Underground Heating Oil Tank Cleanup Reimbursement Program
🏛 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
✓ Free, no account · Source: Pennsylvania Grants (CODE PA) · Last verified Jul 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for underground heating oil tank owners who need environmental cleanup reimbursement. You can apply if you own or owned an underground tank with capacity of 3,000 gallons or less that stored heating fuel for on-site use. The tank must have experienced a release of heating oil to the environment from the tank, pipes, or due to system failure discovered on or after January 30, 1998. Environmental cleanup must be completed or in progress. Pennsylvania residents and property owners are eligible.
Geographic scope is limited to Pennsylvania only. Reimbursement covers eligible cleanup costs above a $1,000 deductible, up to $4,000 maximum.
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Program description
This program provides reimbursement of environmental cleanup costs resulting from a release of heating oil from an underground tank system. Reimbursements are subject to a $1,000 deductible, which is satisfied by the first $1,000 of eligible costs paid by the applicant. Remaining eligible costs paid by the applicant may be reimbursed up to a maximum of $4,000. You may be eligible for reimbursement if you are/were the tank owner; the heating oil tank is an underground (buried) tank; the tank capacity is 3,000 gallons or less; the tank stored fuel that was used for heating on the premises; there was a release of heating oil to the environment from the tank, the associated lines/pipes, or resulting from a spill or overfill due to a failure of the tank system that occurred or was discovered on or after January 30, 1998; and an environmental cleanup has been completed or is in progress.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proof of tank ownership or occupancy
- Documentation of heating oil release (dated discovery notice or environmental report)
- Receipts and invoices for all cleanup work and expenses
- Environmental assessment or remediation report
- Proof of payment for costs incurred
FAQ
Who can apply for this reimbursement?
Current or former underground heating oil tank owners in Pennsylvania. The tank must be 3,000 gallons or less and have experienced an oil release discovered on or after January 30, 1998.
What cleanup costs are reimbursed?
Eligible environmental cleanup costs are reimbursed after you pay the first $1,000 (deductible). Maximum reimbursement is $4,000.
Does the tank need to be completely cleaned up before applying?
No. You can apply while cleanup is in progress or after completion. Reimbursement covers costs already incurred.
Are there any geographic limits?
Yes, this program is only available in Pennsylvania. Your property must be located in the state.
What types of tanks are eligible?
Only underground (buried) tanks used for heating fuel on the premises. Above-ground tanks do not qualify. Tank capacity cannot exceed 3,000 gallons.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Document all cleanup expenses carefully. Keep receipts and invoices from environmental contractors and remediation work.
- The $1,000 deductible applies first, so plan for this out-of-pocket cost before reimbursement begins.
- Gather proof of tank ownership or occupancy at the time of release to establish eligibility.
- If cleanup is ongoing, track all expenses paid to date; you can apply before completion.
- Contact PA DEP early if uncertain whether your release date or tank specifications qualify.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants submit incomplete expense documentation or fail to provide dated evidence of cleanup costs. Tank specifications don't match program requirements (capacity over 3,000 gallons or above-ground installation). Release discovery date predates January 30, 1998, making the property ineligible.
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