Fuel leaks from residential heating oil tanks are a growing cause of environmental concern in New Jersey. Storage tanks containing home heating oil, whether they are located underground or above ground, can leak over time potentially causing a number of environmental problems. These problems may include surface water contamination, surface and subsurface soil contamination, seepage of oil into buildings, and damaged buried telephone conduits. If a home storage tank is to leak, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) requires that the homeowner take prompt action to clean up the affected property and minimize environmental damage. The following are some indications that a home storage tank may be leaking:

· Any unexplained fuel oil consumption increase that doesn’t appear to be caused by additional use of your heating system.

· Water in your underground storage tank.

· Consistent problems with your oil burner.

· Loss of vegetation in the area over and around the tank.

· Tastes, odors, or other problems with your drinking water if you have a well.

· Staining on basement walls or floors adjacent to the tank.

If you have noted any of the above problems, first contact the company that services your heating system to rule out a maintenance problem. If a fuel oil leak has occurred you must report the incident to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Action Hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP. You will then be sent information describing the required course of action. Remember, prompt monitoring and timely action may assist in the reduction of costly environmental damage.

For additional information on fuel oil storage tanks refer to the NJDEP website http://www.state.nj.us/dep or contact the local health department at 908-725-5750.