NC State Trust Fund

Financial Assistance is Currently Available

The State of North Carolina established the Noncommercial Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Fund (Trust Fund) to assist the owners and operators of noncommercial USTs in complying with the regulations that apply once leakage from an underground storage tank is discovered.

If you own or operate a commercial storage tank different rules apply. Please contact Cedar Rock to discuss what assistance may be available in your circumstances.

Who is eligible to receive reimbursement from the Trust Fund?

All of the following conditions must be met to be eligible for Trust Fund assistance:

  1. The storage tank must be considered to be an underground storage tank to be eligible. Above ground tanks are not eligible for any Trust Fund assistance.
    If any part of your tank is visible it may still be regarded as an underground tank. In these cases please contact Cedar Rock to discuss the situation. A ruling from State officers may be required to clarify the tank status.
  2. The UST must be less than 1,100 gallons in capacity.
  3. A release from the UST must be confirmed (by laboratory analyses of soil samples).
  4. The UST must be removed from the ground. Abandonment-in-place is acceptable only if site conditions prevent removal. State inspection of the site will typically be required in this situation.
  5. Reimbursement is only made to the tank owner.

Who does the State consider to be the tank owner?

Recently, the rules governing tank ownership status and eligibility for Trust Fund reimbursement were relaxed. Generally, in most residential situations the current property owner will be considered the tank owner and will be eligible for Trust Fund reimbursements. Cedar Rock will advise property owners of any issues that may arise in their particular circumstances.

For what expenses does the Trust Fund make reimbursement?

The Trust Fund does not reimburse for the costs for the removal and disposal of the UST and its contents. These non-reimbursable costs cannot be applied toward the deductible amount, if applicable.

What assistance can Cedar Rock offer me?

The Trust Fund established what is called a "Co-payment" plan to further assist property owners facing the significant costs associated with the cleanup of contaminated soils associated with a leaking underground storage tank. For further details on this arrangement please read our Co-payment page.

Cedar Rock also guarantees that property owners will receive 100% of eligible reimbursable costs.