Dealing with a Leaking Oil Tank? The Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund Could Save You Thousands
How to Navigate Environmental Cleanups—Without the Headaches
If you’ve discovered a leaking petroleum tank—the most common ones are home heating oil tanks—you’re likely facing a wave of questions:
Is my property contaminated?
Will this delay or kill my real estate transaction?
Is my well contaminated?
How much will the environmental cleanup cost?
Who do I call first?
The good news: If you’re in Virginia, the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund (VPSTF) is set up to cover the cost of required environmental cleanup for leaky petroleum tanks—up to $1 million (minus a small deductible).
The better news: HydroGeo Environmental has helped hundreds of clients just like you access this funding and resolve contamination issues—efficiently, confidently, and with almost no out-of-pocket cost.
What Is the VPSTF—and Why Should You Care?
The Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund is a program managed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). It's designed to financially support the cleanup of petroleum releases from storage tanks—whether that’s an old heating oil tank in your backyard or a commercial tank on a property you’re trying to buy or sell.
If a petroleum release is confirmed, and the cleanup meets certain regulatory criteria, the VPSTF will reimburse approved costs for:
Environmental site investigations
Soil and groundwater sampling
Contaminated soil removal/backfilling
Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
Water supply protection or restoration
Ongoing monitoring and reporting
Homeowners: Why This Matters to You
If you're a Virginia homeowner, a leaking tank can feel like a nightmare. There’s the risk to your property, your drinking water, your neighbors’ wells—and your finances. Fortunately, you’re not alone. If the tank is eligible and the steps are followed properly, the state will cover most of the costs.
HydroGeo handles the messy middle:
✅ We investigate the spill
✅ Communicate with DEQ on your behalf
✅ Write and submit any required forms or paperwork
✅ Oversee cleanup
✅ Handle all reimbursement documentation
You stay informed—but not overwhelmed.
Realtors: Don’t Let a Tank Derail the Deal
Contamination doesn’t have to blow up a sale. When HydroGeo gets involved early, we:
Act fast to assess risk and define next steps
Coordinate with buyers, sellers, attorneys, and DEQ to keep the transaction on track
Clarify responsibilities so nobody is left guessing
Provide defensible documentation showing the situation is under control
We’ve helped countless deals close—even after a leaking tank is discovered—because we help everyone at the table understand that there’s a path forward. With VPSTF funding and a proven remediation plan, it’s not the end of the world. It’s just another line item—handled.
Who Qualifies for VPSTF?
To access the fund, a few conditions must be met:
The leak must involve a regulated petroleum product (like heating oil or diesel).
The tank must meet certain DEQ criteria (age, status, usage, etc.).
You must follow DEQ’s process and timelines precisely.
That’s where we come in. HydroGeo has decades of experience working directly with DEQ. We don’t just know the process—we help shape it.
Why Choose HydroGeo?
We’re not just another environmental firm. We’re a Virginia-based team that understands the unique geology, regulations, and homeowner concerns that come with petroleum tank leaks in Central Virginia. We’ve earned a reputation for being practical, responsive, and honest—with clients ranging from private landowners to large institutions and municipalities.
When you call HydroGeo, you’re not passed around—we show up. We explain things in plain language. And we stay with you through the entire cleanup process until the case is closed..
We make petroleum cleanups manageable—and fundable.
Need Help with a Leaking Tank or VPSTF Claim?
Whether you’re a homeowner, realtor, or attorney trying to keep a deal moving—or just someone facing the stress of a leaking tank—HydroGeo is here to help.
📞 Contact us today to speak with an experienced environmental professional.
We’ll walk you through your responsibilities, build a clear plan, and guide you through every step of the VPSTF process.
HydroGeo Environmental
Environmental expertise. Personal service. Right here in Virginia.
