The Environment Agency is urging people to check their oil tanks for leaks to protect the environment and reduce the risk of potentially large financial losses
Over the past 3 months, 32 oil-related incidents were reported to the Environment Agency in Devon and Cornwall – a 50% rise from the same period last year.
With the recent cold weather, many households – particularly in rural areas – have been using their heating more.
Second homes in the area will also not have had their oil tanks used or inspected recently due to lockdown travel restrictions. But cold weather can weaken joints and damage underground pipes.
Senior Environment Officer Brian Grant said:
Leaked oil can end up in drains, many of which lead directly to rivers, streams, lakes and even garden ponds, having the same effect as pouring it directly into the watercourse. It can also pose a risk to aquifers. In East Devon one aquifer supplies water to about 250,000 people.
Oil is poisonous to fish and other wildlife and smothers plants – just 2 litres of oil could seriously pollute the volume of freshwater needed to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Householders with domestic oil tanks should take the following action to ensure they are safe for use:
To report an oil spill or leak, contact the Environment Agency’s 24-hour emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60. There is more guidance on the oil care campaign website at http://oilcare.org.uk.