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Tips & Links | Underground Storage Tank FAQ
What kinds of regulations apply to my home heating oil tank?
Home heating oil tanks are non-regulated, non-commercial underground storage tanks (USTs) that
are exempt from the “technical regulations” that apply to regulated USTs. Even though home
heating oil tanks are exempt from these technical regulations; some groundwater regulations will
apply if there is a leak or spill from your tank.
What do I do with a home heating oil tank that is no longer being used?
Home heating oil tanks are exempt from the “closure” requirements. “Closure” of USTs means
removing the tank from the ground or filling the empty tanks with a solid, inert material such as
sand, and analyzing soil. Even though these closure requirements do not apply to home heating oil
tanks, a tank owner is advised to empty a tank once it is no longer being used in order to limit the
chances of a release. Tanks should not be filled with water. Although it is not a requirement to
remove old heating oil tanks, potential buyers are sometimes reluctant to purchase property with
USTs; so removal may be a good idea in the interests of resale.
If I choose to remove my home heating oil tank, what are the requirements?
Some local fire inspectors’ offices regulate USTs, so you should contact your local office prior to
removal. You do not need to contact a North Carolina Division of Waste Management (DWM)
office unless you discover signs of a leak, spill, or contamination.
What do I do if I discover contamination?
Notify your local DWM regional office immediately if you discover signs of leak, spill, or
contamination such as stains on the soil, strong petroleum odors or puddles of oil. If
you are responsible for the contamination, your local DWM office will provide you with the
information for sampling and cleanup.
Who is responsible for cleanup of contamination?
Primarily, the “statutory tank owner” is responsible for cleaning up the contamination. Who the
“statutory tank owner” is depends upon when the tank was last used. If it was last used before
November 8, 1984 then the last party who used that UST is considered the tank owner (even if that
party no longer owns the property.) However, if that tank was used on or after November 8, 1984,
anyone that owned the tank would be considered the tank owner even if that person never used it.
If I am responsible for cleaning up contamination caused by a home heating oil tank, what
do I do after I report the contamination?
First of all, soil samples need to be taken to determine how much contamination is present.
Groundwater samples may also need to be taken, especially if groundwater is close to the
contaminated soil. A certified laboratory must analyze these samples. To ensure that the sampling
is completed according to DWM guidelines, it is recommended that a professional consultant be
retained. Depending upon the levels and extent of the contamination, as well as the geology of the
site, further assessment may be necessary. The DWM regional staff can help you determine what
further steps are needed (see map for addresses and telephone numbers). If further action is
required, you will likely have to hire a professional to assess the site and clean up the
contamination.
What kinds of companies do this sort of work?
Many companies do environmental work. Typically, they can be found in the yellow pages of a
telephone book under “Environmental Consultants.” When choosing a company, we recommend
getting several estimates and references. The DWM does require that site assessments and cleanup
work be conducted under the responsible charge of a licensed geologist or professional engineer.
How am I going to pay for this?
North Carolina has a Non-commercial Leaking Petroleum UST Cleanup Fund that will pay up to
$1 million for reasonable and necessary costs directly related to the cleanup of a petroleum release
from your UST. The cleanup fund will not pay for attorney fees, tank removal costs, or for
excessive or unnecessary work.
In the case of home heating oil tanks, this fund is available with a zero deductible to “statutory
tank owners” and with a $5,000 deductible to landowners that do not meet the definition of an
owner/operator. This fund does not cover above ground storage tanks. Please refer to our
“Cleanup Funds” brochure or call one of the DWM offices for more information about this fund.
What are the requirements if the leak is from an above ground home heating oil tank?
If a leak from an above ground tank is discovered, it must be reported to your regional Division of
Water Quality (DWM) office immediately. If cleanup is required, your regional DWM office will
tell you how to proceed. North Carolina’s cleanup fund does not cover releases from above
ground storage tanks.
Where do I go if I have more questions?
Please refer to the map for telephone numbers and addresses of the DWM regional offices.
Ask to speak to someone in the UST Section. You may also contact the UST central office at:
NCDENR
Division of Waste Management
UST Section
1637 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1637
(919) 733-8486
The information above was obtained from the N.C. Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
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