BALTIMORE (September 26, 2003) – More than 2,000 heating and fuel oil tanks broke loose and floated away in Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties during Hurricane Isabel. Many of these “orphan” tanks still contain heating oil or other petroleum-based products, and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has pumped out hundreds of tanks since the effort began last Saturday collecting an estimated 30,000 gallons of waste oil.

Now, with assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are 15 additional crews pumping out tanks and removing product from flooded basements and lawns. MDE staff are accompanying each crew. EPA has hired private contractors to help Marylanders recover from the effects of the storm.

Anyone who finds a heating oil tank should report it to the Maryland Department of the Environment at 1-866-MDE-GOTO or 1-866-633-4686.

MDE staff can also provide information on tank disposal and oil odor abatement techniques. This information is available by calling (410) 537-3442 or 1-800-633-6101, extension 3442. Or go to the department’s website at: mde.maryland.gov.

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