Changes in Underground Storage Tank Regulations; Final Rule

The EPA made changes to the 1988 Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations back in 2015, but the changes have not gone into effect until a date soon approaching, October 13, 2018. According to the EPA, the changes to the UST regulations are because of new technology proven to be reliable and accurate and the wide variety of new fuels on the market.

There are four main reasons for the EPA’s changes to the UST regulations: 

·       Operating and maintaining UST equipment properly

·       Prevent and detect UST spills and Releases

·       Protect against groundwater pollution

·       Even standard for all UST


Below are some of the following new changes to the EPA regulations that must be completed by October 13, 2018.

1.       Secondary Containment, Interstitial Leak Detection, Dispenser Containment1

When installing or replacing UST and piping owners must install secondary containment. Along with secondary containment, the owner must place interstitial monitoring as spill monitoring in these new tanks and pipes. Every new UST must have an Under-Dispenser Containment (UDC) installed.

2.       New Minimum Training Requirements2

Each operator working with a UST must be trained on the equipment by the manufacturer. Class A and B operators must receive training before October 13, 2018, or within 30 days of returning to work responsibilities. Class C workers must be trained before October 13, 2018.

3.       Walk Through Checks and Tests of Equipment3

Every 30 days the following equipment must be checked and tested: spill prevention equipment, release detection equipment, containment sump testing, and release detection system.

4.       Updated Criteria for Storing New Fuels4

New regulations for UST storing new emerging fuels.

5.       Past Deferrals for equipment were Removed5 6

The old deferral system for emergency generator tanks, field constructed tanks (FCT), airport hydrant systems (AHS) and wastewater treatment tank systems has changed due to new technology giving operators the ability to correctly and securely monitor these tanks.

6.       Updated Codes of Practice7 

New and updated codes of practice.

7.       State Program Approval (SPA)8

The EPA now requires that your state follow the new updated changes made to the UST regulations, even if you are in Indian country.

For a comprehensive list of changes made by the EPA go to: https://www.epa.gov/ust/revising-underground-storage-tank-regulations-revisions-existing-requirements-and-new#compliance

For a more detailed breakdown of each change go to: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-07/documents/regs2015-crosswalk.pdf

These kind of changes blindside many facilities. Preferred Utilities can help. We provide expertise along with a wide variety of valves, leak detection probes, and tank monitoring systems that help facilities keep up to date with the new regulation compliance. Preferred Utilities’ full staff of knowledgeable engineers work to keep the best products available, so your facility stays safe, secure and compliant. 

For the full line of services and products Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation offers please click on the link below or call 203-743-6741.

Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation

 

 

References and Links

1. https://www.epa.gov/ust/secondary-containment-and-under-dispenser-containment-2015-requirements

2. https://www.epa.gov/ust/operator-training-minimum-training-requirements-and-training-options

3. https://www.epa.gov/ust/operating-and-maintaining-ust-systems-2015-requirements

4. https://www.epa.gov/ust/emerging-fuels-and-underground-storage-tanks-usts

5. https://www.epa.gov/ust/emergency-power-generator-ust-systems-2015-requirement-release-detection

6. https://www.epa.gov/ust/field-constructed-tanks-and-airport-hydrant-systems-2015-requirements

7. https://www.epa.gov/ust/underground-storage-tanks-usts-laws-and-regulations#code

8. https://www.epa.gov/ust/state-underground-storage-tank-ust-programs#which

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