The reimbursement can be used to assist eligible owners to temporarily close tanks that will not be used or upgraded after Dec. 22, the federal deadline to upgrade or remove all regulated underground storage tanks. Applications are to be completed and returned to DEP along with two separate bids and a disposal plan. Applicants will be contacted by telephone regarding the acceptability of each application. At that time, written approvals, which specify the amount of the grant, will be forwarded to applicants. Upon receipt of the written approval, contractors can proceed with the work.
Reimbursement is made to the tank owner upon completion of the project.
The General Assembly and Gov. Tom Ridge amended Act 32, the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act of 1989, in January to authorize funds under the Pollution Prevention Grant Fund. Applications also may be obtained from DEP's regional offices.