It is strictly regulated.
Owning a tank in New Jersey is permissible only under stringent state and municipal frameworks, primarily governed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The NJDEP’s Bureau of Underground Storage Tanks (BUST) enforces compliance with the Spill Compensation and Control Act and Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations, while local fire departments and zoning boards impose additional constraints. Recent 2026 amendments to NJDEP’s Tank System Regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:14B) tighten inspection protocols and financial responsibility requirements, reflecting heightened environmental liability concerns.
Key Regulations for Owning a Tank in New Jersey
- Registration & Permitting: All tanks—above-ground (ASTs) or underground (USTs)—must be registered with the NJDEP’s BUST, with permits required for installation, modification, or closure. Failure to register risks penalties up to $25,000 per violation under the Spill Act.
- Inspection & Maintenance: USTs require biennial inspections by NJDEP-certified professionals, while ASTs face municipal fire code scrutiny. The 2026 updates mandate real-time leak detection systems for tanks storing hazardous substances (e.g., petroleum, chemicals).
- Financial Assurance: Owners must demonstrate proof of financial responsibility (e.g., insurance, surety bonds) covering potential cleanup costs. The NJDEP’s Petroleum UST Fund no longer covers pre-existing contamination without prior compliance documentation.