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MaineRegulatory Agency: Maine DEP (Maine Department of Environmental Protection)

Maine Heating Oil Tank Removal: DEP Compliance

Maine has one of the highest heating oil usage rates in the country, making underground tank management crucial. The Maine DEP regulates tank closures through its Division of Response Services. Coastal and southern Maine communities have many older homes with buried tanks requiring attention.

šŸ“‘ In This Guide

Maine DEP Regulations

Maine regulates underground tanks through DEP rules: ā€¢ **Closure requirements** - Proper tank decommissioning ā€¢ **Soil investigation** - Required during closure ā€¢ **Cleanup standards** - Maine cleanup criteria ā€¢ **Release reporting** - Must report spills to DEP ā€¢ **Tank abandonment** - Specific procedures required ā€¢ **Documentation** - Closure reports needed

Coastal & Southern Maine

These areas have highest tank concentrations: ā€¢ **Portland area** - Many older urban homes ā€¢ **Southern coast** - York, Kennebunk, etc. ā€¢ **Seasonal properties** - May have older systems ā€¢ **Real estate** - Tanks affect transactions ā€¢ **Groundwater** - Coastal aquifer protection

Maine Removal Process

Maine tank removal follows these steps: 1. **Qualified contractor** - Maine-experienced 2. **Local permits** - As required 3. **DEP notification** - For releases or as required 4. **Tank removal** - Proper excavation 5. **Soil sampling** - Per DEP guidance 6. **Lab testing** - Certified laboratory 7. **Evaluate results** - Compare to standards 8. **Remediation** - If needed 9. **Closure documentation** - Complete records 10. **Report to DEP** - If contamination found

Heating Oil Tank Fund

Maine has a fund to help with contamination: ā€¢ **Ground Water Oil Clean-up Fund** - May assist eligible properties ā€¢ **Eligibility requirements** - Must meet criteria ā€¢ **Cost sharing** - Fund can share cleanup costs ā€¢ **Application** - Through Maine DEP ā€¢ **Homeowner responsibility** - Still applies

šŸ’° Typical Maine Costs

ServicePrice Range
Tank Sweep$200 - $400
Standard Tank Removal$1,200 - $2,800
Removal with Contamination$3,000 - $10,000
Major Remediation$10,000 - $35,000+

* Prices vary by location, contractor, and site conditions. Get multiple quotes.

šŸ’” Pro Tips for Maine Homeowners

  • āœ“Check eligibility for Ground Water Oil Clean-up Fund
  • āœ“Coastal areas have many buried tanks
  • āœ“Report releases to Maine DEP
  • āœ“Keep closure documentation
  • āœ“Seasonal properties often have older systems
  • āœ“Get tank sweep before buying older Maine homes

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