State DEC urges Haines residents to clear roof lines and report heating‑oil spills

Kathy Shea of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation told the Haines Borough Assembly on Jan. 13 that residents should keep snow and ice clear from home‑heating oil vents and fuel lines and be alert for signs of leaks such as unexpectedly high fuel use. Shea, who works in the DEC spill prevention and response program in Anchorage, said preventing line damage while shoveling roofs is a common way leaks start.

Shea said reporting requirements differ by spill type: any oil that reaches water such as a stream or harbor must be reported immediately; spills to land of more than 55 gallons must be reported as soon as discovered; 10 to 55 gallons have a 48‑hour reporting window; and amounts from 1 to 10 gallons should be reported “as soon as you’re able.” She gave the DEC reporting portal (reportspills.alaska.gov) and a phone contact for technical assistance.

Shea also noted a recently announced state funding source to help homeowners pay for cleanup of heating‑oil tank spills and pointed listeners to homeheatingoiltanks.alaska.gov for details. After the presentation Assemblymember Gabe Thomas and others urged residents to notify operators about hidden lines and the mayor asked DEC to provide written materials the borough could post online.

The DEC presentation came during the assembly’s public‑comment period; Shea said DEC staff are available for technical help and encouraged residents who suspect damage to investigate and document fuel use and any visible leaks.