Maine DEP Oil Spill Assistance Available

If you have an oil tank that has been damaged as a result of the storm (flooding, falling debris, etc.), Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) has crews and resources to help you dispose of oily debris that, if not properly disposed of, can affect you, your neighbors, and the environment.

Maine DEP has provided a questionnaire to help determine if you should contact their MDEP Response Services Division. They are ready to assess, assist, and clean up oil spills. There is no cost for Maine DEP to visit your home and they also have funding that may help pay for the cleanup of oil in your home or on your property. 

The questionnaire will help you determine if you should call Maine DEP at (800) 482-0777 or 211. This line is answered 24/7.

Please share this information with your neighbors, family, or anyone who may be affected by this flooding event.

For more information visit www.maine.gov/dep/

Basement Fuel Oil Tanks: If your basement has flooded your basement fuel oil tank may float and may release oil. If you pump the water out of your basement the oil tank can be damaged as it comes back down. It is best to get the oil out of the tank before you pump the water out. If the tank has already leaked and there is oil in the floodwater in your basement, do not pump the oil out onto the ground or into storm drains or ditches. Oil floats on water so if you have to pump water out of your basement, stop pumping before the oil reaches the pump.

Outdoor Fuel Oil Tanks: If you have an outdoor fuel oil tank that has been damaged by the storm call MDEP at (800) 482-0777. It is best not to touch the tank because you could cause an initial oil spill or you can cause more oil to be released if a spill has already started.

Long term exposure to oil can be bad for your health. Oil that isn’t cleaned up properly can damage the environment. Maine DEP has Responders staged Statewide ready to assist. Because of the impact of this storm, please understand that it may take a little extra time for Responders to get to where you are. When speaking to dispatch at the number above, provide detailed information and MDEP Responders will help.