Virginia Law and Groundwater: RVA Today Interview

Residential heating oil and farm motor fuel, which are necessary to keep us warm and our equipment running, are often stored in underground oil tanks that “fly under the regulatory radar” when it comes to preventing or detecting leakage. Dissimilar to commercial underground storage tanks (USTs) have “pro-active” requirements for corrosion resistance and leak detection.

Most residential and farm oil tanks are exempted from these testing requirements. Unfortunately, many of these “unregulated” oil tanks are 40-60 years old and are leaking.  In many places, Virginia’s groundwater has been impacted by these leaking tanks. Supply wells, basements, and surface water bodies such as creeks or ponds may also be at risk.

The responsibility for proper maintenance of underground oil tanks in Virginia is with the owner, but owners of residential and farm tanks may not know what that entails. They are often “out of sight…out of mind”. Over the past 25 years of inspecting and addressing leaking heating oil tanks in Virginia, we’ve learned a few things that may be helpful to tank owners.

• • • • The life expectancy of metal underground tank may range between 20 and 40 years, after which holes are likely to develop along their bottom.
      • Lost fuel may not be noticed if the increased “usage” is gradual.
      • Water infiltration is not a reliable means of leak detection.
      • Leakage is usually not apparent; it does not typically show up on the surface or impact vegetation such as grass or other plants.
      • Unlike propane or natural gas, there is usually no noticeable odor when heating oil or motor fuel is released underground.

The good news is that tank owners should know that detecting leakage does not lead to financial woes. Virginia has an excellent financial assistance program. The process is simple (we handle all the paperwork) and affordable; it ensures that your family’s health and property are protected. It will also ensure that an important natural resource, our groundwater, is protected now and for future generations.