Home-owners with oil central heating systems are being reminded by the Environment Agency to check their tanks during the current cold snap. With extra orders of domestic heating oil being brought in to cope with the cold weather, home-owners should check that the extra consumption isn¡¦t the result of a leak. Over the past 18 months the Environment Agency in Devon has dealt with over 40 domestic oil pollution leaks and spills. The most recent, on New Year¡¦s Eve, resulted in more than 200 litres of heating oil escaping from a domestic property in the Teign Valley. Fortunately, the owner alerted the Environment Agency without delay and the spillage was prevented from entering the River Teign. It did, however, pollute a stream. In November over 300 litres of oil leaked from a ruptured tank near Exeter into a nearby stream. Environment Agency officers found oil gushing from the base of the tank. Leaking oil can pollute the ground and the water environment, and give off an unpleasant smell for weeks.

Oil may also contaminate neighbouring properties leading to expensive clean-up bills and possible litigation which may not be covered by insurance. ¡¥Home owners should get their systems checked every year by a qualified OFTEC technician and ensure new or replacement tanks comply with the Building Regulations 2002. We deal with 5,000 oil incidents nationally each year and a substantial number of these are spills from domestic storage. Losing oil through leaks and spills is a costly waste, a serious threat to the environment and to wildlife. Oil spills can also lead to prosecution,¡¦ said Derek Carter for the Environment Agency. To avoid problems householders are asked to take the following steps: „h Check the condition of the tank paying particular attention to any corrosion on metal tanks, especially around the supports. „h Check filters and couplings on pipes and get them professionally repaired if they are dripping. „h Check the sight gauge and make sure it is secure and the valve kept closed. „h Always double-check tank contents before ordering. Is the dial gauge working? „h If your oil usage is excessive you might have a leak, possibly in an underground pipe. „h If in any doubt have the system checked by a professional OFTEC Technician. The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations, which came into force on September 1, 2005, set strict standards for all existing domestic tanks over 3,500 litres (770 gallons) and most commercial and public premises. See www.environment-agency.gov.uk/osr for further information or contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506506. In the event of a spill contact the Environment Agency free 24 hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60. For further information go to www.oftec.co.uk