Aboveground Oil Tank Regulations

The Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) guidelines, developed in Vermont govern the design, as well as the positioning of an Aboveground OIl Tank. They give out inspection requirements and spill prevention for tank operators, as well as fuel suppliers. A law was passed in Vermont in 2016 requiring tanks to be removed during the conversion of natural gas.

The new standards must be imposed by July 1, 2017. All tanks must be inspected every three years. During the inspection, you might be required to bring the said tank to code if this wasn’t done.

There are several requirements for the installation of tanks that include: The vent line must terminate at the exterior of the building; tanks must gave a gauging device; vent alarm must terminate near the fill pipe; and so many more.

The installation of single-wall tanks are permitted but should have a thickness of at least 12 gauge. Double-walling of fiberglass tanks is recommended for outdoor use. Fiberglass tanks with single walls are accepted for indoor use. Skid tanks cannot be placed near a water supply.

The Petroleum Cleanup Fund (or PCF) gives assistance to residential owners in terms of the removal, replacement, or upgrade of USTs and Aboveground OIl Tank (ASTs). The fund grants owners with $2,000 for an indoor tank, $3,000 for an outdoor tank, and $4,000 for an underground tank.

An Aboveground OIl Tank must have a stable foundation, like a concrete pad, to prevent the tank from tipping over. All legs of the tank need to be in the same solid foundation. Blocks are prohibited. Reinforced concrete is highly recommended. A solid foundation is a requirement for flat bottom tanks. A tank on a flood plain must be anchored to the concrete pad.

Shelter is not required but highly recommended if the tank was placed at the gable end of the structure. If it is not placed at the gable end of the building, then shelter is required to protect it from the weather. However, no shelter is required for both tanks with secondary containment.

The tank installer must complete an inspection checklist and guidelines with the tank owner. According to regulations, fuel dealers must inspect the tank prior to delivery using the inspection checklist. Any problems discovered in the inspection must be corrected before fuel can be delivered.

If tanks are determined to be non-compliant and unsafe, the tank should be red-tagged by the fuel company. Red tagging a tank means that it does not comply and the dealer refuses to fill the tank due to possible environmental risks.

Fuel from an older tank cannot be transferred to a newer tank, unless the old tank is found to be in bad condition. If it will be transferred, the fuel must be pumped with a fuel conditioner and unused fuel must be disposed.

The tank must be removed if it is out-of-service for more than a year. All piping must be removed with it. No fill pipe must remain. The person responsible for removing the tank is also responsible for removing the fill pipes.