One of the major benefits of heating oil is having a heating oil storage tank on the premises. Oil storage tanks are safe, convenient, and versatile; here's why:

Aboveground tanks installed outdoors can be hidden inside an enclosure like the one shown here.

Click here to download a guide
to heating oil storage tanks (PDF format).

Oil Tanks Are Safe

Today's oil tanks are designed with corrosion-resistant materials for long life and safety.
Oil actually protects the tank.
Only a handful of cases a year of releases result in significant cleanup efforts.
If there is an oil release, affordable tank protection is available.

Oil Tanks Are Convenient

A tank on your property puts you in charge of your oil supply.
You pay only for Oilheat received.
Automatic delivery assures that you never run out of Oilheat - resulting in uninterrupted comfort all year long!

Oil Tanks Are Versatile

New tanks are compact in size, and can be hidden away in small spaces.
Tanks can be located in the basement, garage, underground or next to the home.
Attractive tank enclosures are available for aboveground tanks.

Types of Tanks

Aboveground Indoor/Outdoor
Fiberglass Tank

2 in 1 Indoor Safety Tank -
Galvanized Steel Tank over
Polyethylene Inner Tank

Aboveground
Indoor/Outdoor Single Wall
Steel Oil Tank

State Helps With Costs of Underground Oil Tank Releases

Oilheat customers who use an underground tank for oil storage can enjoy a little extra peace of mind, because the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers financial assistance in the event that oil is released from the tank.

The DEP reimburses tank owners for up to $4,000 of the cost of cleaning up a after the tank owner has paid a deductible of $1,000. The tank must not exceed 3,000 gallons and must be used for storing heating oil for consumption on the premises. The leak must have occurred no earlier than January 30, 1998. Reimbursement is available for expenses related to excavating, emptying, cleaning, removing, transporting and disposing of a leaking storage tank; excavating contaminated soil; transporting and disposing of wastes; and restoring disturbed or contaminated areas by backfilling, grading and revegetating.

Costs associated with the removal of non-leaking storage tanks or with releases from tanks located in basements or cellars are not eligible for reimbursement. The reimbursement and the $1,000 deductible apply on a per tank basis.

All reimbursements are funded through the state Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund, which can allocate up to $500,000 per year. The program is in effect until June 30, 2012.

If a tank owner suspects that their tank may have released oil, they should begin by calling their Oilheat dealer. The dealer can help evaluate the situation and put them in touch with certified cleanup professionals. If a release is confirmed, the tank owner should report it to the DEP immediately.

For more information, visit the Storage Tanks Cleanup Program website, which explains how a tank owner applies for assistance. You can also contact the Storage Tanks Cleanup Program in Harrisburg at 717-783-9475 or the Environmental Cleanup Program in your DEP regional office. If you prefer, you can e-mail the Tank Cleanup Program at tankcleanup@dep.state.pa.us.