North Attleborough couple stuck with $400k oil tank leak

A North Attleborough couple is sharing a warning with other homeowners after a heating oil tank on their property leaked, causing extensive environmental damage and nearly $400,000 in repair costs that their insurance did not cover.

Kathleen and John Murray said the 20-year-old oil tank outside their home spilled 190 gallons in February, sending oil under the house slab, into a crawl space, and eventually into a nearby French drain that pumped it toward the street.

“It had gone under the slab then into the crawl space into the French drain and it was pumping towards the street which was the environmental emergency,” Kathleen Murray said.

The couple has already paid roughly $90,000 for cleanup and estimates the total will reach at least $400,000.

“It’s been about 90,000 so far and it’s probably going to be another 300,” Kathleen Murray said.

“I imagine there are very few homeowners who can take a hit of 400K and not be severely impacted,” John Murray added.

The financial burden, they said, is impacting both their retirement plans and their children’s college tuition.

When the Murrays contacted their insurance provider, they were told their policy did not cover liquid fuel spills. That’s when they learned about something they say no one ever told them: an optional policy rider for oil spill coverage.

Attorney Susan Crane, who has worked with oil spill cases for more than 25 years, said many homeowners don’t realize they need to specifically request that protection.

“What homeowners should know is if you do have fuel oil leak it could be devastating,” Crane said.

“The problem is that there is no requirement in that legislation that either brokers or insurance companies tell homeowners they have this option and it’s usually less than $100.”

Massachusetts law requires that insurance companies make these “liquid fuel spill riders” available to homeowners, but there is no law requiring them to inform customers about it.

“We worked so hard to do everything right,” Kathleen Murray said. “And then you find out you didn’t know there was more.”

The Murrays have since launched a fundraising campaign to help with the costs and are encouraging other homeowners who use oil heat to check their tanks and review their coverage.

Tips for Homeowners:

• Ask your agent about a “liquid fuel spill rider”: This optional coverage typically costs under $100 per year and can protect you from major out-of-pocket costs related to home heating oil leaks.

• Massachusetts Fuel Leak Insurance Law: Learn more about the 2009 state law requiring insurers to offer fuel spill coverage.
• Heating Oil Safety Tips from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP):

• Inspect your tank regularly
• Look for signs of rust or leaking
• Schedule annual maintenance
• Keep records of inspections

• MassDEP Approved Cleanup Contractors: View the list if you’re dealing with a current spill.
• Financial Assistance or Spill Reporting: Visit mass.gov for details on spill reporting and cleanup funding programs.