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June 8, 2009 at 1:14 am #591159
pbgirl423MemberWe currently have a 10 ft hole in our driveway due to our oil tank leaking and contaminating soil. We’ve been living with this hole that our furnace company dug up for about 6 weeks now. They’ve been here twice to dig and test soil. They’re very slow to respond, can’t tell us next steps or how long this will take and are claiming our neighbors could have contamination as well. Has anyone in WS dealt with this situation and if so, did you have a satisfactory resolution you can share with us? We are starting to feel that as homeowners we are really not in control right now and that doesn’t seem right. Thanks and if you’ve got other issues to add, please start a new post because I really just want advice on my specific issue :)
June 8, 2009 at 3:31 am #669194
B-squaredParticipantDo you mind sharing the name of your oil company? and did you have tank insurance? I’m asking because i am concerned that i might be dealing with this soon. How was the leak discovered?
June 8, 2009 at 7:14 am #669195
alki_2008Participantpbgirl – Can you call a different oil company? The potential costs for the homeowner of the leaking tank can be high, especially if it’s continuing to leak…as you’ll be liable for “environmental cleanup” for your neighbors. You need a company to remove the remaining oil ASAP, and later you can have the tank filled with sand or remove the tank completely. Your house will probably be reported to the WA Dept of Ecology.
I’ve heard of, but haven’t personally used, Filco and heard they’re pretty good…if that’s a different company than you’re already using.
In any case, be sure to keep ALL test results.
Good luck.
June 8, 2009 at 4:23 pm #669196
pbgirl423MemberWe already had the tank removed by the oil company and have been dealing with the Dept of Ecology through the people who are doing the digging of the soil for testing.
B-Squared, my husband is dealing with this for the most part but I’ll let you know the name of our furnace company via a private message soon if you’d like.
June 8, 2009 at 4:49 pm #669197
KenParticipantI am pretty sure once you are dealing with the Dept of Ecology, you are dancing to their tune and no one elses.
http://www.plia.wa.gov/EcologyHeatingOilReport.pdf
You probably already have an approved experienced contractor who has removed the tank and the nearby contaminated soil and is waiting for test results for surrounding soil samples.
Homeowners insurance may cover the expense and if your recently bought the home, the issue should have been discussed with the seller.
This is part of the relevant RCW
June 8, 2009 at 6:47 pm #669198
B-squaredParticipantThanks pbgirl – i’ll watch for the message. i am very interested to know how the leak was discovered.
Were you registered with the Heating Oil Pollution Liability Program? http://www.plia.wa.gov/heating/insurance.htm
If so, this could save you some money with cleanup.
June 8, 2009 at 9:28 pm #669199
pbgirl423MemberB-squared, I do know how the leak was discovered. We smelled a strong gasoline smell in our furnace and when they came to check it out they also happened to check our oil tank to see if we needed a fill up and it was really low. They decided to check the tank for leaks at that time and sure enough, it had a leak.
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