Common Misconceptions

Home heating oil systems can't support alternative energy options.

People don't typically think of heating oil as a potential source of alternative energy, when in fact it works hand-in-hand with a viable and reasonably priced alternative energy option - biodiesel heating oil. Biodiesel heating oil is readily available and being used throughout the country. A B20 blend (20% bio and 80% diesel) reduces the consumption of petroleum products by 20%, while supporting the use of domestically produced and renewable soy or canola oil.

People who have considered converting to natural gas have opted to stay with their oil heat systems because they appreciate that they can choose a "greener" option with biodiesel heating oil. Furthermore, civic minded consumers appreciate that they can choose between various heating oil suppliers, unlike gas customers who only have one supplier - one, large gas utility company.

Tank leaks are environmentally devastating events.

Over time heating oil tanks can leak. But the days of soil clean ups running tens of thousands of dollars and entailing huge excavation projects to remove of tons of contaminated soil are gone. This is due to a couple of things. First, DEQ has recognized that heating oil in soil is not a threat to humans or animals as it is a natural product that dissipates over time.
Secondly, DEQ's requirements for soil clean ups have been modified so many projects require very little soil removal. Instead, a series of soil samples can be taken that document the contamination, and verifies there is no threat to ground water. This information is compiled and submitted to DEQ who then will close the file on the site.