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Storage Tanks

The Storage Tanks Section works to protect human health and the environment by preventing releases of liquid petroleum and hazardous substances (not including propane) from underground storage tank (UST) and aboveground storage tank (AST) systems. The release of regulated products into the environment threatens groundwater resources and can cause explosive vapors to seep into confined spaces and occupied dwellings.

Note: to report a storage tank release, refer to the Spills Management webpage.

NOTICE:
AST Rules Revised - March 8, 2024

The Hazardous Materials Program has prepared proposed revisions to the Vermont Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Rules. The proposed revisions have been submitted to the Vermont Secretary of State’s office as of this posting.

Public Comment Period
A public comment period on the revised rules will open on March 11, 2024, and written comments will be accepted through April 24, 2024. Submit all written comments to Anna Bourakovsky at anna.bourakovsky@vermont.gov (electronic submission is preferred), or via mail to the following address:
Attn: Anna Bourakovsky
Agency of Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Conservation
Waste Management and Prevention Division
Davis Building - 1st Floor
One National Life Drive
Montpelier, VT 05620-3704

Public Hearing
A public hearing on the revised rules has been scheduled for April 16, 2024, at  6:00 p.m., at the Dill Building, 2178 Airport Rd., Berlin, VT. Please contact Kristin Schultz at kristin.schultz@vermont.gov  if you need reasonable accommodations to attend this meeting. All interested members of the public are invited to attend.

Proposed AST Rules
The proposed rules (annotated and clean formats), as well as a summary of changes, are available below:
Proposed AST Rules (annotated)
Proposed AST Rules (clean)
Summary of Changes to AST Rules

Contact
If you have questions, or you would like to request a hard copy of the items above, please contact:
Anna Bourakovsky
802-477-2981
anna.bourakovsky@vermont.gov


USTs
The UST Rules regulate the installation and operation of underground petroleum/chemical storage tanks, and they first came into effect in 1985. The current rules came into effect on October 26, 2020.
Visit the UST webpage for more information on USTs in Vermont.
 

ASTs
In Vermont, most ASTs are home heating tanks. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources began regulating ASTs containing petroleum products in 2011, and the current AST Rules came into effect on August 15, 2017.
Visit the AST webpage for more information on ASTs in Vermont.
 

Financial Assistance
Financial assistance through the Petroleum Cleanup Fund (PCF) may be available to owners of single family residences, including mobile homes, for the removal of either underground or aboveground oil storage tanks that are used solely for on-premises heating.
Visit the Financial Assistance webpage 
for more information.


 

Links and Contact Information

Find a Consultant/Contractor

Contact Information

Storage Tanks Section
Hazardous Materials Program
Waste Management and Prevention Division
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
1 National Life Drive – Davis 1
Montpelier, VT 05620-3704
802-828-1138