Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade Delayed Until 9/30/2011

The new state Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law (installation of an Oil line sleeve or oil safety valve) has been delayed until September 30, 2011. The new law, originally set to become effective July 1, 2010, has been delayed and will become effective on September 30, 2011, giving homeowners 15 additional months to comply.

In short, the law is designed to eliminate oil leaks that have plagued numerous older homes where a fuel line leaves the oil tank and is then buried in concrete and reappears at the burner.  In some of the homes the buried portion of the fuel line leaks and causes expensive environmental damage.  In addition, the new law requires homeowner insurance companies to make available coverage, at an additional cost, for oil spills to all homes that are in compliance with the new rules.

Visit the DEP’s website for additional information.