Environmental Due Diligence & Risk Management

Heating oil tanks that are for consumptive use on the premises are not regulated by the UST Section. If, however, they leak, it should be reported and must be cleaned up. If a release is detected at a residential heating oil tank, please contact the IDEM Spill Line at (317) 233-7745 or toll-free at (888) 233-7745.

Home heating oil tanks are fairly common. Many were installed in the 1940s and later abandoned. Typically, they are 100-500 gallons in size. Unfortunately, many of these systems leaked or may still leak due to corrosion (rust). Most were abandoned without proper closure. There are no grant or loan programs available to the homeowner to investigate or cleanup leaks from these USTs. If you own and are seeking to buy or sell a home with a heating oil UST that is no longer in use, you should consider taking steps to reduce your current and future human health risk and financial liability. There are UST closure procedures for regulated USTs, which should be followed. If possible, the UST should be removed along with the associate piping. If the UST is inaccessible, it can be closed in place. You can use the advice given for the FAQ titled "How Should I select a Consultant". It is not necessary for them to have experience with the IDEM ELTF program in this situation as it does not apply.

If you have limited resources and have no reason to suspect that the UST leaked, the minimum that should be done is to empty the tank of its contents. The oil and water should be containerized and recycled or disposed of properly. Many communities offer free "Tox-A-Way" programs as a way to properly dispose of "household hazardous waste". Next all piping should be disconnected and removed, if possible. This will ensure that the UST cannot be filled again. Finally, the empty UST should be filled with an inert material such as sand or pea gravel. For more information regarding household hazardous waste programs in your community, visit the following Recycle Indiana Household Hazardous Waste page or call toll-free at (800) 988-7901.