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GeoScience & Technology, P.A.
2050 Northpoint Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Phone: 336-896-1300
Fax: 336-896-1020
geosci@geotec.com
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THE LEAKING PETROLEUM UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK CLEANUP FUNDS
Purpose of the Funds:
The UST funds provide reimbursement for costs incurred during the cleanup of soil and groundwater contamination resulting from a release of petroleum from an underground storage tank. Two funds, the Commercial Trust Fund and the Noncommercial Trust Fund, have been established to reimburse tank owners, operators, and landowners for costs associated with cleanups.
Examples of commercial underground storage tanks:
- USTs containing petroleum products for resale
- Farm or residential motor fuel tanks with a capacity greater than 1,100 gallons
- Heating oil tanks greater than 1,100 gallons (unless they serve four or fewer
households)
Examples of Noncommercial underground storage tanks:
- Heating oil tanks with a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less
- Heating oil tanks with a capacity greater than 1,100 gallons that serve one to four households
- Farm or residential motor fuel tanks with a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less
Eligibility for the Funds:
Owners, operators and landowners may be eligible for the funds. The following is a list of some of the criteria that must be met for fund eligibility:*
- All commercial tanks must be registered and annual operating fees must be paid
- The tanks must be in compliance with all applicable UST rules
- Reimbursement from the Commercial Fund only applies to releases or discharges
discovered on or after June 30, 1988
*This list is not inclusive. The only sure way to determine eligibility is to submit an
application after a release is discovered.
Amount the Funds will pay:
The funds will pay up to $1.5 million for reasonable and necessary costs directly
related to the cleanup of a release.
However, there are deductibles, and there is a 20% co-payment for costs greater than
$1 million.
GeoSci is experienced in all phases of UST Trust Fund application and can assist tank owners in applying for reimbursement. Contact us at 336-896-1300.
Examples of what the Funds will not cover:
- Attorney fees
- UST system replacement or removal
- Work performed that is excessive or not necessary
- Cleanup costs in excess of applicable deductibles that are covered by insurance
policies
Deductibles*:
Commercial Fund Deductibles:
- $50,000 for leaks discovered from June 30, 1988, until December 31, 1991
- $20,000 for leaks discovered from January 1, 1992, until December 31, 1993
- For leaks discovered on or after January 1, 1994
- a) $20,000 for commercial heating oil USTs** used on premises
- b) $20,000 for USTs that have installed leak detection, corrosion protection and
spill/overfill prevention prior to the occurrence of a leak
- c) $20,000 for existing USTs (those installed before December 22, 1988) if the
Department received notification before January 1, 1994, that upgrade or closure
work will begin before July 1, 1994, and be completed by December 31, 1994
- d) Up to $75,000 for all other commercial tanks (a $20,000 deductible plus 40
percent of the costs between $20,000 and $157,500)
- $100,000 deductible for third-party liability
Noncommercial Fund Deductibles:
- $0 deductible on cleanup costs
- $100,000 deductible on third-party liability
*The deductible amounts listed assume that the release was reported immediately upon
discovery as required by law.
**Owner/operators of commercial heating oil tanks must pay annual operating fees as
specified in 15A NCAC 2P, however, all heating oil tanks are exempt from the UST
technical requirements in 15A NCAC 2N.
GeoSci can assist tank owners in submitting application forms to determine Trust Fund eligibility.
Contact us for the most recent information regarding home heating oil USTs, and regarding Trust Fund eligibility and claim preparation
- by phone 336-896-1300 or
email geosci@geotec.com.
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