Regulations for installing underground storage tanks (USTs) on industrial land are primarily aimed at preventing soil and groundwater contamination, reducing the risk of leaks and spills, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. These regulations vary depending on the jurisdiction, but here are some common elements typically included in UST regulations:
1. Permitting and Registration:
- Industrial landowners or operators intending to install USTs are often required to obtain permits or register their tanks with the appropriate regulatory agency. This ensures that UST installations meet regulatory standards and that the tanks are properly monitored and maintained.
2. Design and Construction Standards:
- Regulations specify design and construction standards for USTs to minimize the risk of leaks, corrosion, and structural failures. These standards may include requirements for tank materials, corrosion protection, secondary containment, spill prevention, and overfill protection systems.
3. Installation Requirements:
- UST installation must be in accordance with regulatory requirements and manufacturerspecifications. Installation procedures typically involve proper site preparation, tank placement, anchoring, backfilling, and testing to ensure structural integrity and prevent leaks.
4. Leak Detection and Monitoring:
- Regulations often mandate the use of leak detection and monitoring systems to promptly identify leaks or releases from USTs. Common leak detection methods include automatic tank gauging, continuous monitoring, interstitial monitoring, and groundwater monitoring. Regular monitoring and testing of USTs and associated piping systems are essential for early leak detection and prevention of environmental contamination.
5. Spill and Overfill Prevention:
- UST regulations require the implementation of spill prevention and overfill protection measures to minimize the risk of accidental releases of stored substances. This may include the installation of spill containment berms, spill buckets, overfill alarms, emergency shutoff valves, and automatic shutoff systems to prevent spills during tank filling and transfer operations.
6. Corrosion Protection:
- Underground storage tanks are susceptible to corrosion, which can lead to leaks and contamination of soil and groundwater. Regulations often require USTs to be equipped with corrosion protection measures such as cathodic protection systems, corrosion-resistant coatings, or tank linings to extend the lifespan of tanks and prevent corrosion-related failures.
7. Secondary Containment:
- Many jurisdictions mandate the use of secondary containment systems for USTs to contain leaks or spills and prevent the migration of contaminants into the environment. Secondary containment may involve double-walled tanks, vaults, liners, or underground containment structures designed to capture leaked fluids and prevent groundwater contamination.
8. Tank Closure and Removal:
- When USTs are no longer in use or are being replaced, regulations typically require proper closure and removal procedures to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. Closure activities may include removing remaining liquids, cleaning tanks, purging vapors, and removing tanks from the ground. Tank removal must be conducted by licensed professionals in compliance with regulatory requirements and environmental standards.
9. Reporting and Recordkeeping:
- Industrial landowners or operators with USTs are often required to maintain records of tank installation, inspections, leak detection tests, maintenance activities, and compliance documentation. Additionally, regulations may require reporting of any leaks, spills, or incidents involving USTs to regulatory agencies in a timely manner.
10. Financial Responsibility:
- Some jurisdictions require industrial landowners or operators with USTs to demonstrate financial responsibility for potential cleanupcosts and liabilities associated with releases or contamination from USTs. This may involve obtaining insurance coverage, establishing financial assurance mechanisms, or participating in state-funded cleanup programs to ensure that adequate funds are available to address environmental impacts and remediate contaminated sites.
Compliance with UST regulations is essential for preventing environmental contamination, protecting public health, and avoiding potential liabilities associated with leaks, spills, or releases from underground storage tanks on industrial land. Industrial landowners or operators should familiarize themselves with applicable regulations, obtain necessary permits, and implement best practices for UST installation, operation, maintenance, and closure to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize environmental risks.
