**NOTE**
The information contained in this article has changed and is no longer accurate due to changes in this program from Maryland Department of the Environment.
YOU MUST HAVE YOUR LEAKING BURIED OIL TANK REMOVED BEFORE OCT. 1, 2022 OR YOU WILL LOSE POTENTIALLY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN STATE REIMBURSEMENT
Maryland Homeowner Reimbursement Fund
In short, Maryland will reimburse you the out-of-pocket expenses for your buried oil tank removal and remediation expenses. I know now you are thinking…. My tank isn’t leaking! Folks, we hope your tank isn’t leaking, but in reality, you never know if it is leaking. Let me repeat that…. you…will….never know if the tank is leaking just because you are not using more oil. It doesn’t work that way. So take a minute to read this information, because it is not a matter of “if” the tank has to be removed. IT DOES! So do it now so that you will be able to get more money back from the state before they make changes to the rules for the reimbursement program.
Here is the Very short version
If you don’t want to read the blog, (just call GreenTrax now 410-439-1085).
- Scenario 1 – We come to remove your buried heating oil tank. If tank is clean and NOT leaking. There is NO reimbursement
- Scenario 2 – We remove the tank and find it is leaking. It will cost more money to perform the cleanup. However if you do the work before Oct. 1 of this year, 2022, you will get 100% of the cost back from the State if Maryland. If work is performed after Oct 1, you will only get a small percentage of the money back due to state rules changes.
- Example – Let’s hypothetically say the total job including remediation costs $10,000, nice easy round number. Before Oct 1 you will get $9,500 back. After Oct 1 you will get $2,500 back. So there is a lot of money at risk to lose for reimbursement. Call us now.
Here are the details:
If you have a residential heating oil tank in Maryland and the tank leaked there is additional costs for soil cleanup and remediation. The State of Maryland has a fund that will reimburse you, the homeowner, for the cost of the tank removal and other out-of-pocket costs for cleaning up of the site, less a $500 deductible.
Of course, with this program and there is paperwork to fill out for this program. But rest assured that when you use GreenTRAX, Inc. to perform the work, we will make everything easy for you & fill the paperwork out for you.
Let’s talk about some specifics of the program.
First, this fund is officially referred to as the: Residential site cleanup reimbursement fund
If the tank has leaked oil into the ground, there is contaminated soil. The Maryland Dept. of the Environment will require the contaminated soil to be excavated and removed. Soil testing is required and we have to compile a packet including pictures of the activities we performed onsite.
You, the homeowner, will have to pay the contractor, then the state will pay you back.
Common questions about the Maryland Homeowner Reimbursement Fund
I cannot afford the cleanup; can’t the state just pay you (GreenTRAX) directly?
NO – the state will never pay the contractor; they only REIMBURSE the homeowner.
Can’t GreenTRAX wait to get paid until I get the money from the state?
NO, you will not even be able to submit the paperwork to the state, until the contractor is paid in full, AND you show proof of payment.
If I move, or sell property, do I still get my money back?
YES
What costs does the Maryland Homeowner Reimbursement Fund cover?
Before October 1, 2022
The money you pay to Greentrax for the tank removal is covered if tank is leaking. If tank is not leaking, then there is no reimbursement.
All work must be done by an MDE licensed tank removal contractor. DO NOT call your HVAC guy, plumber, general contractor, your friend Billy with a backhoe, or your cousin who knows a guy. The work must be performed by an MDE licensed tank removal contractor. Ie. GreenTrax
Covered costs:
- contaminated soil excavation, removal, and disposal
- clean backfill dirt
- reasonable landscaping costs to repair your yard
- disposal fees of waste/sludge etc.
- other costs associated with the contaminated soil removal and disposal
- soil samples as required by MDE
- well water samples required by MDE
Also, before Oct. 1 2022 you can get reimbursed if other work is needed to remove/remediate the contaminated soil including removal and reinstallation of:
- decking
- sidewalks
- driveways
- concrete or asphalt driveway
- patios
Fees for temporarily disconnecting and re-connecting the AC unit/heat pump may also be covered if associated with the contaminated soil removal.
After…
Oct. 1, 2022, some of the above costs will no longer be eligible for reimbursement. AND, Maryland will only reimburse you a percentage of the total cost. So there are potentially thousands of dollars at stake. Call us today and we will get this taken care of for you so you still qualify under the existing rules to get more money back.
