Yes, owning a tank in Maine is legal but heavily regulated under state and local laws. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and municipal ordinances govern storage, registration, and maintenance, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Recent 2026 updates to the Maine Storage Tank Act now require digital reporting for underground tanks, increasing oversight.
Key Regulations for Owning a Tank in Maine
- Registration Requirements: All tanks holding 110+ gallons of regulated substances (e.g., petroleum) must be registered with the DEP’s Storage Tank Program. Failure to register risks fines up to $10,000 under 38 M.R.S. § 568.
- Installation Standards: Tanks must comply with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 30 and undergo third-party inspections. Aboveground tanks in flood zones require DEP-approved anchoring per 06-096 CMR Ch. 400.
- Leak Detection & Reporting: Owners must implement continuous monitoring systems for underground tanks. The 2026 amendments mandate real-time data submission to the DEP’s TankTrack portal within 24 hours of anomalies.
Local jurisdictions (e.g., Portland’s Environmental Services Division) may impose additional restrictions, such as setback requirements or secondary containment for aboveground tanks. Violations trigger escalating penalties, including mandatory corrective action under 38 M.R.S. § 569. Consult the DEP’s 2026 Compliance Guide for jurisdiction-specific updates.