HOME owners whose houses are heated by oil are being urged to make sure their storage tanks are regularly checked for signs of corrosion and damage.

Following an increase in pollution incidents in the county over the last two years, the Environment Agency is keen to highlight the dangers and promote measures to prevent oil leaks.

As well as the environmental damage, the cost of cleaning up a leak of heating fuel from a domestic storage tank can also be up to £50,000.

Craig Fournier, of Fourniers Limited based at Bradford Peverell near Dorchester, is also keen to highlight the need to regularly check oil storage tanks.

He said: “Tanks should be checked regularly so that rust, leaking joints and other signs of deterioration can be spotted early and dealt with.

“It makes sense because householders are liable for the cost of clean-up operations as a result of leaks from their tanks.”

As well as maintaining tanks, home owners are also advised to site them as far as possible from drains, streams, ground water, ponds or underground service ducts.

Other advice includes not overfilling the tank and never placing anything on top while a qualified technician should check any installation.