Residential Heating Oil Tank Guidance

General Information

Spills from residential heating oil tank systems and the resulting contamination are ongoing and widespread problems across Alaska. The Prevention and Emergency Response Program works with numerous property owners every year to clean up spills caused by leaking or failed home heating oil tank systems. In addition to the negative impact to the environment, residential heating oil spills can be expensive for the property owner, both in terms of cleaning up the environment and also the value of the lost fuel. Property values may also be diminished in association with contamination that has not been addressed. By taking the preventative measures outlined on this page, property owners with residential fuel oil tank systems can greatly reduce the chances of having a heating oil spill.

Aside from possible state and local fire codes, Alaska does not have regulations that govern the installation or maintenance of heating oil tank systems. Homeowners are entirely responsible for the installation, maintenance and integrity of heating oil tanks, lines and fittings. Alaska does have statutes and regulations that govern releases from home heating oil tank systems.

Guidance Documents

When was the last time you inspected your home heating oil tank? Are you unsure of what to look for while inspecting your tank? Do you want to know how you can prevent oil spills on your property? Have you ever thought about decommissioning an old underground tank?

Below are several sources of information that provide recommendations and helpful tips for installing, inspecting and removing residential heating oil tanks:

Aboveground Heating Oil Tank Inspection Guide

Underground Heating Oil Tank Closure Guide

Underground Heating Oil Tank Inspection Guide

Earthquakes, Floods and Home Heating Oil Tanks

Home Heating Oil Tank Installation Guidelines

Alaska Heating Oil Tanks

Inspection Checklist

Facts and Figures

Public Service Announcements

Public Service Announcements
(produced by and for Alaska Public Radio Network, Duncan Moon)

1. (MP3, 443K, 28 sec, updated 9/2008)
2. (MP3, 388K, 25 sec, updated 9/2008)
3. (MP3, 436K, 28 sec, updated 9/2008)

Contact DEC

Area	Phone	FAX
Central (Anchorage)	269-3063	269-7648
Northern (Fairbanks)	451-2121	451-2362
Southeast (Juneau)	465-5340	465-2237

During normal business hours call the nearest DEC response team office.
Outside normal business hours call: 1-800-478-9300 (International: 1-907-428-7200)