The Deadline to Implement the New EPA UST Regulations is Looming

EPA UST Regulations DeadlineIn July 2015, the EPA published its’s latest UST regulations and gave the local authorities and facilities three years for implementation. Some states have already put the regulations into place, but many states are still working the proposed new regulations through their systems; the state legislature or administrative body, public comment, and then publication.

These new rules go into effect October 13, 2018.According to the EPA: “The revisions strengthen the 1988 federal underground storage tank (UST) regulations by increasing emphasis on properly operating and maintaining UST equipment. The revisions will help prevent and detect UST releases, which are a leading source of groundwater contamination. The revisions will also help ensure all USTs in the United States, including those in Indian country, meet the same minimum standards. This is the first major revision to the federal UST regulations since 1988.”The 2015 UST regulations changed certain portions of the 1988 UST technical regulations. These current changes added new operation and maintenance requirements and addressed UST systems deferred in the 1988 UST regulation. Among the changes:

  • Added secondary containment requirements for new and replaced tanks and piping
  • Added operator training requirements
  • Added periodic operation and maintenance requirements for UST systems
  • Added requirements to ensure UST system compatibility before storing certain biofuel blends
  • Removed past deferrals for emergency generator tanks, field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems

PASS Training is working with state regulators to update training, incorporating new federal and state regulations to prepare owner/operators for the October deadline. Additionally, PASS Training has an inexpensive Class C on-line operator training.

PASS Tools, Regulatory UpdatesRaymond Rees