NC rules
North Carolina rules for home heating oil tanks
A short summary for homeowners in Forsyth, Guilford and nearby counties. Check the linked state sources for the full text, and talk to a professional about your property.
Your tank is "non-commercial"
NC DEQ treats home heating oil tanks of 1,100 gallons or less as non-commercial underground storage tanks. They aren't required to have leak detection, and they're exempt from the formal closure requirements that apply to commercial tanks like gas station tanks.
Removal is recommended, not required
The state doesn't force you to remove a heating oil tank that isn't leaking. DEQ's own guidance notes that buyers are often reluctant to purchase property with a buried tank, so removal can make sense for resale. If removal isn't practical, pumping and closing the tank in place is the common alternative.
Leaks must be reported within 24 hours
If you discover signs of a release, such as oily soil, a fuel smell or a sheen on water, it has to be reported to DEQ within 24 hours. Forsyth County falls under the Winston-Salem Regional Office.
The state no longer pays for cleanup
North Carolina used to reimburse homeowners for most cleanup costs through its Noncommercial Cleanup Fund. A 2015 law phased that out, and leaks discovered after October 1, 2015 are not reimbursed.
Basement tanks are a different category
A tank that sits on or above the floor of a basement or cellar is not an underground storage tank under state law, even though it's below ground level.
Who is responsible for a leak
Responsibility depends on who counts as the "tank owner," which can depend on when the tank was last used. In some cases that's a former owner. This is a question for an environmental professional or attorney.