Fuel Tank Regulations

[pekabu]

We have a 275 gal tank and a tank around 500 gals that we want to use for off road diesel storage. They are at different sites. I am trying to find regulations for there usage.

Items such as containment vessels and such would be most helpful. I have done some searches on the internet and found some info on the EPA site that seems to indicate that talk about a threshold of 660 gals.

Thanks for any info.

 

[tlbuser]

State guidelines on that type of stuff might be more stringent than the federal. Since NH has an application permit, you might want to call and ask what their guidelines are.
NH permit

 

[SnowRidge]

Call your local off road diesel supplier -- the one who will deliver. They should know what the requirements are, and certainly will be able to tell you who the permitting agency is, if in fact permits are required.

 

[MadReferee]

The 275 gallon tank, which I assume is similar to a home heating tank, is no problem. It can be anywhere without a permit. The 500 gallon tank should also be no problem since it is under the 660 gallon minimum needed for permitting.

Bottom line, in NH you are good to go without bothering with any permitting and inspections.

However, I would caution you as to potential liability if either of those tanks decided to leak and the contents manage to get into an environmentally sensitive area. Just make sure your homeowners or business insurance covers you for spills and cleanup. Most insurance companies do not want to deal with outside fuel storage of any type, including home heating oil and diesel.

 

[pekabu]

Thanks all for the info. We have a containment vessel for the 500 tank. We do need to put a roof on it though because it fills with water.

 

[MadDog]

It varies from state to state. Although MadRef didn't need a permit in New Hampshire, I had to get a permit from my town to store 275 gal of diesel in Massachusetts. It wasn't hard to obtain, since storing diesel presents much less of a hazard than storing gasoline. The town fire inspector came to verify that I had installed the tank, vent, guage and drain properly.

 

[jimmysisson]

I'm a builder in Mass. Every new oil (home heating or otherwise) tank must be permitted and inspected by the local fire chief. They're pretty easygoing about it but it probably saves a homeowner from a bum installation once in a while.
Jim

 

[SteveInMD]

I believe the rules are different if the tank is owned by a business vs. a homeowner.

 

[MikeD74T]

Many fuel oil dealers in NH require some sort of catchment for outside tanks since the most likely time to develop a leak is during filling. The profit on a single tank of fuel doesn't go far toward cleanup costs. The bottom half of a septic tank is the most common vessel used. This also provides a more stable platform than blocks or bricks under the legs. If inside a building the fuel tank must be metal, with fill & vent piped outside. Dealers are more likely to ignore the fill & vent requirements (in unoccupied buildings) than the catchment. Just a few years ago NH insurance requirements changed to delete oil spill cleanup from most homeowners insurance coverage. As mentioned, some sort of roof is needed to keep rain from accumulating in the catchment.

 

[dubba]

Don't forget to check your local zoning laws.. In my town, no permit is needed from DES, but the selectmen must approve the tanks placement as per the plan (that must be drawn to scale, showing runoff etc.) Also the local village idiot must come out & put his "blessing on the installation. Then the fire department will be by...