Full-time St. Paul Island homeowners can get replacement fuel tanks

Homeowners on St. Paul Island who need to replace an aging or failing home heating fuel tank can now get a new one through a community program.

The Community Home Heating Fuel Tank Replacement Program is a joint effort of the Central Bering Sea Fishermen's Association, the City of Saint Paul and the Tribal Government of St. Paul. It supplies replacement tanks to homes that need them. Eligibility is limited to primary homeowners who live on the island full time.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says leaking home heating oil tanks are a common source of contamination in Alaska, particularly in rural communities that depend on stored fuel. Property owners are responsible for preventing spills and cleaning up any contamination, the department says.