All underground home heating oil tanks are exempt from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) State and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Underground Storage Tank (UST) Technical Regulations. However, if a heating oil tank is known to be leaking VADEQ regulation requires the release to be reported and addressed. Aboveground home heating oil tanks less than or equal to 5,000 gallons capacity are exempt from the VADEQ’s Pollution Prevention requirements. Discharges of oil are prohibited by Article 11 of State Water Control Law and must be reported to DEQ immediately. Always check local building/fire codes and ordinances to see if any apply to your heating oil tank.