Yes, owning a tank in Wisconsin is legal but tightly controlled under state and local statutes. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) regulates aboveground and underground storage tanks (USTs) to prevent environmental contamination, while local fire departments enforce fire safety codes for flammable liquid storage. Recent 2026 amendments to Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 706 tighten inspection protocols for tanks holding hazardous substances.
Key Regulations for Owning a Tank in Wisconsin
- Registration Requirements: All USTs must be registered with the WDNR, including those storing heating oil. Failure to register risks penalties up to $10,000 under Wis. Stat. § 168.07(3). New tanks require pre-installation approval from the WDNR’s Bureau of Remediation and Redevelopment.
- Spill Prevention and Leak Detection: Tanks must comply with secondary containment rules (Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 706.05) and install leak detection systems. Aboveground tanks require daily visual inspections, while underground tanks mandate monthly electronic monitoring.
- Local Fire Code Enforcement: Municipal fire departments enforce NFPA 30 and International Fire Code (IFC) standards, including setback distances and secondary containment for flammable liquids. Violations may trigger citations from local authorities under Wis. Stat. § 101.14.
Non-compliance risks enforcement actions, including tank removal orders or civil penalties. Consult the WDNR’s Tank Program and local fire marshal for jurisdiction-specific requirements.