June 29, 2011
Pre-inspections Completed for Oil Tank Repair and Replacement
A series of pre-inspections carried out in the Inuit communities of Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik and Rigolet is showing positive results for the ongoing Government Assistance Plan for oil tank repair and replacement.
“We are very pleased with the results of these pre-inspections,” said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “Our officials will be making contact with individuals in the coming weeks to inform them of the next steps in the process of the Government Assistance Plan.”
Through a combination of financial and in-kind resources, the Government Assistance Plan will encourage compliance with Heating Oil Storage Tank System (HOST) regulations. Homeowners who participate will see a substantial reduction in the necessary expense to achieve compliance with HOST regulations to a level comparable to costs incurred by homeowners in other parts of Labrador.
The pre-inspections identified 525 tanks as being in need of repairs or replacement and another 73 tanks were registered as a result of the pre-inspections.
Winter Heating Limited carried out the pre-inspections from June 9 to 18 at no cost to homeowners. The company was the successful bidder in a tender call issued May 11. The pre-inspections followed a series of community meetings that took place June 1 and 2.
Under the Government Assistance Plan, the Provincial Government will co-ordinate and pay for pre-inspections, reduce the per-unit cost of oil tanks through a bulk purchase, eliminate oil-tank shipping costs, and pay the travel costs of the licensed inspectors who will do the installations, repairs and registrations.
Participating homeowners requiring tank replacement will be expected to make a $500 down payment, which will be waived for persons with an annual household income of $35,000 or less. As well, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation will provide loans for the replacement of tanks to homeowners with a maximum annual household income of $35,000. Eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply to the Oil Tank Replacement Program at: www.nlhc.nl.ca/OilTankProgram/index.html
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, includes $1.5 million for an assistance plan for Inuit communities where homeowners face unique and difficult challenges associated with the registration of home heating oil tanks to meet compliance with HOST regulations.
For more information on the Government Assistance Plan for the repair and replacement of residential oil tanks, please go to: www.gov.nl.ca/laa/programs_we_offer/gap.html
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Media contact:
| John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1674, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
2011 06 29 11:50 a.m.