As the temperature drops, home oil tanks are being filled, creating prime conditions for leaks to seep into the environment and salmon habitat.

ItB次元官网网址檚 become a B次元官网网址渟easonal issueB次元官网网址� in Saanich, said Harley Machielse, the director of engineering for the district. HeB次元官网网址檚 recommending residents check their tanks for rust and holes before filling their tanks this fall.

B次元官网网址淯nknown to them, they might have a leak in their tank. During the first heavy rainfall, that creates a spill that typically enters our creeks and waterways through our storm drainage system,B次元官网网址� he said.

READ MORE:

Despite being able to track a leak through waterways and back to their source, the districtB次元官网网址檚 cleanup crew canB次元官网网址檛 100 per cent remediate the damage caused. Oil seeps into the ground leading to and surrounding creeks and can cause long-term damage to fish habitat B次元官网网址� who spawn in the fall when tanks are most likely to leak.

B次元官网网址淥ne is too many. WeB次元官网网址檇 like to have no spills,B次元官网网址� he said.

Machielse said the district of Saanich usually has five spills from home oil tanks a year. Saanich, in particular, has a high proportion of oil tanks, he said, likely because of when the district was developed.

Last year, a leak from a home on OB次元官网网址機onnell Place bled into the Colquitz River, where more than 1,000 coho salmon spawn. The homeowner is on the line for any reparation costs, and home insurance doesnB次元官网网址檛 always cover it.

ItB次元官网网址檚 not just tanks in use that could cost homeowners. Old oil tanks can also leak fluids into the environment, and a Saanich bylaw states tanks not used for more than two years need to be removed. Machielse said residents should be proactive by checking whatB次元官网网址檚 on their property and removing the risk.

READ MORE:

@KeiliBartlett
keili.bartlett@blackpress.ca

Like us on and follow us on