Search

EPA Updates Rule for Underground Storage Tanks (UST)

Posted on 7/1/2015 by Roger Marks

Update: US EPA published a Final Rule to revise the requirements for underground storage tanks (UST) in the Federal Register on July 15, 2015. Read the Final Rule here. 

The US EPA announced on Monday, June 29, that it will soon publish a Final Rule to update its underground storage tank (UST) regulations. While many states have kept their UST rules up-to-date with changing technology and environmental requirements, this is the first major change to the Federal standards since the rules were originally written in 1988. Hundreds of thousands of US facilities rely on underground storage tanks—because they either sell petroleum products or use the tanks to store gasoline for their own vehicles.

EPA regulates underground storage tanks, or USTs

In addition to closing regulatory loopholes by addressing systems originally deferred in the 1988 rule, the new UST requirements include:
  • Added secondary containment requirements for new and replaced tanks and piping
  • New training requirements for UST operators
  • Operation and maintenance requirements for UST systems
  • Incorporation of new release prevention and detection technologies
  • Updating the state approval program to incorporate these changes.
The new rules implement some provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to require operator training and secondary containment for underground storage tanks. The goal of these new EPA regulations is to prevent a release of petroleum and hazardous substances into the environment. According to EPA data, about 6,000 releases—mainly caused by improper maintenance and operation of UST systems—are discovered each year.

Expert Training for EHS Professionals

Be confident your facility is in compliance with the latest US EPA air, water, and chemical regulations. Attend the interactive Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop, presented in cities nationwide! From the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act to EPCRA, TSCA, CERCLA and more, you will learn what you need to know to protect your employees, the environment, and your company’s compliance record.

Tags: hazardous, new rules, RCRA, UST, waste

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.