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Heating oil dealers are prohibited from filling a tank if it fails to meet the following five minimum standards:

1) The tank must be on a stable foundation.

2) It must have a working vent alarm (whistle).

3) Both the fill pipe and the vent pipe must have a minimum diameter of 1-1/4 inch.

4) If below grade or buried in concrete, the fuel line between the tank and the burner must be either plastic coated copper or sleeved.

5) A fuel oil tank can not have leaks, drips, pitting, rust, dents, cracks or corrosion.

Make sure your tank is OK to fill.  Contact your heating fuel provider to schedule a tank inspection.

Click here to find a service provider in your area.


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.

And here to download a list of Vermont Certified Tank Inspectors.

Updated February 2024   Not on the list?   Contact VFDA.  


Over the past decade, thousands of Vermonters have had a new oilheat tank installed with the help of the Residential Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Removal/Replacement Program. The funds come from the 1-cent tax on heating oil and kerosene. You might be eligible for assistance if you live in Vermont, own your home and your income last year was less than $65,000. More information and the application can be found here.


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 who is on the red tag list and how to put a tank on the list.


More Information About Vermont’s Aboveground Storage Tank Regulations


Inspection of Tanks

Fuel dealers are required to inspect a tank prior to the initial delivery of fuel to a new customer. Any problems identified during the inspection which indicate a significant risk of a spill must be corrected before the fuel is delivered. The owner of the tank is required to have their tank inspected at least once every three years by a certified tank inspector.



Stable Foundation

All indoor and outdoor aboveground fuel oil tanks must be on a stable foundation to prevent the tank from tipping over or they can not be filled. The tank must be free-standing, not tilting, with no contact with the ground. On July 1, 2030, all tanks in Vermont — even those installed before 2017— are required to be on a solid concrete pad. Skid tanks can not be located within 25 feet of a drinking water supply or within 25 feet of surface water.



Transferring Fuel

Fuel from an old tank can not be transferred to the new tank, unless the old tank is in poor condition, leaking, or likely to be leaking. If pumped into a replacement tank, it must be treated with a fuel conditioner. Unused fuel in old tanks that is not burned prior to new tank installation or is not treated by a fuel conditioner must be disposed of in accordance with Vermont’s Hazardous Waste Management Regulations.



Removing Tanks

Vermont law requires the removal of a fuel oil tank, fill pipe and vent if the heating system is converted to natural gas. A property owner that fails to comply may be liable for any spill. In all other instances, the tank and piping must be removed if it is out-of-service for more than one year.  Under no circumstance may a disconnected fill pipe be left in place.


Red-Tagged Tanks

If a tank is unsafe to fill, it may be red-tagged and placed out of service. Red tagging a tank will indicate that the tank is not in compliance and poses a risk of leaking or spilling. A fuel dealer is prohibited from filling a red-tagged tank. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources maintains an online database of red-tagged tanks.


Help for Tank Repair or Replacement

The Vermont Petroleum Cleanup Fund (PCF) offers financial assistance to residential tank owners toward the removal, replacement, or upgrade of both aboveground and underground fuel oil storage tanks. Qualified applicants may be eligible to receive up to $2,000 to replace an indoor tank, up to $3,000 for an outdoor tank, and up to $4,000 for an underground tank. Any work that is completed prior to application approval is not eligible for financial assistance from the Petroleum Cleanup Fund. 

More information is available here.


Information on Vermont regulations regarding waste oil can be found here.


Click here to download a copy of the New Tank Inspection Form.


Cick here to download a copy of the Routine Tank Inspection Form.


Click here to view the Red Tag Tank List.


Click here to order low-cost and no-cost consumer education and compliance materials.

Click here to see a list of

Vermont Certified Oilheat Technicians.

Click here to download an application to become a Vermont Certified Oilheat Technician or to renew your Vermont Certification of Fitness.