Orleans Board of Health Regulations Above Ground Fuel and Chemical Storage Tank Regulation

Purpose

To prevent toxic/hazardous material leaking from storage tanks, which poses an immediate and serious threat to Cape Cod’s sole source aquifer, surface water and public health and safety.

Preamble

The Orleans Board of Health, in collaboration with the Orleans Fire Department, has developed these regulations for the purpose of preventing toxic/hazardous material (heating oil) leaking from corroded storage tanks. Oil leaks pose an immediate and serious threat to Cape Cod’s sole source aquifer, surface water and public health and safety.

An oil leak clean up from a home heating system can cost the homeowner anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 and beyond. Outdoor fuel storage tanks are exposed to the elements and tend to rust from both the inside and outside. Indoor fuel storage tanks primarily rust from the inside. Unfortunately, there is no reliable testing method to determine if a tank is corroding from the inside or not. The Department of Environmental Protection recommends replacing outdoor single wall tanks after ten years and replacing indoor, single wall tanks after 30 years.

Scope

Regulating above ground storage tanks (ASTs) containing liquid fuel or toxic/hazardous material including but not limited to heating fuel for residential and commercial buildings in the Town of Orleans.

Authority

Under provisions of Chapter 111, Section 31, of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Orleans Board of Health hereby adopts the following regulations to protect groundwater and surface water from contamination with toxic/hazardous material from leaking storage tanks.

Down complete document below.