RUMFORD – When a fuel oil tank leak in a nearby home last year caused major problems for the owner, the state Department of Environmental Protection set out to replace the fuel tanks and fuel lines of all homes in the area.

The DEP is using cleanup funds for the project because the homes are in a wellhead protection zone. Rumford’s secondary water supply comes from wells in the area. The cleanup fund is derived from fees on imported oil.

On Wednesday, the sixth of 41 tanks was being replaced at the home of Pat Roy on Fontaine Avenue.

“When we saw what happened to our neighbor’s house, we wanted one,” said Roy.

Local oil contractor Dead River was installing a new double-walled steel and plastic fuel tank and sleeved fuel line in Roy’s home, while DEP environmental engineer Peter Moulton oversaw the operation.

The tank is new to the state and to much of the country. Although Moulton is aware of a dozen such tanks installed by individuals around the state, the Rumford project marks the first time the DEP is installing the European-made, 275-gallon tanks. All homes receiving new tanks and fuel lines are in the Swift River Park area off Route 120.

That was the site of a severe fuel tank leak last November that resulted in a major oil cleanup by the DEP. The home, owned by the Kenneth Roberts, was moved from its foundation so that contaminated soil could be removed. A new foundation was built, then the home placed on it.

The bill for the new tanks, at about $82,000, and the roughly $150,000 cost of the cleanup, came from the DEP’s cleanup fund.

The DEP and the Rumford Water District have worked together on the project. Brian Gagnon, Water Department superintendent, said his department received a Wellhead Protection Grant of nearly $1,200 that will pay for new sleeved fuel lines for each of the homes receiving new fuel tanks. The sleeving of these lines is another measure that will protect against leaks.

Moulton said he expects all 41 new fuel tanks will be installed by winter.