Heating-Oil Tank Leak in Quebec: Emergency, Insurance and Contamination
Stop exposure without spreading the product, notify the right responders and document soil, water and building impacts.
Limit spread safely
If safe, close the supply using the intended control and keep oil away from drains, sewers, wells and waterways with compatible absorbent materials. Never wash heating oil outdoors or into plumbing.
Notify promptly
Contact the supplier or qualified technician, your insurer and an environmental-response contractor. An accidental release of a contaminant into the environment may need to be reported to Urgence-Environnement. Notify the municipality, landlord or neighbour when their infrastructure or land may be affected.
Document the extent
Record the time, tank level before and after, recent delivery amount, odour, affected areas and weather. Take photos without walking through the product. Keep delivery and maintenance invoices, tank age, calls, reports, sampling and temporary-expense records.
Cleanup and return
A visibly clean surface does not establish that soil, insulation, concrete or groundwater is safe. Have the work, testing and closure criteria defined by the appropriate professionals and authorities. Do not use the equipment before inspection and authorization.
Urgence-Environnement — Quebec.ca (French)