Homeowners and the New MA Oil Law Requirement

Effective July 1, 2010, Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008 affects homeowners in 2 ways:

• Homeowners must make sure that their oil tank - above or underground - conforms to the new code requirement. There is no grandfathering.
• If the homeowner's oil system does conform, the insurance company must make coverage for loss due to an oil spill available to him or her.

The law states that: An owner of residential property utilizing a heating oil tank for consumptive use on the premises with 1 or more fuel supply lines or return lines in direct contact with conrete, earth or other floor surfaces shall:

1. enclose any fuel supply line with a continuous non-metallic sleeve,
2. cause an oil safety valve to be installed at the tank end of any fuel supply line in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or
3. employ any other approved release prevention method.

There are exemptions and other details about this law that you should know. Contact your insurance agent for more information.