A family from Queenstown, New Brunswick is learning the hard way how devastating and costly a faulty oil tank can be.
Every homeowner’s nightmare became a reality for the Clarks a week ago.
“I noticed a smell that smelled like solvents, or some kind of gas or something,” says homeowner Yolande Clark.
Further investigation revealed their oil tank was leaking and that three quarters of what had been a full tank was already gone.
“I found a bucket, cut the top off it so it would fit under the tank and started catching oil as quickly as I could,” says homeowner Lee Horus Clark.
But the damage had already been done.
The leaking oil from the tank, located just a few feet away from their drinking well, had contaminated their entire property, even leading to a stream which feeds into the St. John River.
The home has been deemed unlivable for the family of five, forcing their wood fired pottery business out of operation.
“We’re artists,” says Yolande. “So it’s the source of our artwork and our livelihood.”
Their property was valued at $40,000 before the spill but it could cost the family as much as $200,000 to clean up the mess and tear down the home.
Cleaning up the spill and keeping the home could cost as much as $300,000.
“We don’t have insurance and we didn’t feel we could afford the cost of insurance but we’ve also been informed by many people that there are a number of factors about this situation that would have precluded any insurance being valid,” says Yolande.
In addition, the family is worried about possible damage done to a neighbouring property.
However, the Department of Environment says one nearby home has had its well-water tested, and there were no signs of petroleum.
The family has started a fundraising campaign to try to keep on top of what is sure to be a mounting bill.
While the Clarks’ future may be uncertain, Yolande says one thing is for sure.
“I will never have oil again. I will be cold. Never again.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
