The water we use every day in our homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces comes primarily from groundwater in the Floridan Aquifer. Protecting that groundwater requires both prevention and cleanup.

The goal of Orange County's Petroleum Storage Tanks and Petroleum Restoration programs is to keep fuel-related pollution out of our groundwater. Inspectors monitor more than 3,000 fuel tank systems to help prevent leaks before they happen. When petroleum contamination is already present, the Petroleum Restoration team identifies and oversees cleanup in soil and groundwater while helping return abandoned or underused industrial and commercial properties to productive use.

Program description - The Orange County Environmental Protection Division is contracted with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to conduct the Storage Tank System Compliance Verification Program for facilities located in Orange, Lake, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia Counties.   Program staff inspects all regulated facilities to ensure storage tanks are properly registered, installed, operated, maintained, and closed in accordance with Florida Administrative Codes 62-761 and 62-762. Types of inspections include routine compliance, tank closures and installations, discharges, and complaints. When necessary, the Program initiates enforcement actions against facilities found to be out of compliance.

The Storage Tanks Compliance Program office must be notified in writing (email) 30-45 days and 48-72 hours prior to installation and closure activities. Send an email to the Orange County Environmental Protection Division at EPD@ocfl.net. The Orange County Building Safety Division should be contacted for permit requirements for New Commercial Structure or a Commercial Alteration.

Program description - The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) petroleum restoration program is under a grant assistance agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to oversee cleanups of petroleum contamination in Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties in accordance with the Pollutant Discharge Prevention and Removal Florida Statute (F.S.) 376 , and the petroleum contamination cleanup criteria rule Chapter 62-780 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) [Effective 12-27-07] Rule Text: pdf

EPD’s Petroleum Restoration program provides three major services:

• Oversight of assessment and cleanup activities at petroleum contaminated facilities in accordance with State Rules http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/pcp/default.htm
• The administration of the State’s FDEP Pre-Approval Program.
• Technical review of geological and engineering documents prepared by consulting firms to determine if they are sufficiently comprehensive, and in compliance with State rules.

The following activities are typical in the management of petroleum contaminated sites:

• Initial Remedial Action: Stopping the leak, removing and recovering the petroleum product and contaminated soil.
• Site Assessment: Determining the extent of impacts to the soil and groundwater relating to the release.
• Remedial Action: Developing and implementing a plan to eliminate the contamination or monitor the contamination, if appropriate.
• Closure/No Further Action: Determining that contamination levels have decreased below regulatory cleanup levels.

• Pollutant Storage System Specialty Contractors
• FDEP Petroleum Cleanup Program Qualified Contractors
• FDEP Certified Hazardous Waste Transporter
• FDEP Certified Used Oil Transporter
• Emergency Response Contractors

* These lists do not necessarily include all local contractors and/or consultants. Orange County does not endorse any contractor and a firm's absence or presence on the above lists does not imply prejudice for or against any firm.

Environmental Protection Division
3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32803

Email: EPD@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-1400
Fax: (407) 836-1499

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.