The existing home heat regulations do not require Islanders to replace their oil tanks before their mandatory replacement date, says Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry, Richard Brown.

“Fourteen-gauge oil tanks will be phased out as they expire,” said Minister Brown. “Islanders do not have to replace them until the mandatory expiratory date and then they are to be replaced with a more durable tank that meets the current national standard.”

Amendments to the Environmental Protection Act were made in 2004 requiring home heat tanks to be tagged to monitor the installation and replacement age of all home heat tanks to protect the environment from oil spills.

Under the home heat tank regulations, homeowners are required to replace all single-wall steel tanks over a period of time. During the past few years, there has been a higher failure rate with 14-gauge steel tanks that are located outside.

As a result, government is working with the PEI Petroleum Marketers Association and the insurance industry to find ways to assist homeowners replace these tanks and it is hoping to announce a program in the near future.

Currently, there are approximately 8,000 14-gauge legal oil tanks that are located outside.

The PEI Petroleum Marketers Association will deliver home heat fuel to all properties that meet the home heat tank regulations.

Most insurance companies provide coverage for 14-gauge tanks. People are advised to check with their insurance companies.