BALTIMORE, MD (October 7, 2004) --The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will hold two oil and propane tank anchoring events in coming weeks for community members, local officials, anchor suppliers and oil and propane industry representatives. The workshops will be held on Oct. 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day and will include hands-on anchoring lessons, presentations on the importance of anchoring tanks and the opportunity to meet with those in the tank and anchor industry. A barbeque style lunch will be served.

The first tank anchoring session will be held on the Eastern Shore Oct. 20 at the 4-H Park in Queen Anne’s County, located on MD Route 18 between Queenstown and Centreville. On Oct. 21 the workshop will be held at the National Guard Armory along Hudson Street in the Parole section of Annapolis. Those working in the heating oil and propane distribution industries are highly encouraged to attend one of these events.

Propane and oil tank spills are becoming increasingly problematic for Maryland residents. Last year, flooding from Hurricane Isabel dislodged and spilled hundreds of residential oil tanks in Maryland, causing the federal and state governments to spend $2.5 million in remediation costs. These spills are toxic to people and animals that live in flood prone areas and can result in water contamination, fire, injury and even death.

Maryland is now equipped with several suppliers of tank anchors. Most oil suppliers will install anchors for a small fee. By law, propane dealers must anchor any propane tank located in the floodplain. Residents living in the floodplain are encouraged to take all necessary precautions to prevent future oil and propane spills by anchoring their tanks immediately.

Those seeking to participate in the sessions should RSVP to Bess Caplan by calling (410) 537-3764. Please reply with the number of attendees and the location requested.

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