Inspections
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 two business days of the date of inspection. The AST Rules require inspections in the following instances:
- At least every three years. Refer to the routine checklist.
- Before the first fill, to ensure the installation meets regulatory standards. Refer to the new installation checklist.
- Immediately after the first fill, to confirm there are no leaks. Refer to the first fill checklist.
- Before a supplier can fill the tank of a new customer, to confirm the supplier is aware of any system variations. Refer to the new customer checklist.
Red-Tag Reporting
A tank system that is deficient in any one of five items must have a “Do Not Fill” tag affixed to the tank. This is also referred to as a “red-tag.” Instances that would result in a red-tag include the following:
- Unstable foundation. Releases from tanks that tip-over or sink into the ground are very common! If a tank is leaning, sinking into the ground, or resting on the ground it must be red-tagged, and be re-installed on a stable foundation, a concrete pad is recommended for existing tanks and is required for new tank installation, before it can be filled via delivery truck.
- Fill and/or vent pipe is too narrow. These pipes should both be at least 1¼”. Narrower pipes could lead to pressurization of the system, weakening the system and leading to releases.
- No vent alarm. A vent alarm “whistles” during delivery, letting the delivery driver know that there is a connected tank with room for the oil they are delivering. Without the vent alarm a driver has no guarantee that an indoor tank is even connected. Additionally, the driver must guess when to shut off the flow, and an incorrect guess can result in a release.
- Buried fuel lines are not protected from contact with soil/concrete. Some installations have the copper line from the tank to the appliance installed underground. If these lines are bare copper, they will eventually corrode and result in a fuel leak that is underground – hard to discover and costly to cleanup!
- General poor tank condition. Inspections that find a tank with cracks, bulges, active leaks, or excessive rust will result in a red-tag being placed on the tank.
Inspectors are required to notify the State of any red-tags for posting on our Red-Tag webpage. This list enables any fuel supplier to know if a new customer’s system has any deficiencies. In order to get a tank system removed from the red-tag list, a tank owner or inspector must contact the Tanks program via phone or email with the following information:
- Name and address of customer
- What work was done to bring the tank back into compliance
- Who did the work
- Who conducted the inspection
Financial Assistance
If you made less than $65,000 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