Tank Regulations Update
Vermont's AST regulations prevent fuel oil dealers from filling an uninspected tank. At the request of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has agreed to provide limited relief for fuel dealers that fill an uninspected tank.
Answers to Common Questions
What about tanks that are already red tagged?
If you have a customer on the red tag list (click here to link to the list), the regulation says you can not deliver from a truck. The tank CAN be filled by hand from a cannister. A fuel company can also get permission to fill a red tagged tank on a case-by-case basis as long as filling the tank does not pose an imminent threat of a spill.
How do you get permission to fill a red tagged tank?
Call or email the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
Phone: (802) 522-0275 Email: ANR.RedTaggedTanks@vermont.gov
Let the team at the DEC know that there is a plan in place to bring the tank into compliance and a small amount of fuel is being delivered to ensure the house stays warm in between now and when the tank can be fixed. The emailed response approving the delivery will provide some assurance that you will not be fined for delivering to a red tagged tank.
Do outdoor tanks still need to be inspected?
YES. All outdoor tanks must still be inspected and meet all five minimum safety requirements.
Am I still required to inspect a tank for new customers?
Yes. The enforcement discreation is for routine inspections of existing customers.
Can I conduct a “virtual” tank inspection?
Yes. The DEC will accept “virtual” tank inspections in which the customer provides pictures or video of their tank. Depending upon the technology, this could be with a live video application or digital pictures that give the inspector a clear and definitive look at the features that need to be inspected. If a virtual inspection is conducted, the inspectors should note on the inspection checklist how the inspection was done and who provided the media.
How do I let my customers know that they need to get their tank inspected?
Click here to download a template with sample language you can copy. Click here to order low-cost and no-cost consumer education and compliance materials.
Are copper fill and vent pipes OK?
While copper fill and vent pipes are not allowed on new installations, they are OK on existing tanks as long as they are both at least 1-1/4 inch.
What if the tank is not on a concrete pad?
All new tanks must have a solid concrete foundation, but existing tanks just need to be “stable” to pass inspection. This changes in 2030 when all fuel oil tanks must be on a solid foundation.
Click here to watch VFDA's Online AST Seminar.
Click here to read a commentary from Bob Hedden on how to deal with red tagged tanks.
Click here to access VFDA's searchable database and map of heating fuel and heating service companies.
Click here to find out about tank grants and loans.
Click here to order low-cost and no-cost consumer education and compliance materials.
Vermont's AST Regulations can be found here.
Click here to access VFDA's searchable database and map of heating fuel and heating service companies.
Click here for a list of heating oil service companies sorted by town.
Click here to see a list of Vermont Certified Tank Inspectors.
VFDA Members can take our online tank inspection class, found here.
Click here to see who is on the red tag list and how to put a tank on the list.
Information on taxes and fees on heating fuel can be found here.
Click here to download the 2021 Petroleum Cleanup Fund Report