Safety warning for oil-hoarding homes (From Braintree and Witham Times)
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Safety warning for oil-hoarding homes
7:30am Monday 24th September 2012 in News
HOMES using heating oil are urged to store it safely if bulk-buying ready for the winter.
The Environment Agency wants households to make sure their tanks and pipework are up to scratch before stocking up for the colder months.
Tanks should also be sited away from watercourses, and residents should check their home insurance covers pollution clear-up costs.
Concern has been raised after a sharp rise in the number of homes taking part in group-buy schemes.
David Hutchinson, from the agency’s environment management team, said: “While we recognise it makes sense for householders to join together to negotiate better deals for their heating oil, we would advise against anyone ordering more oil than they can safely store.
“This would lead to an increased risk of oil loss and damage to the environment.
“Even with domestic oil spillages, the cost of clearing contaminated ground and watercourses can run into tens of thousands of pounds.”
For more information visit environment-agency.gov.uk/ppg.
