Site Environmental Assessment
Before gas station development, a thorough environmental review is conducted to identify contamination risks.
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) checks for past hazardous use
- Phase II ESA involves soil and groundwater testing if contamination is suspected
- Risk-based corrective actions (RBCA) may be required before approval
- Remediation must be completed per state and environmental authority guidelines
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Regulations
USTs must comply with strict federal and state-level construction, monitoring, and safety standards.
- Tanks must be double-walled with secondary containment to prevent leaks
- Leak detection systems must be installed and monitored continuously
- USTs must be registered with environmental agencies and inspected regularly
- Steel tanks require corrosion protection systems like cathodic shielding
Spill Prevention and Containment Controls
Regulatory mandates require systems to prevent, detect, and contain fuel spills on-site.
- Spill containment sumps are required at dispensers and fill ports
- Overfill prevention devices must shut off fuel flow automatically
- Stormwater runoff systems must isolate fuel-contaminated discharge
- Facilities must implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan
Decommissioning and Upgrade Requirements
Older gas stations or tank systems must be upgraded or decommissioned per new compliance rules.
- Non-compliant single-walled tanks may need removal or closure in place
- Proper closure includes soil sampling and removal of residual fuels
- Upgrades may include new tank materials and digital monitoring systems
- Local authorities must be notified of removals, and closure reports submitted
