Journal of Environmental Hydrology

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. 
CONTACT:

Shane M. Bennet
The Grove
Bishophill Road
Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare
Ireland

E-mail
: bennet@iol.ie

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