Pollution Prevention Reimbursement Grant

The Pollution Prevention Reimbursement Grant, also referred to as the “Pump & Plug Program,” is a funding initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This grant is authorized under Section 711 of the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act, Act 32 of 1989 (as amended), and is designed to support the safe closure and compliance of underground storage tanks (USTs) that have not been upgraded to meet federal and state regulatory standards. The program serves as a means to reduce environmental risks associated with unregulated or outdated tanks through reimbursement for specific, eligible preventative actions. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to small tank owners in Pennsylvania who own six or fewer regulated underground tanks. The funding is aimed at covering eligible costs directly related to pollution prevention measures. These eligible activities include pumping regulated product out of the tanks, disposing of the product, cleaning the tank interior, and grouting the fill pipe when tanks are temporarily removed from service. Importantly, the tanks must be officially registered with DEP prior to closure, and only regulated tanks that have not been upgraded qualify for funding under this initiative. The maximum reimbursement amount is $2,500 per tank, and the total grant award for an individual applicant cannot exceed $15,000. Grants are processed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual funding cap is reached. Although the total program funding per year is stated as $350,000, availability is contingent upon annual budget allocations and is not guaranteed. The application must be submitted only after all work is completed, and reimbursement will not be issued until all applicable fees and fines owed to DEP are settled. Additionally, all expenses are subject to audit and must align with the allowable cost categories defined by the DEP. The grant is not intended for costs associated with tank removal, site assessments, or remediation activities. Ineligible tanks include aboveground storage tanks, unregulated underground tanks such as those used for consumptive heating oil, and tanks that have already been upgraded. Furthermore, the grant covers retroactive work completed as far back as July 1, 1998, provided all other eligibility conditions are met. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Pennsylvania Electronic Single Application system. Applicants are required to upload a completed Itemized Expenses for Reimbursement Form, available in Word or PDF format. All applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and funding decisions are made based on the availability of funds at the time of review. The DEP does not guarantee funding to all applicants. For additional support, applicants can contact the DEP’s tank program team by email at [email protected] or by phone through the statewide toll-free number. Due to the structure of the program and the way funds are committed annually, the grant follows a non-standard cycle rather than recurring on a strict annual basis. The application window opened on July 1, 2024, and will remain open until June 30, 2026, making this a multi-year grant opportunity with a defined application period.