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Charlemont assessors may reduce valuation for house damaged by oil-tank leak
Summary
Homeowners George and Laura Hicks told the Charlemont Board of Assessors that a Nov. 1 oil-tank leak contaminated soil and groundwater at 191 Legate Hill Road; the board agreed to ask its valuation consultant about a temporary percentage reduction in assessed value while remediation continues.
The Charlemont Board of Assessors on Jan. 6 agreed to pursue a temporary reduction in assessed value for a property at 191 Legate Hill Road after homeowners George and Laura Hicks described extensive contamination and remediation following an oil-tank leak.
The Hicks told the Board that on Nov. 1 a pinhole leak released an estimated 100–200 gallons of fuel oil onto their basement floor and into the soil and groundwater beneath the house, prompting involvement by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Fire Marshal and their insurer. They said the residence has been uninhabitable while an environmental consultant coordinates cleanup, which will include jacking the building, removing the slab, excavating contaminated soil and ongoing testing.
The Board did not conclude the case qualified for an abatement, but Assessor’s Clerk Carlene Hayden told the homeowners the board could “put an influence on the property,” reducing the assessed value by a percentage while cleanup is underway. The Board voted to forward the Hicks’ DEP Release Notification and the Hoosac Environmental Scope of Services letter to its valuation consultant, who will determine whether and how much to lower the valuation and report back to the board.
Laura Hicks cautioned other homeowners to take preventive steps, saying, “We are cautioning everyone with fuel oil tanks to have a containment process in place; something under the tanks because oil leaches into the concrete.” The Hicks also said insurance companies in Massachusetts are required to offer an oil-spill remediation rider and urged homeowners with oil tanks to consider a rider and double-walled tanks.
Next steps: the Board will await the valuation consultant’s determination of a percentage adjustment, if any. No formal abatement was granted during the meeting.
