At Greene Environmental Services, we understand that dealing with home heating oil tanks can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the regulations and requirements. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive
Our comprehensive services for commercial petroleum storage tanks include UST/AST compliance, release abatement, release investigation, site characterization, preparation and implementation of corrective action plans (CAPs), UST/AST removal. Additionally, should commercial tanks be involved in a property transaction Greene can provide transaction screens and Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs).
Commercial petroleum storage tank owners/operators are required to pay a Financial Responsibility (FR), which is similar to an insurance deductible. The FR is determined by the owner/operator’s total volume of petroleum throughput in the entire state and ranges from $5,000 for total throughputs of less than 600,000 gallons to a sliding scale ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for throughputs greater than 600,000 gallons.
The VPSTF is a fund established by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) to help offset the costs associated with cleaning up petroleum releases from commercial petroleum storage tanks. Our team can assist you in navigating the VPSTF process and ensuring that you receive the maximum benefits available.
Commercial petroleum storage tanks are subject to a variety of federal, state, and local regulations, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Program (VPSTP). Our team of experts can help you navigate these regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
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. Not sure how to work in the AST part. We could really say UST and AST regulations. The following sentence makes sense to me but may be confusing for a homeowner. 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.
Closure may prove beneficial, as potential buyers are sometimes reluctant to purchase property with abandoned or improperly closed home heating oil tanks. Insurance companies are also increasingly requiring proper abandonment of home heating oil tanks prior to writing homeowner’s policies. Removal is also an option and eliminates a potential threat to the property and environment.
If you discover signs of a leak or spillage such as stains on the soil, strong petroleum odors, or distressed vegetation, please contact Greene Environmental immediately. We will assist you in following the appropriate procedures to minimize any impact from the leak and in reporting the release to the DEQ.
At Greene Environmental Services, we are committed to helping our clients navigate the complex regulations and requirements associated with home heating oil tanks. Contact us today with any additional questions or to schedule a consultation. Let us show you why we are the trusted choice for environmental solutions.