HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2002-12-04, Page 11Riding in style
Michelle Blake of the Brussels Figure Skating Club had the
luxury of riding through blustery weather conditions
Saturday evening when she hitched a ride on an antique
fire truck, owned by her father Jack, for the annual Brussels
Santa Claus parade. (Janice Becker photo)
THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2002 PAGE 11
Fuel distributors inform public of regulations
The Technical Standards and
Safety Authority (TSSA), the same
group that has tightened regulations
for on-farm fuel storage tanks, has
set new deadlines for inspection and
certification of furnace oil tanks.
By May 2004 your furnace oil
tank has to have, been checked out
by a trained inspector. By May 2007
your entire heating system from tank
to oil burner must have a
comprehensive inspection by a
certified oil burner technician.
While the TSSA is implementing
the new regulations, it's up to the
distributors to enforce them because
they'll be liable if they fill tanks
after the deadlines. A group of fuel
distributors in Huron, Bruce, Grey
and Wellington Counties have
banded together to try to get
information out to the public about
what is inspected.
It's a very loose group, many of
whom got together a few year's ago
to do some joint promotion of home
heating oil, says Don Edward of
Edward Fuels which has outlets in
Clinton, Goderich, Kincardine and
Teeswater. The group includes both
private operations like his and co-
operatives.
While farmers at least are aware
of the condition of the tank that
holds the fuel for their tractors and
combines because they pull up
regularly to refuel their equipment,
the furnace oil tank may have been
sitting, basically ignored, for 30-40
years. Edward tells of one customer
who recently arrived suggesting it
was time his tank was replaced as he
recalled it being installed 50 years
ago.
The prospect of havingthose tanks
inspected upsets some customers,
says Bob Rowe of Hensall District
Co-op's fuel division, "But I ask
them what (else) do you own that's
30 years old that you haven't done
work on."
The basic inspection will entail a
visual inspection of the condition of
the tank to ensure it has a gauge and
proper outdoor venting, that it's
stable on its legs and that the saddles
holding the tank are in good
condition.
Tanks are required to be
Underwriters' Laboratories of
Canada (ULC) certified, Edward
explains, but if it was installed prior
to the early 1970s, the ULC
exist at the time. If proof can be
offered that the tank predates that
ULC certification and if the tank
Meets all other requirements, its
approval can be "grandfathered".
But common sense says that at
some point you need to replace that
tank, Edward says. The problem is
some people think the tank should
be replaced tomorrow and that's
putting pressure on distributors.
If the tank needs to be replaced,
many dealers are offering flat-rate
deals of $650 to $750. Most fuel
dealers are subsidizing the costs,
Rowe says, because they want to
keep their customers. A problem for
dealers right now is a shortage of
tanks. In some cases distributors are
loaning each other tanks to help
meet the demand.
The comprehensive inspection to
be completed by May 2007 will look
at the entire system including an
inspection of the heat exchanger to
make sure there are no holes and a
smoke test to make sure there is no
carbon dioxide escaping from the
burner.
Rather than undergo two different
inspections at different times, Rowe
says companies are trying to get
both inspections done at the same
time.
Aging tanks are an environmental
risk if they leak. There have been a
few horror stories of the cost of
environmental clean-up from leaky
tanks, Rowe says. In fact some
insurance companies have been
charging an insurance surcharge of
up to $250 to those using home
heating oil to cover the possibility of
environmental accidents.
There's no need to panic but there
is need for concern, Rowe says. The
place to start if you have concerns
with your home heating system is
with your fuel supplier. Some
suppliers have their own service
staff. Those who don't will have
good independent service people
they can recommend to inspect your
tank and heating system.
M-T requests
statements
from N. Huron
After receiving the financial
statements for the North Huron
Wescast Complex at the Nov. 26
session, Morris-Turnberry council
requested a profit and loss statement
and a budget review.
The municipality will enter into a
recreation agreement with North
Huron and pay the requisition to
offset programs for the minor sports
and youth activities at the complex.
Councillor Jim Nelemans
broached the subject of closing the
road at Lot 10-11, Conc. 1, Morris.
It was suggested that a gate and sign
be tried first to prevent entry.
Council agreed to proceed with
the Joe Reinhardt quote for the
vestibule, ramp and heating as part
of the restructuring project.
The final payment of $2,358.28
to Ryan Construction for the Mills
Drain was approved for payment.
Tax rebates and manual
adjustments for 2002 were
approved.
There were no objections to a
consent application from James I.
McKinney of Lot 31, Conc. 1,
Turnberry.
Do your energy bills get you hot under the collar?
0-0
If you're looking for an economical, efficient, safe and
reliable heating alternative, look no further.
Look at oilheat!
It's the new oilheat - Your choice of local suppliers.
A simple bill. No retroactive or debt charges. Just great
value and comfort and good old-fashioned service.
Get comfortable this heating season.
• I THE NEW
Contact your local fuel oil distributor today for more information**