If the Tanks are In Use:
Has the tank been registered with MDEQ?
- Call MDEQ to find out if tank is registered.
- The tank must be registered within 30 days of bringing the tank into use.
- If you purchase the tank, you must notify MDEQ within 30 of days bringing the tank into use.
Is the tank underground or aboveground?
- MDEQ regulates underground tanks:
- An underground tank is any tank, including underground piping connected to the tank, that has at least 10% of its volume underground.
- Underground tanks exempted from the regulations include:
- farm and residential tanks holding 1,100 gallons or less of motor fuel for noncommercial purposes
- tanks used to fuel heating systems
- tanks on or above the floor of underground floors
- septic tanks
- flow-through process tanks
- tanks holding 110 gallons or less
- emergency spill and overfill tanks
- The Environmental Protection Agency and local fire marshals regulate aboveground tanks.
Have the tank fees been paid?
- Tank owner is responsible for fees.
- If fees have not been paid and you acquire the tank, you will be responsible for back fees
- See table for tank fee amounts.
- Contact MDEQ to find out if tank fees have been paid.
Is the tank in substantial compliance?
- Is the owner maintaining leak detection?
- Is the owner testing/checking the corrosion protection system?
- Does the tank have spill and overfill prevention?
Has the tank system ever leaked?
- Is the cleanup ongoing?
- Was the site cleaned up?
- Tank owner is responsible for cleaning up any contamination from tank system.
- State Trust Fund will reimburse owner for eligible expenses if owner is in substantial compliance.
- Does owner have a “no further action” (NFA) needed letter from state?
Does the owner have records?
- New tank records
- Tank tightness testing records from installation
- Automatic line leak detector test records (pressurized piping only)
- Tank and piping leak detection records
- Cathodic protection records (applies to steel tanks and piping only)
