Heating Oil Tanks

Tanks used for the storage of heating oil for consumptive use on the premises where stored are excluded from State regulations. Contamination related to the heating oil tank is regulated under the Spill Reporting and should be reported immediately to DANR, Inspection, Compliance & Remediation Program, Phone (605) 773-3296.

What to watch for:

Any spill over 25 gallons is reportable to DANR. A spill is likely if:

  • There is contaminated soil in the tank basin, pooled oil, sheen on surface water, or other visible signs;
  • Groundwater is contaminated (often detected by unusual taste, odor, or sheen); or
  • There has been a complaint to DANR indicating that a spill is causing a nuisance or other concern.

 

Also help protect the environment by the following:

 

  • If the supplier spills fuel while filling the tank, call them immediately to clean up their spill.
  • Watch your fuel consumption. If it is unusually high, this may indicate a leak or other problem needing attention.
  • Pay attention to any fuel odors, stains, or sheen around your fuel tank or furnace room. They may indicate a problem that should be fixed immediately. Don't let a small problem turn into a big one.

 

And check with your local city or fire official:

There may be local codes or requirements that apply to heating oil tanks. Check with your local city or fire official about additional information.


If you have any questions concerning the storage tank program, please contact Kayla Fawcett, Justin Allen, Marshall Brown, or Bailey McTigue in Pierre at (605) 773-3296 or E-mail,

in Sioux Falls contact Scott Bickler at (605) 362-3500, in Rapid City contact Zachary Burggraff at (605) 394-2229.



Risk to Public and Private Wells


The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has developed a comprehensive guidance document on how to evaluate risk to public and private wells from a petroleum release site. The guidance document also clarifies the Tier 2 risk based assessment and Tier 3 requirements at the aquifer sites including the wellhead protection areas.

The Tier 3 modeling can be done at release sites where Tier 2 risk based assessment has been done and identified the presence of public or private wells. For details check out the guidance document.

Handbook


The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources HANDBOOK FOR INVESTIGATION AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCHARGES FROM STORAGE TANKS, PIPING SYSTEMS AND OTHER RELEASES. The Petroleum Assessment and Cleanup Handbook should be used when performing site assessments, remediation activities, etc. at petroleum release sites.