Underground Storage Tank (UST) Systems

Compliance Outline:

• Residential & Farm UST Systems
• Tanks capable of storing 1,100 gallons or less of petroleum products:
• Are exempt from regulations and do not have to be registered with MDE
• Tanks capable of storing more than 1,100 gallons must:
• Comply with the State regulation requirements listed below
• Out-of-Service Tanks
• Must be abandoned properly to prevent the release of product or structural failure of the out-of-service tank system
• Refer to the fact sheet titled “Underground Storage Tank Removal or Closure”
• Heating Oil for Direct Consumptive Use (state regulated)
• Compliance for existing systems (installed prior to March 15, 1985) requires:
• Registering your tank with MDE, Oil Control Program
• Gauging the tank prior to filling
• Recording gauge readings and maintaining records
• Properly marking fill pipes in accordance with American Petroleum Institute (API)
• Performing precision test on system at 15 years of age and every five (5) years thereafter
• Compliance for new systems (installed on or after March 15, 1985) requires:
• Registering your tank with MDE, Oil Control Program
• Gauging tank prior to filling
• Recording gauge readings and maintaining records
• Having corrosion protection
• Using a certified technician for installation or repairs
• Performing precision test prior to first use
• Installing two monitoring pipes in tank field
• Marking fill pipes in accordance with API
• Performing precision test system at 15 years of age and every five (5) years thereafter
• Having spill and overfill protection after November 4, 1996 (For UST’s under 1,000 gallon capacity, a whistle will suffice)
• Out-of-Service UST Systems
• Systems Not in Compliance with Corrosion Protection Requirements
• Removal must be performed by certified technician or remover contractor
• Permanently close system within 180 days of last use
• Notify MDE, Oil Control Program in writing 30 days prior to removal
• Confirm notification 48 hours prior to removal
• Schedule site assessment to fulfill requirement. MDE inspector’s presence will satisfy site assessment requirement
• Systems in Compliance with Corrosion Protection Requirements
• Removal must be performed by certified technician or remover contractor
• Permanently close system with one (1) year of last use
• Notify MDE, Oil Control Program in writing 30 days prior to removal
• Confirm notification 48 hours prior to removal
• Fact Sheet