Yes, owning a tank in Ohio is legal but subject to stringent state and local regulations. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and local fire departments enforce compliance with storage, registration, and safety standards. Recent 2026 amendments to Ohio Revised Code §3704.03 require tanks over 1,100 gallons to undergo third-party inspections biennially, aligning with federal SPCC rules. Violations may trigger enforcement actions under the Ohio Hazardous Waste Management Act.
Key Regulations for Owning a Tank in Ohio
- Registration Requirements: All aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) with ≥1,100-gallon capacity must register with the Ohio EPA’s Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization (DERR) by March 1, 2026. Failure to register risks civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation under ORC §3734.12.
- Spill Prevention & Secondary Containment: Tanks storing hazardous substances must implement secondary containment (e.g., dikes, liners) meeting Ohio EPA’s SPCC Plan guidelines. Inspections must document integrity every 12 months for tanks >5,000 gallons.
- Local Fire Code Compliance: Municipalities like Columbus and Cleveland enforce International Fire Code (IFC) §5004, mandating fire-resistant storage areas, signage, and emergency response plans for tanks >660 gallons. Non-compliant installations face immediate shutdown orders.
Additional Considerations:
- Underground Storage Tanks (USTs): Regulated under ORC §3737.87, USTs require leak detection systems and financial responsibility coverage (e.g., $1M liability insurance).
- Penalties: Unpermitted tanks or violations of Ohio EPA’s Tank Program may incur fines up to $25,000 daily under ORC §3745.40. Criminal liability applies for knowingly endangering water supplies.