The DNREC aboveground storage tank (AST) program is responsible for ensuring the safe operation of over 1,000 regulated aboveground storage tank facilities in the state. All registered ASTs have to comply with Delaware’s Regulations Governing Aboveground Storage Tank Systems (AST Regulations).

Information regarding aboveground storage tank systems in Delaware is available online using the Delaware Environmental Navigator (DEN) and on the Delaware Open Data Portal. A request for information may be made through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Inspections and Compliance

The Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances conducts inspections at facilities with aboveground storage tank systems to prevent releases to the environment by ensuring that these systems are properly installed, inspected, tested, and maintained. It also oversees the cleanup of sites which have had releases from aboveground storage tank systems.

Annual Registration Invoices

Invoices are sent to owners each year in December and include both aboveground storage tank Tank Registration and Vapor Recovery Operating Permit Fees. If you are an aboveground storage tank facility owner and have not received an invoice by the end of the calendar year, notify the Division. Payments are due on or before February 1 of each calendar year. A 10% late fee per tank is assessed after that date. If a facility is sold or there is an owner billing address change, notify the the Tank Management Section.

Spill Prevention and Response

The EPA has set up rules and guidance for Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) and Facility Response Plans (FRP).

The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) rule (40 CFR Part 112) helps facilities prevent a discharge of oil into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. There are streamlined SPCC rules for for facilities with smaller oil storage capacity (Tier I and Tier II Qualified Facilities). Self-certification is now an optional alternative to Professional Engineer (PE) certification of the Plan. The owner or operator of a “qualified facility” can prepare and self-certify a SPCC Plan, rather than have a PE review and certify the Plan. And there are SPCC resources for agricultural facilities.

The Facility Response Plan (FRP) rule requires certain facilities to submit a response plan and prepare to respond to a worst case oil discharge or threat of a discharge.

Documents and Forms

Related Topics:  storage tank, tank, tank management