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.
Underground Storage Tanks at Residences
1,100-gallon Capacity or Less
Underground storage tanks (USTs) with a 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 "Reimbursement Program"). The purpose of the Reimbursement Program is to reimburse heating oil storage tank system owners for eligible site rehabilitation costs. Eligibility includes residential aboveground or underground heating oil tanks.
Timeline for Program Applications and Expense Forms
The statutory authority (Env. Art. 4-705(b)(2)) for residential owners of a heating oil tank to apply for reimbursement to the Reimbursement Program ends June 30, 2024. Specifically, the law says, "Until June 30, 2024, the residential owner of a heating oil tank eligible under § 4-704(b)(1)(iii) of this subtitle may apply to the Fund for reimbursement not later than 6 months after the completion of rehabilitation for usual, customary, and reasonable costs incurred on or after October 1, 2000, in performing the site rehabilitation."
Based on the law, MDE will accept applications to the Reimbursement Program through July 1, 2024 (note that because June 30, 2024 is a Sunday, state law moves the effective deadline to July 1, 2024), provided the work was not completed more than 6 months prior to the application.
Provided there is a complete application received by July 1, 2024, the approved applicant can be reimbursed for eligible expenses after July 1, 2024. However, all requests for reimbursements must be received within 6 months of the completion of the work. Therefore, an applicant with an approved application has until December 31, 2024 to submit an expense form.
Important Dates
- June 30, 2024 / July 1, 2024 - This is the last day that an applicant may apply to the Reimbursement Program by submitting a complete application.
- December 31, 2024 - This is the last day that an approved applicant may submit an expense form to be considered for reimbursement from the Reimbursement Program.
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
