 Bulk Oil Storage Tanks - tank size & leak reporting requirements
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Home heating oil bulk storage - petroleum oil storage tanks, regulations, issues, requirements for reporting the presence of an oil storage tank at a property.
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Reporting Requirements on the Discovery of Leaking Residential and Other Oil Storage Tanks
In this document, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation informs home inspectors of their reporting requirements when
an oil tank is observed to be leaking. This information was presented to the New York Metro ASHI Chapter Seminar (American Society of Home Inspectors)
in May, 1993 by
Jacqueline Sibblies, a chemical engineer with the NYS DEC Offered
a slide presentation on "Petroleum Bulk Storage" at the April
NY Metro ASHI Educational session. Edits and illustrations by InspectAPedia.com. Sketch at page top courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates.
This article deals primarily with bulk fuel storage tanks that
are larger than 1,100 gallons. Such tanks fall under the NYS Petroleum
Bulk Storage Law. However, much of what was covered had implications
for home inspectors.
According to Ms. Sibblies, leaking petroleum storage tanks are a major
source of groundwater contamination. Fuel leaking from damaged tanks
can seep through the ground, get into an aquifer, and contaminate
a water supply, causing wells to be shut down.
The DEC estimates that there may be as many as 160,000 tanks in New
York State storing petroleum and subject to DEC regulations. Many
of these tanks were installed underground in the 1950's and 1960's,
and are bare steel. DEC authorities and other experts believe that
many have become weakened by rust and have a 50% chance of developing
leaks.
When inspecting a house, if the tank is larger than 1,100 gallons,
the buyer should be advised that the DEC requires registration and
periodic testing of such tanks and their piping. Inspectors should
advise their clients that tank testing should be performed by the
present owner and results be made available to the buyers.
It is prudent to advise buyers to have even smaller tanks tested,
even though it is not a requirement. If there is room in the basement
or garage, it would be wise to recommend that the existing tank be
deactivated and a new tank be installed indoors.
If leakage is detected during a home inspection, it should be reported
within two hours to the DEC. The toll-free, Spill Hotline
number is 800-457-7362.
Free publications dealing with this topic are available from the DEC.
For a list of such publications call the NYS DEC help line at 800-242-4351.
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Mr. Cramer serves on the ASHI Home Inspection Standards. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
- John Cranor is an ASHI member and a home inspector (The House Whisperer) is located in Glen Allen, VA 23060. He is also a contributor to InspectApedia.com in several technical areas such as plumbing and appliances (dryer vents). Contact Mr. Cranor at 804-747-7747 or by Email: johncranor@verizon.net
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
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Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
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