Residential Heating Oil

Many residential properties in Maryland have aboveground or underground oil storage tanks as a source for heating energy.  Largely, the Oil Control Program (OCP) does not regulate residential heating oil tanks while they are in normal use.  Therefore, it is recommended that homeowners be knowledgeable and diligent with regard to their heating oil storage systems.  If properly maintained, a heating oil storage system will provide many years of safe energy for the home.  However, if there is a problem or a release, prompt action is needed by the homeowner to correct the situation.

The information and fact sheet links below are tools that owners of residential heating oil tanks may find useful to help in maintaining their tanks.  Much of the information is found elsewhere on the OCP website, but is gathered here for convenience.

1,100-gallon Capacity or Less 

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) with 1,100-gallon capacity or less that are used to store petroleum products at a private residence or farm are exempt from most Maryland oil control regulations.  However, these systems must comply with closure requirements when no longer used as a fuel source (COMAR 26.10.10).

  • The OCP does not require prior notice of the closure.
  • Removal must be performed by MDE-certified technician or remover.
  • The tank owner and contractor must report any discovered release as required by Maryland law and regulations.
  • MDE strongly recommends the replacement of USTs greater than 20 years of age.

Over 1,100-gallon Capacity ​​

USTs over 1,100-gallon capacity that are used to store petroleum products at a private residence or farm are not exempt from Maryland regulations.

Search Tool to Confirm a UST Remover or Technician is Maryland Certified

Residential Heating Oil Tank System Site Rehabilitation 

​Reimbursement Program

The Oil Contaminated Site Environmental Cleanup Fund was established by law to fund the Residential Heating Oil Tank System Site Rehabilitation​ Reimbursement Program (the "program").  The purpose of the program is to reimburse heating oil storage tank system ​owners for eligible site rehabilitation costs.  Eligibility includes residential aboveground or underground heating oil tanks. 

Notices to Potential Program Applicants:  

  • On June 13, 2022, the new Oil Pollution Control and Storage Tank Management regulations (i.e., COMAR 26.10) became effective.  Among other things, the new regulations established reimbursement allocation limits for the program that are stated to be effective beginning July 1, 2022 (see COMAR 26.10.14.08).
MDE will begin enforcing the reimbursement allocation limits on applications received on or after October 1, 2022.  MDE is doing this to conduct additional outreach to potentially affected applicants.​



  • There is currently a significant wait time of up to several years for applicants to receive reimbursements through the program.  ​The Department processes each approved application as funds become available.  Please note that the funding received each quarter may not be sufficient to reimburse applications submitted and approved within any quarter, and there is currently a list of applications awaiting reimbursement.  To check on the status of your application, please call (410) 537-3676.

Contact:  LMA Operational and Administrative Services Program

              (410) 537-3676; (800) 633-6101 x3676

Residential Heating Oil Related Fact Sheets

Contractor Lists

 

​For Further Information

Oil Control Program

(410) 537-3442; (800) 633-6101 x3442

Residential Heating Oil Tank Site Cleanup Reimbursement Program

(410) 537-3676; (800) 633-6101 x3676

To Report Oil Spills Call (Available 24 hours a day)

1-866-633-4686

​ 

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