Anyone who owns an underground heating oil tank that holds up to 3,000 gallons can apply for financial assistance to help pay for cleaning up spills or leaks from those tanks, the Department of Environmental Protection said today.

"Underground storage tanks that leak heating oil pose a threat to the environment and the public's health," said DEP Waste, Air and Radiation Management Deputy Secretary Thomas Fidler. "Additionally, with heating oil prices having doubled in the past year, it's important that tank owners take steps now to conserve fuel and their investment."

Fidler said DEP has streamlined the grant application process and has eliminated a requirement that the application be notarized. Additionally, the application form's length has been reduced from four pages to two.

Up to $500,000 per year is available for grants through the underground heating oil tank cleanup reimbursement program for those who own tanks that have experienced a leak anytime since January 30, 1998. The tanks must have a capacity of 3,000 gallons or less and be used to store heating oil that is consumed on the site where it is stored.

The reimbursement is limited to the actual costs of corrective action or $4,000, whichever is less. A $1,000 deductible must first be paid by the tank owner. The reimbursement and deductible apply on a per tank basis.

Costs that are eligible for reimbursement include excavating, emptying, cleaning, removing, transporting and disposing of a leaking storage tank; excavating contaminated soil; soil and water sampling and analysis; transporting and disposing wastes; and restoring disturbed or contaminated areas by backfilling, grading and re-vegetating.

The costs associated with removing underground storage tanks that have not leaked or repairing aboveground heating oil tanks—including those located in basements or cellars—are not eligible for reimbursement.

For more information, visit the Underground Heating Oil Tank Cleanup Program webpage or send email to: tankcleanup@state.pa.us or call 717-783-9475.

7/25/2008