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Tiverton conservation commission authorized to ask oil companies about buried heating‑oil tanks
Summary
The Town Council unanimously authorized the Conservation Commission to send letters to oil delivery companies asking whether they are delivering to buried underground tanks, part of an effort to identify active tanks that could threaten water supplies and to update an old town registry.
The Tiverton Town Council unanimously granted the Conservation Commission authority to send letters to local oil delivery companies to determine whether any buried underground heating‑oil tanks remain active in town.
Tom Ramitowski, speaking for the Conservation Commission, told the council that many buried tanks dating to the 1970s are unprotected and may be corroding. The letters will ask companies whether they deliver to buried tanks and, if so, for the tank addresses so the town can verify whether owners have inspected and retired tanks properly.
Ramitowski said the town’s existing underground tank registry (a town list) is very old and of “questionable” accuracy. Councilors cited section 38‑1‑63 (registration of underground storage tanks) during discussion and asked the commission to notify the council of any backlash from companies; Ramitowski said the commission will report its findings and may recommend a local policy depending on results.
Councilors moved the measure and voted in favor; the council emphasized the initiative is intended to identify active tanks that pose current threats to water supplies and that any further regulatory steps would follow the inquiry’s findings.
