Problem Solving In A New Decade

DEQ does not regulate Small Heating Oil Tanks unless they are discovered to be leaking/discharging oil. Local county/city building and fire code officials can advise you on the proper way to locate, install, maintain and close out small heating oil tanks under the building/fire codes and local ordinances.

Generally, when an oil discharge is discovered it must be reported immediately to the DEQ Regional Office. The DEQ has revised the procedures for responding to discharges from small heating oil ASTs and USTs (heating oil tanks having a capacity of 1,000-gallons or less).

Over the last several years, the number of reported leaking heating oil tanks has increased noticeably. Often these leaking heating oil tanks do not impact a receptor (e.g. drinking water well or stream) and have minimal impact on the environment. The revised procedures allow more flexibility in responding to small heating oil tank sites with a minimal impact on the environment. Refer to the Storage Tank Technical Manual for the complete procedures.

It is recommended that you review and use the handy checklist entitled"Homeowner's Monthly Tank Checklist" . This checklist is comprehensive and ambitious, but the list is a voluntary reference guide to help the tank owner become more aware of his fuel tank. Also, ask for a A List of Consultants/Contractor's from any DEQ Regional Office , or you can click on any of these links to download/find the referenced information.

Supporting information for small oil tanks:

Home Heating Oil Tank Monthly checklist MS Word format

Aboveground & Underground Small Heating Oil Tank Fact Sheet PDF format

Virginia Building & Fire Code for Fuel Storage tank permit, construction document, and inspection information from the Virginia Dept. of Housing & Community