25 years, depending on the tank design and steel thickness. Approved non-corroding home heat tanks are exempt.
While the regulations are being phased in over five years, Minister Gillan encourages Island homeowners to check now to see that their home heat tank is in good shape and that it is properly installed.
"So far less than 900 of the estimated 45,000 oil tanks on Prince Edward Island have been inspected and tagged. I encourage Islanders to have this done now, not only to avoid a last-minute rush but also to have the peace of mind that their oil tank is properly installed," he said.
A domestic oil spill can cost homeowners as much as $150,000. Environmentally, the cost can be immeasurable. Just one litre of spilled oil can contaminate one million litres of drinking water, and in many cases 250 litres of oil seep into the ground before a spill is discovered.
For further information on the Petroleum Storage Tanks Regulations, Islanders can call (902) 368-5042.