UST systems require constant monitoring and upkeep and are subject to several types of regulations. Federal regulations apply to UST’s holding substances such as petroleum and other hazardous substances. UST systems that are not regulated by the federal government usually fall under state and/or local jurisdiction. The type of tank, its contents, location, and storage capacity determine whether it is regulated by the federal, state, or local government. Since each type of UST can be subject to different policies, all regulations regarding a UST system should be checked to make sure compliance with all policies, laws, and regulations have been met.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with individual states and local governments, closely supervises the proper installation and maintenance of UST’s. The EPA manages a national Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST), which provides information about UST regulations, performs regular inspections of UST’s, and enforces the laws regarding such systems. Some of the regulations applying to UST’s include:

• Corrosion Protection
• Spill Protection
• Overfill Protection
• Record-keeping
• Financial Responsibility for Spills
• Corrective Actions

Regulations also apply to the opening and closing of UST’s. The operator of a UST must file notification forms and certificates of correct installation before it is put into use. When seeking temporary or permanent closure of a UST, the owner must follow a list of procedures for its correct and safe closure, removal of the product contained therein, proper cleanup measures, and must file the proper forms. Information on all regulations, laws, forms, and procedures can be obtained from the EPA’s OUST division.

Note – Installing an Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) instead of a UST is not a way to avoid the same kinds of regulations that apply to UST’s. AST’s are also subject to laws and regulations, and the proper procedures must be followed for all storage tanks.

A well-maintained UST system is not a health or environmental hazard. However, if the system is in poor condition or improperly monitored, the substance contained in the system can leak into and contaminate the surrounding soil, groundwater, and community water supplies. Petroleum products, one of the most popular set of substances stored in UST’s, can make water unsafe to drink and have other long-term health effects if it is released into the environment, as well as remaining in the soil and water systems for extended periods. Leakage of flammable products can also cause potential fire and explosion hazards. Hazardous substances can escape into the environment through:

• Spills
• Overfills
• Tank corrosion

The regulations regarding UST’s are designed to prevent spills and overfill caused by bad filling practices, as well as providing procedures for monitoring and avoiding any tank corrosion that may occur.

The prevention of dangerous storage tank releases is the main focus of many of the regulations regarding UST’s. While each type of storage system is subject to its own limitations and should be carefully monitored to prevent environmentally hazardous materials from escaping, there are several general common-sense practices and requirements for preventing releases:

• Maintain a proper spill-protection system, utilizing a catchment basin (usually a bucket sealed around the fill pipe) to contain small spills that may occur during filling
• Make sure that there is room in the tank for the substance you are filling it with
• Make sure all fittings, pipes, and connections are tight enough to prevent accidental releases during filling
• Make sure that the UST system is properly equipped to manage the type of filling devices utilized
• Maintain overfill protection utilizing systems such as automatic shutoff devices, overfill alarms, and ball float valves
• Monitor all fills until their completion
• Follow all industry standard practices for filling tanks, and check to make sure everyone involved follows the same practices

• Protect the tank and piping system from corrosion by monitoring it closely, and make sure that the UST system is constructed of or upgraded with non-corrodible materials
• Make sure that the system has been installed in accordance with the national code of practice
• Have a certified person test the integrity of the tank periodically
• If there has been a leak in the past, replace the faulty piping and materials
  
   
• Detection