Deadline to Register Existing Home Heating Oil Tanks Extended

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians now have more time to register their existing home heating oil tanks with the extension of the deadline to March 31, 2009. The delivery of heating oil to unregistered systems has also been extended by two years.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, said, �Officials in my department will be monitoring the progress and consulting with industry to ensure everything possible is being done to have existing heating oil tanks upgraded, inspected and registered in a cost-effective and timely manner.�

To date, approximately 36,000 systems have been inspected, tagged and registered. Minister Jackman acknowledged those homeowners who have registered their oil tanks and reminded the public that while government has taken a lead role in preventing domestic fuel spills, homeowners have a responsibility to take the necessary measures to prevent spills from occurring including registering home heating oil tanks and upgrading, where necessary.

�I commend all homeowners who acted quickly to upgrade, inspect and register their heating oil tanks. We have seen dramatic decreases in the number of heating oil spills and leaks since the regulations were implemented,� said the minister. �Reduction in spills can be attributed to the new regulation, the heightened level of awareness and the promotion of good practice by the industry.�

The minister also stated that the public should be aware that all new oil tanks must be inspected, tagged and registered before being filled. Furthermore, the public should note this extension does not preclude an oil company from refusing to add oil to a tank or an insurance company from refusing to insure a tank if that tank is considered to be in an unacceptable condition.

The Department of Environment and Conservation has licensed a number of individuals to inspect and register tanks. A registered tank will have a brass tag riveted on to its vent pipe and the owner will be provided with a certificate of registration. If an owner doesn�t receive a certificate then they should ask the licensed inspector for it.

For more information, including a list of companies with licensed inspectors, visit www.gov.nl.ca/env/psm or contact the department at 709-729-0948 or 1-800-563-6181.

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Media contact:
Diane Hart
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 685-4401
dianehart@gov.nl.ca