Abandoned oil tanks found on city property
By George P. Hassett

  Seven abandoned oil tanks have been found beneath city property, with one tank reportedly out of use for more than 15 years. The tanks identified are located at the Brown School, the Central Library, the Cummings School, two at the Department of Public Works, the city-owned building at 79 Broadway and the Vernon Street garage.

  Thomas Champion, spokesperson for Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, said the current administration was only recently made aware of the underground tanks and was taking steps to remove them. State law requires out of use oil tanks to be removed.
  Peter Mills, director of the office of sustainability and environmental protection, is currently working with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to remove the tanks and remedy the situation, Champion said.
  Underground oil tanks, like any other metal material, are prone to leakage over time. Unused or abandoned oil tanks are required to be removed from the ground under proper supervision.
  Leaks in abandoned oil tanks are particularly difficult to detect and could go undiscovered for decades. Leaks cause bad smells, fires and may contaminate underground water supplies. If a tank can not be removed, officials recommend filling it with sand to ensure safety.
A source close to City Hall said the tank at the Central Library branch has been out of use for more than 15 years.