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 take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

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.