PEI Domestic Oil Tank Program : a history of recent oil spills on Prince Edward Island

This power point presentation addressed the issue of recent oil spills on Prince Edward Island (PEI) with a critical examination of the Home Heat Tank Program in the province and how insurance companies, banks and real estate industry are dealing with the problem of oil spill contamination. The number of above ground domestic home heating tank spills continues to remain high and have been increasing in the past 10 years. This is due in part to improper installations which are essentially putting the safety of many homeowners and the environment at risk. It was noted that in Prince Edward Island, home heat tank installations do not have to be performed by qualified persons. Therefore, in order to save money, many home owners cut corners. Most improper installations are attributed to people who are not aware of proper guidelines and do not follow proper requirements and guidelines. In 1999 there were 208 domestic oil spills reported in PEI, of which 125 involved 17 tons or less of contaminated soil, 62 involved 51 tons of contaminated soil and 21 involved 51 tons or more of contaminated soil. The cost of cleanup for the latter was in the tens of thousands of dollars. It was recommended that this problem should be addressed in a 4 phase approach involving stakeholder consultation, public education, program assessment and regulation amendments. 37 figs