HB1620 Requires Removal of Residential Heating Oil Underground After 12 Months

HB1620 proposes a new mandate for residential property owners in New Hampshire who maintain underground heating oil storage systems. Under the bill, once a heating oil tank is removed or the system is permanently discontinued, the underground components must be fully removed within 12 months. The bill does not yet specify enforcement mechanisms or penalties. Residential heating oil systems are common throughout New Hampshire, and this proposal targets the environmental contamination risk posed by residual underground oil infrastructure following decommissioning.

Property owners, real estate professionals, and home inspectors in New Hampshire should monitor the progress of HB1620. If enacted, the 12-month removal requirement could affect timing for property transactions, estate sales, and home heating system upgrades. Compliance obligations would fall primarily on homeowners and residential landlords with underground heating oil systems. Legal and environmental consulting professionals may see increased demand for underground tank assessment and removal services should the bill advance.