ā† Back to Blog
Rhode IslandRegulatory Agency: RI DEM (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)

Rhode Island Heating Oil Tank Removal Guide

Rhode Island, despite its small size, has thousands of properties with underground heating oil tanks. The RI DEM regulates tank closures and cleanups through the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program and the Office of Waste Management. Given the state's coastal location and groundwater concerns, proper tank management is essential.

šŸ“‘ In This Guide

RI DEM Tank Regulations

Rhode Island's UST regulations are found in the Rules and Regulations for Underground Storage Facilities: ā€¢ **Closure requirements** - Proper decommissioning required ā€¢ **Notification** - DEM notification for tank closures ā€¢ **Soil assessment** - Sampling required during removal ā€¢ **Cleanup standards** - RI Remediation Regulations apply ā€¢ **Licensed contractors** - Should use experienced professionals ā€¢ **Documentation** - Closure reports required

Providence Metro Area

The Providence metropolitan area has many older homes with tanks: ā€¢ **Dense development** - Three-deckers and older homes common ā€¢ **Real estate impact** - Tank issues affect property sales ā€¢ **Contractor availability** - Good selection in metro area ā€¢ **Municipal permits** - Local permits typically required ā€¢ **Documentation** - Important for property transactions

RI Tank Removal Process

Standard Rhode Island removal process: 1. **Hire qualified contractor** - RI experience important 2. **DEM notification** - As required by regulations 3. **Local permits** - Municipal excavation permits 4. **Tank removal** - Proper extraction 5. **Soil sampling** - Per DEM guidance 6. **Lab analysis** - Certified laboratory 7. **Compare to standards** - RI cleanup criteria 8. **Remediation** - If contamination found 9. **Closure documentation** - Complete records 10. **Site restoration** - Final grading and seeding

Contamination Response

When contamination is discovered in Rhode Island: ā€¢ **RI Remediation Regulations** - Govern cleanup requirements ā€¢ **Risk-based approach** - Available for certain situations ā€¢ **Groundwater protection** - Priority given state's aquifers ā€¢ **Professional oversight** - May require licensed professionals ā€¢ **Cleanup timeframes** - Reasonable timeframes expected

šŸ’° Typical Rhode Island Costs

ServicePrice Range
Tank Sweep$250 - $450
Standard Tank Removal$1,500 - $3,000
Removal with Contamination$3,500 - $12,000
Major Remediation$12,000 - $40,000+

* Prices vary by location, contractor, and site conditions. Get multiple quotes.

šŸ’” Pro Tips for Rhode Island Homeowners

  • āœ“Notify RI DEM as required for tank closures
  • āœ“Get local permits before excavation
  • āœ“Keep closure documentation
  • āœ“Providence area has good contractor selection
  • āœ“Consider environmental assessment before buying older homes
  • āœ“Groundwater protection is priority in RI

Find Rhode Island Tank Removal Contractors

Connect with certified professionals in your area

Browse Rhode Island Contractors ā†’