MAINE, Maine — Most of the oil spills the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has responded to happened after the big "Grinch" storm in December, but last week's back-to-back powerful storms also affected more than 20 homeowners along the coast.
Chris Hopper is the director of the DEP's Division of Response Services. Hopper said the Rumford and Mexico areas have had a lot of oil spills that need cleanup from his team.
"Our scope of work is much larger than that. We handle transportation spills, train derailments, industry, as well as these emergency spills with the storms," Hopper said. "Typically, what we are seeing is flooded basements, and when that happens, the [heating oil] tank floats, and there's damage that occurs to that, so you can sheer off some of the piping that causes the leak, or it might damage the tank itself to the point that it leaks."
Hopper said it's important to always give the DEP a call, in case of a small or large spill, to protect the well-being of residents and the environment.
Hopper also said there's a fund, the Maine Ground and Surface Waters Clean-up and Response Fund, that has existed for many years and covers the cost of the service to clean up the spill if you have a heating oil tank that's been impacted.
"Typically, there's a $500 deductible for most folks, but that can be waived if there are dire financial services or put it on a payment plan," Hopper explained.
Greg O'Brien is a first responder with the Maine DEP.
"I am one of 24 responders that the DEP positions across the state, to ensure that we can readily respond to oil spills and hazmat material. Initially, our interest is ensuring that the product is controlled, contained, and confined," O'Brien said. "In the event of a home heating oil spill, we ensure the public health is protected and after that, we focus on actually cleaning up the spill."
O'Brien has worked for more than 20 years with the DEP as a first responder, and he said it's a job he enjoys doing.
"This job is diverse and field-oriented, and it's rewarding to assist my fellow Mainers in recovering from traumatic experiences," O'Brien said.
Click here to learn more about the fund that, in most cases, could cover your heating oil clean-up work.