FMANJ - Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey - Oilheat Info

Underground Storage Tanks

Heating Oil Tanks--The Facts

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about heating oil tanks. That they're unsafe. That they have to be tested every year. That leakage is a big problem. And that Oilheat itself poses a hazard to one's health and safety. Well, we wanted to let you know the real facts on heating oil tanks -- so you can judge for yourself.

And now a word from the New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection...

In the event of a storage tank discharge - where heating oil comes into contact with soil or ground water - New Jersey requires homeowners to take prompt action to minimize those risks.

The minimum work requirements for cleaning up affected properties are defined in the regulations entitled Technical Requirements for Site Remediation (N.J.A.C. 7:26E et seq.). You may visit the DEP's web site here. The environmental contractor you hire for your cleanup should be familiar with and follow these rules.

If some type of heating oil discharge has occurred at your home, regardless of the quantity, you must report it to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Call the DEP's toll free 24 hour Environmental Action Hot Line at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337) as soon as a discharge is detected. You will be sent an information package that describes in detail your responsibilities, what must be done to clean up the spill and DEP's oversight role.

Next, if the source of your discharge is a leaking tank, contact your fuel oil company and ask that all residual fuel oil be pumped out from the tank. Be sure to ask if any of the oil is reusable.

You also should contact a qualified environmental contractor to perform the cleanup.

(Taken from the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection publication A Homeowner's Guide to Cleaning Up Heating Oil Discharges)

Oilheat in the tank is safe.
Contrary to what you may have heard:

Oilheat cannot explode.
Inhaling Oilheat fumes is not fatal.
Oilheat is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and biodegradable.
Oilheat cannot pose a health hazard for families or their property.
A match dropped into heating oil will go out as if it was dropped into water.
To light on fire, Oilheat must be heated above 140° so it will vaporize.
If there is a burner malfunction, an Oilheat system creates visible smoke before deadly carbon monoxide is produced.

Oilheat tanks themselves are safe.

In the U.S., all underground residential heating oil tanks (regardless of size) are exempt from all federal and most state regulations.
Only commercial underground tanks greater than 2,001 gal. are regulated. The typical home heating oil tank is 275 gallons.

Oilheat tanks put the customer in control.

A tank on the property puts the homeowner in charge of supply.
The homeowner pays only for Oilheat received.
Tanks are cost-efficient - you use what you need!
Automatic delivery assures never running out.
Independence and peace of mind are big tank benefits!

Oilheat tanks are versatile!

Tanks can be located in basement, garage, underground or next to the home.
New tanks are compact in size, and can be "hidden away."
Attractive tank enclosures can be custom-built to match your home's decor.

Oilheat tanks rarely leak.

Today's tanks are designed with corrosion-resistant materials for long life and safety.
Below-ground tanks are installed using new, innovative technologies.
Oil actually protects the tank.
According to a scientific study by the Environ Corporation, less than 1% of all underground tanks nationwide ever experience a release.
Heating oil moves slowly in most soils, so any discharge is confined to a small area.

But, if there is a release, comprehensive tank insurance is available.

Ask your FMANJ member dealer about insurance that affordably protects you and your family against problems associated with a tank release.
This type of tank protection provides up to $100,000 in clean-up coverage should a discharge occur, as well as tank replacement coverage.
Tank insurance assures you that any problems will be handled in an environmentally friendly manner.