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ASTs for Heating

AST Installations

The AST Rules set standards for the installation of ASTs used for storing petroleum products. All new tanks must be designed and installed in compliance with all of the rules and standards listed in the AST Rules, including standards of NFPA Part 31. Any new AST system that is installed in partial compliance with the required standards set by the AST Rules shall not be filled until all components of the system are brought up to standards.    

Existing systems (those installed before August 1, 2024) have less stringent installation standards than new systems. However, the new rules include several standards which are phased-in for existing tanks by July 1, 2030. View the table comparing the required installation standards between existing and new AST systems; 2030 phase-in standards for existing systems are also included.

AST Inspections

NOTE: The Revised AST Rules went into effect on August 1, 2024; several inspection requirements changed as a result of this rule revision. The Agency has updated the inspection checklists to be compliant with the requirements; the checklists linked below are approved for use beginning August 1, 2024. These updated checklists supersede the previous inspection checklists.

One of the major components of the AST Rules is the requirement that all ASTs be inspected. Inspections can identify problems that lead to a release before the release happens. After an AST is inspected, the inspector must provide the tank owner with a copy of the inspection checklist within five business days of the date of inspection.

The AST Rules require tank inspections when a new tank is installed and right after it is filled for the first time, when a customer switches their fuel carrier, and at least every four years. The Agency requires the use of a state-issued checklist (linked below) when completing these inspections. A fuel company may use an alternative checklist only if it has been submitted to Agency staff for review and has received written approval. 

Checklists required for use after August 1, 2024:

New Installation/First Fill inspection checklist is used to ensure the new installation meets all regulatory standards and has been installed correctly; the checklist must be completed after tank is installed and right after first fuel delivery: New Installation/First Fill Checklist 

Routine/New Customer inspection checklist is used to ensure tanks are compliant with rules and safe to fill; the checklist must be completed every four years AND prior to initial delivery of fuel if customer switches fuel carrier (NOTE: Revised AST Rules have changed the inspection interval from three to four years).

An additional inspection requirement exists upon the removal of an out-of-service AST system. No inspection checklist is required for this type of inspection; if contamination is found or suspected during the removal of a tank, contact the Agency’s Spill Response Program using the information on the Spills Management webpage.

NOTE: All tank inspection records are required to be retained by fuel dealers that deliver fuel to a tank for four years; the Agency reserves the right to request an inspection record for any tank, at any time within the four-year document retention period. Fuel dealers must also provide a copy of the checklist to the tank owner within five days of completing an inspection.

All tank inspections must be completed by a credentialed inspector that maintains one of the following: NORA Gold, Bronze or Silver certification; Vermont Oilheat Certificate of Fitness; certificate of completion from Oilheat Tank Seminar approved by NORA.

Noncompliant Tank Reporting

The AST Rules require that tanks which are deficient for certain requirements are identified as noncompliant and be  “Red Tagged”. Tanks which have been red tagged are prohibited from receiving fuel deliveries until the identified noncompliance item has been corrected. If any AST system is not in compliance with any of the following standards, the tank must be designated as noncompliant by the inspector. 

  1. Foundation requirements: Any tank installed before August 15, 2017, must be on a stable foundation. Any tank installed after August 15, 2017, must be on a solid foundation (continuous concrete pad or bolted concrete slabs) that is at least 4 inches thick and has a footprint that exceeds dimensions of the tank by 10%.
  2. Fill/Vent Pipes: Both the fill and vent pipe must be at least 1¼ inches in diameter and made of metallic material.
  3. Overfill alarm: Each tank must be equipped with an operational alarm or whistle.
  4. Fuel Line Protection from corrosion and crushing: Any buried fuel lines/tank piping are required to be coated or sleeved to protect against corrosion. For tanks installed after August 1, 2024, all fuel lines and piping in contact with earthen materials or concrete must be coated and sleeved to protect against corrosion and crushing. 
  5. General Tank Condition: Tank must be free of the following: bulges and dents over tank seams; cracks and significant corrosion, pitting, rust and spores on tank and tank legs; evidence of leaks or drips.
  6. Unused Tank Openings: All unused openings shall be fully and permanently closed or plugged (new requirement effective August 1, 2024)

Starting on August 1, 2024, the Agency will allow certain noncompliant tanks to be “yellow-tagged” instead of “red- tagged”. A yellow tag is a designation of a tank’s noncompliance with the AST Rules that allows the tank to continue to receive limited deliveries for a limited time (until May 1 of each year). Yellow tags are only available for residential ASTs which were installed before August 1, 2024.

Note: The Agency is developing guidance to assist with understanding and using yellow tags; this information will be posted in the AST Guidance section of this webpage (below) when it is complete.

Inspectors are required to notify the State of any RED or YELLOW tag designations. All notifications shall be made via the state’s Noncompliant Tank Website (formerly known as the red tag website): https://anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/ERT/NoncompliantASTForm.aspx. When reporting noncompliance to the State, the following information is required:

  • Name of AST owner
  • Location of AST system
  • Capacity of tank
  • Name and contact of company that identified tank noncompliance
  • Reason for noncompliance
  • Measures recommended by tank inspector to address noncompliance
  • For Yellow Tags Only: a written explanation documenting the grounds for being granted a yellow tag (requirement starts August 1, 2024)

All noncompliant tanks that have been reported to the State are posted to the public-facing noncompliant database, found on the Vermont Environmental Research Tool (https://anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/ERT/RedTaggedAST.aspx). The database allows any fuel supplier to know if a new customer’s system has significant deficiencies and cannot be filled. To remove a tank from the noncompliance list, the tank inspector must contact the Program via phone or email (see below) and provide the following information:

  • Name of AST owner
  • Location of AST system
  • Description of measures taken to address noncompliance
  • Date noncompliance corrected

Contact: Kristin Schultz
802-522-0071
kristin.schultz@vermont.gov

AST Guidance

The Agency developed the following information to assist the regulated public with understanding and complying with the revised AST Rules; additional guidance will be posted here when it is complete:

Financial Assistance

If you made less than $75,000 in the previous tax year, you may be eligible to receive assistance for removal/replacement of an AST. Visit the Residential AST Removal/Replacement Program webpage for more information.

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