ISSN 1058-3912
Electronic journal of the International Association
for Environmental Hydrology
On the World Wide Web at http://www.hydroweb.com
JEH Volume 5 (1997), Paper 8, December 1997 Posted
December 20, 1997
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION FROM LEAKING HOME HEATING OIL SYSTEMS
Shane M. Bennet
Contaminant Hydrogeologist, County Kildare, Ireland
ABSTRACT
The storage of home heating oil on private residential property is widespread
and common in Ireland but in recent years there has been a noticeable increase
in the number of tank and line leaks and as a result significant volumes
of oil are often released to the subsurface. These releases can have a
detrimental effect on both the local environment and property values while
also disrupting everyday life in the home. The “solution” in the past has
been to treat the symptoms and to ignore the problem. However this reactive
approach is no longer acceptable to our increasingly litigious and environmentally
conscious society. To better serve the home owner’s interests, a more comprehensive
procedure is needed whereby a set of proven and site-specific remedial
actions are prescribed in the event of a heating oil leak. Both the building
industry and home owners need to be informed as to the seriousness of the
current situation and the relatively simple preventative measures that
can be taken to avoid its continued occurrence. Prevention is seen as the
only secure policy for the future.
Reference: Bennet, S.M.; Groundwater Contamination from Home
Heating Oil Systems, Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol.
5, Paper 8, December 1997.