The EC does not regulate this topic.
The Danish rules and practice are as follows:
Prior to 1 April 1970, there was no model type approval requirement for heating oil storage tanks. However, the tanks were given a 20 year lifetime, after which time they had be to emptied and sealed. Thus in principle, all tanks commissioned before 1970 should now be abolished.
Since 1 April 1970, the tanks have had to be model type approved, for which reason no age limit has yet been set; one will undoubtedly be imposed within the next few years, however.
At regular intervals - perhaps 300-400 times a year - oil storage tanks puncture. The Municipality then orders the owner to remove the polluted earth within the space of a few days. If the owner does not comply, the Municipality undertakes the excavation work. In all events, it is nearly always the owner’s insurance company who pays, the great majority of owners having taken out the relevant policy.
Progress on the regulation of subterranean heating oil storage tanks
seems to have been adequate to protect the groundwater resource; despite the great number
of such subterranean tanks and the destructive impact of heating oil on groundwater, the
loss of groundwater resources as a result of heating oil pollution has been negligible.