Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan has announced changes to provincial regulations to protect against oil spills from home heat tanks.
There were over 375 oil spills in Prince Edward Island in 2000, with more than 240 of these spills from home oil tanks - the vast majority of which were preventable.
"Financially, these spills can cost homeowners as much as $150,000. Environmentally, the cost can be immeasurable," said Minister Gillan.
"An oil spill puts our water resources at risk. 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. That is why it is vital that we move now to protect our environment for the future."
Effective June 16, the installation and replacement of home heat tanks is regulated under the Environmental Protection Act, Petroleum Storage Tanks Regulations. The amendments will be phased in over the next five years.
When fully implemented, the amended regulations will ensure that new home heat tanks are installed by a licensed home heat tank installer; existing systems are inspected by a licensed home heat tank installer or inspector; and tanks are replaced every 15-25 years depending on the tank design and steel thickness. Approved non-corroding home heat tanks are exempt from the regulations.
"In essence, these regulations will ensure that the most common preventable causes of domestic oil spills are all but eliminated," said Minister Gillan.
The majority of home heat tank spills are a result of internal corrosion on tanks that are simply too old and improper tank installation, including lack of weather protection on outdoor tanks, a particular problem this past winter. A survey conducted last year revealed that 63 percent of home heat tanks in Prince Edward Island do not meet the installation standards recommended by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment to protect against oil spills.
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.
Prince Edward Island is the first province or territory in Canada to have regulations on home heat tank installation and replacement. However, other provinces are following PEI's lead.
"I am proud to see Prince Edward Island is setting the standard for home heat tank safety in Canada," said Minister Gillan.
For further information on the Petroleum Storage Tanks Regulations, Islanders can call (902) 368-5042.
BACKGROUNDER
Effective June 16, 2001, home heat tank installation and replacement in PEI are regulated under amendments to the Petroleum Storage Tanks Regulations. The following outlines the process by which the amendments will be implemented and how the system will operate when fully implemented.
Effective September 2002, only a licensed home heat tank installer may install, alter or remove a home heat tank.
Starting in the summer of 2001, contractors involved in home heat tank installation will be offered a one-day course through Holland College to obtain their Home Heat Tank Installer's licence or Home Heat Tank Inspector's licence. Contractors apply to the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment annually to have their licence renewed.
By September 2006, all home heat tanks in Prince Edward Island must be inspected by the holder of a Home Heat Tank Installer's licence or a Home Heat Tank Inspector's licence.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment will provide licenced installers and inspectors with identification labels. When a new tank is installed or an existing tank inspected, an identification label listing the home heat tank replacement date will be permanently affixed to the vent pipe.
By September 2007, fuel oil cannot be delivered to a home heat tank which has not been inspected and does not bear a valid identification label issued by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment.
Home heat tanks must be replaced every 15-25 years depending on the tank design and steel thickness as follows:
14 gauge (2 mm) with end outlet - 15 years
12 gauge (2.3 mm) with end outlet - 20 years
14 gauge (2 mm) with bottom outlet - 20 years
12 gauge (2.3 mm) with bottom outlet - 25 years
Approved, non-corroding home heat tanks are exempt from these regulations.