DEQ regulates more than 600 Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) facilities in Virginia to prevent environmental contamination from leaks and spills. More than 70 of these facilities can hold one million gallons of oil or more. DEQ’s Tank Compliance program has staff in each of the regional offices, who help monitor and investigate spills and ensure compliance with the regulations.

What is regulated? 

DEQ regulates ASTs that hold more than 660 gallons of oil. Regulatory requirements vary depending on how much oil a tank can hold or how much a facility can hold in multiple tanks. Municipalities may regulate ASTs that hold less than this amount through local building and fire codes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also regulates ASTs with additional requirements under their Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure program.

Basic requirements of the AST program

  • Registration of regulated ASTs located within the Commonwealth. DEQ's list of registered tanks is updated monthly. You can view tank registration data here.
  • Demonstration of Financial Responsibility.
    • Review the AST Financial Responsibility document or contact Josiah Bennett for questions about AST Financial Responsibility.
  • Pollution prevention for AST facilities that can hold 25,000 gallons oil or more
  • Oil Discharge Contingency Plans (ODCPs)  for AST facilities that can hold 25,000 gallons of oil or more
  • Groundwater Characterization Study for AST facilities that can hold one million gallons of oil or more
  • AST Closure

What is an Oil Discharge Contingency Plan?

An ODCP is a plan to ensure that an AST facility can take the steps necessary to protect the environment to the best of its ability, prevent a spill or discharge as best as possible, and to contain and cleanup an oil spill within the shortest feasible time. AST facilities with 25,000 gallons of oil or more are required to have an ODCP approved by DEQ.

Other Requirements

Local building and fire codes may have additional requirements for the location, construction, operation and closure of ASTs. Contact local building and fire officials. The EPA also regulates ASTs under oil spill prevention programs, such as SPCC rule and Facility Response Plans. Contact EPA Region 3 to determine applicability for ASTs located in Virginia.

What if your tank leaks or has a spill?

Tanks of all sizes can leak. Tank owners are required to report all releases to the appropriate regional DEQ office promptly. DEQ may have reimbursement* funds available to assist with cleanup costs. Report a release using the Environmental Pollution Form or call your regional office.

You can obtain petroleum release data in Excel format and as a tab-separated text file for use with spreadsheet or database programs.

*Please note that cleanup of contaminated soil from inside a containment area cannot be reimbursed.