The DNREC Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances offers financing options and assistance to the owners or operators of underground and aboveground storage tank systems.

Eligibility for financial assistance is determined by the information presented in applications. Before submitting an application, the applicant should consult with the Tank Management Section to determine if the project is eligible for financing.

Please note that submitting an application for financial assistance is not a commitment for funds, nor does it obligate the State of Delaware or any State agency to lend any form of financial assistance.

Residential Heating Fuel Tank Closure Assistance

The Residential Heating Fuel Underground Storage Tank Closure Assistance Program was created to perform the removal or closure-in-place of residential heating fuel underground storage tank systems of 1,100 gallons or less used to store fuel to heat the premises where they are located.

Funds for the program are provided via appropriation from the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA) fund. There is limited funding for this program. Funding will be allocated based on the order applications are received and deemed eligible.

Which tanks are eligible?

• Tanks in the State of Delaware that are buried below ground and hold 1,100-gallons or less of heating fuel; and
• Tanks used to store heating fuel to heat buildings on the premises (not for storage for the purpose of fuel re-sale); and
• Tanks that have been deemed eligible for the program by the DNREC-TMS through an application process.

This is not a reimbursement program. All work is performed under State of Delaware contracts by select DNREC-Certified Underground Storage Tank Closure Contractors.

FIRST Fund

The Fund for the Inability to Rehabilitate Storage Tank sites (FIRST Fund) was established to assist the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances in addressing the closure and remediation of underground storage tank systems in situations where the tank owner or Responsible Party cannot be identified. A site must meet specific criteria to be eligible for FIRST Fund financing. Funds are provided via appropriation from the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA) fund.

Ability to Pay

Owners and operators who are concerned about their ability to pay for tank removal or cleanup of underground aboveground storage tank systems may contact the Division. The Division will determine their eligibility for financial assistance based on a financial analysis.

Related Topics:  financial assistance, remediation, storage tank, tank, tank management, ust