How Does Virginia Regulate Residential Underground Oil Tanks?
Does Virginia State Law Regulate Heating Oil USTs?
Virginia regulates releases of petroleum from heating oil USTs (Underground Storage Tanks) through State Water Control Law (SWCL). In the event of a release, Article 11 of SWCL provides the Department of Environmental Quality with the authority to require reporting and corrective action, such as abatement and cleanup, as needed to safeguard human health and the environment. Normally the owner of the UST at the time of the report is the responsible party for said corrective action.
What Does Virginia Building and Fire Code Require?
Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code and Statewide Fire Prevention Code – both adopting Section 5704.2.13 of the International Fire Code – require that abandoned (i.e., out of use for more than a year) or leaking petroleum USTs be emptied of all flammable and combustible liquids and either removed from the ground or filled with an approved inert solid. While this Code is applicable statewide, it is enforced at the local level by municipal building or fire officials.
Why Choose Pollard Environmental to Assist With Compliance?
Full compliance for heating oil USTs is important and can be complicated, especially when accessing financial assistance from Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund (VPSTF). At Pollard Environmental we handle the whole the process, providing full compliance while also minimizing out-of-pocket costs using VPSTF assistance where applicable. We make it simple…it’s what we’ve been doing since 1998.
“I was very impressed with the professionalism and courtesy portrayed by all of the people that I was in contact with during my tank enclosure. I highly recommend this company for any of your tank issues. They definitely exceeded my expectations.”
“My experience with Pollard Environmental was great! Price Pollard and his team really care about doing the job the right way and protecting the environment. Bonus, they left my yard in better condition than before they started the job. I highly recommend them!”
“They were totally awesome. Very easy to understand and work with. Came in a very timely manner and took care over a major spill with very little disruptions to our business and personal lives. Highly recommend!”