DEP changing policy on underground tanks

Residents of two federally built housing projects, required by the state to remove underground oil tanks, will have a chance to meet with officials from the Department of Environmental Protection, which intends to change a plan designed to help homeowners with the cost of the work.

The two neighborhoods in Bangor, Bangor Gardens and Capehart, were built more than 30 years ago when burying underground tanks was a common practice. The homeowners have been invited to a meeting with the DEP at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Davis Road Community Center.

The Maine State Housing Authority recently changed the eligibility requirements for grant money to pay for the removal of underground oil tanks, consequently more people can qualify.

The DEP had agreed to put out one contract for all the work in the two neighborhoods. But with the MSHA change, DEP officials say that they do not need to oversee the contract. And Wednesday night they will be available to the public to talk about the change.