23 September 2015
A new animation has been produced to show people whose homes or business are heated by oil how to stop their tanks leaking and polluting the surrounding area.
It’s been put together by the Department of the Environment and three local fuel providers to help reduce the number of oil leaks in Jersey.
The department’s Environmental Protection team responds to approximately 100 pollution incidents a year – roughly a third are to do with oil leaks.
Polluting streams
Lost heating oil causes serious damage and is expensive to clean up, creating a cost for the householder and the public purse. It also damages the environment by contaminating ground and drinking water, polluting streams and harming wildlife.
Last week a pond in Grands Vaux was polluted by an oil spill, injuring a number of wild birds. Environmental Protection is investigating the incident under the Water Pollution (Jersey) Law, 2000.
The oil care animation shows Island residents how to check that their oil tanks and pipework are in good condition before filling the tank for winter. It explains common faults, prevention measures and what to do if a spill occurs. You can see the animation at gov.je/oilpollution.
Expense and damage
Water Resource Management and Regulation Officer, Shelley Hawkins said "As the nights are getting chillier, people start to think about heating and getting their tanks filled for the winter. Before you make that call, just take a few minutes to watch the animation and see a few ideas about how to prevent an oil leak and avoid the consequent expense and damage to the environment."
The animation is one of a series of initiatives by the Department of the Environment and local fuel providers to reduce incidence, impact and cost of pollution.
Watch the video
gov.je