Environmental Services - Underground Heating Fuel Storage Tanks 

Underground heating fuel storage tank (UST) systems larger than 4,000 gallons capacity must be upgraded with leak detection no later than May 1, 1995 and upgraded with corrosion protection and spill and overfill protection no later than December 22, 1998. Information on the corrosion protection and upgrade requirements is listed below. Tanks that have not met the leak detection and upgrade requirements must be closed.

Heating fuel UST systems up to 4,000 gallon capacity used for storing heating fuel for consumptive use on the premises of non residential occupancies and heating fuel USTs between 1,100 and 4,000 gallon capacity at residential (1 or 2 family homes) must be tested for leaks no later than May 1, 2001. The administrative code reference is Comm 10 - Subchapter VII. Legislation enacted through 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 excluded underground heating fuel tank less than 1,100 gallon capacity at non residential (1 or 2 family homes) occupancies from the leak testing requirements in Comm 10 - Subchapter VII. Systems that are not subjected to a two year tightness test cycle beginning no later than May 1, 2001 have 3 options that must be in place by May 1, 2006:
1) be upgraded with corrosion protection and spill and overfill,
2) replaced, or
3) closed.

Click here to go to additional information on 1 or 2 family home heating fuel tank requirements.

Corrosion Protection for Fuel Tanks
Removed UST that was leaking	The May 1, 2001 tank corrosion protection requirements can be met by upgrading existing steel tanks or replacement with new tanks made of corrosion resistant material (such as fiberglass). You have three options for upgrading existing steel USTs: 1.Interior lining, 2.Cathodic protection*, and 3.Internal lining combined with cathodic protection* * NOTE: Prior to adding cathodic protection, the integrity of the UST must be ensured using an approved method.
The May 1, 2001 pipe corrosion protection requirements can be met by replacing existing pipe with one of three alternatives: 1.Coated and Cathodically Protected Steel 2.Fiberglass , or 3.Another Approved Material Existing Piping can be upgraded by adding cathodic protection to the piping.
Spill Protection for Fuel Tanks
Spill bucket on the end of fill tube	Your UST must have a catch basin to contain spills. Catch basins are also called "spill containment manways" or "spill buckets." Basically, a catch basin is a bucket sealed around the fill pipe. To protect against spills, the basin should be large enough to contain what may spill when the delivery hose is removed or uncoupled from the fill pipe. Basins range in size from those capable of holding only a few gallons to those that are 30 gallons or larger. The larger the catch basin, the more spill protection it provides. You need a way to remove liquid from catch basins. Manufacturers equip catch basins with either a pump or drain to remove liquid. You should try to keep water out of catch basins. Some catch basins can collect enough water and sediment, along with spilled product, to
make draining this mixture into the tank unwise. If this happens, you may pump out the catch basin and dispose of the liquid properly. If the liquid contains fuel or chemicals, it could be considered a hazardous waste. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Resources, responsible for hazardous waste, for information on handling and disposal requirements. If an UST never receives more than 25 gallons at a time, the UST does not have to meet the spill protection requirements. Many small used oil tanks fall into this category.
Overfill Protection for Fuel Tanks
Automatic shut-off placed in fill tube	Overfills usually release much larger volumes than spills. When a tank is overfilled, large volumes can be released at the fill pipe and through loose fittings on the top of the tank or a loose vent pipe. The tightness of these fittings normally would not be a problem if the tank were not filled beyond its capacity. Overfill problems can be significantly reduced by adding overfill protection. Your UST must have overfill protection. The three main types of overfill protection devices are: 1.automatic shutoff devices 2.overfill alarms, and 3.ball float valves. If an UST never receives more than 25 gallons at a time, the UST does not have to meet the overfill protection requirements. Many small used oil tanks fall into this category.
Heating Fuel Tank 2 year Tightness Testing Requirements
	Contract a service provider to conduct the tightness test. Individuals performing this test must be certified by the Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Most tightness tests require that the tank be filled to 90% of its capacity. If the tank does not successfully pass the tightness test an investigation must be conducted and the problem corrected. This may involve the removal of the tank and remediation of any contamination.
Tank Closure
	Link to UST Closure Information