Those who own an underground storage tank that needs removal or replacement may be eligible for financial assistance from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The DEP operates a grant-and-loan program that is available to both commercial and residential applicants who own regulated or nonregulated underground storage tanks. The Underground Storage Tank Fund provides funding to homeowners or business owners who are considering removal or replacement of nonleaking heating oil and leaking underground storage tanks.

Financial assistance is also available to public entities, nonprofit groups, volunteer fire, ambulance, first aid, emergency or rescue companies, and independent institutions of higher education.

For information about the nonleaking, unregulated, underground storage tank grant program, call the New Jersey Economic Development Authority at (609) 777-4898 or visit www.njeda.com. To learn more about the grant-and-loan program for leaking, regulated, and non-regulated underground storage tanks, call the DEP at (609) 777-0101 or visit www.nj.gov/dep/srp/finance/ustfund.