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

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

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.