When Nature Strikes: Protecting Underground Storage Tanks from Natural Disasters
At the 2025 National Tanks Conference in Spokane, one session in particular stood out: “Wildfires, Earthquakes & Hurricanes, Oh My! Emergency Response to Natural Disasters.” The discussion underscored how quickly the familiar landscape of our industry can change when nature takes control — and how critical preparedness is for protecting underground storage tank (UST) systems.
Natural disasters don’t just damage buildings and power lines; they threaten the integrity of UST and aboveground storage tank (AST) systems that keep our fuel infrastructure running. When floods, fires, or earthquakes strike, these systems can fail, releasing petroleum and hazardous substances that compound environmental and safety risks.
Fortunately, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed detailed guidance for UST owners, operators, and regulators to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. Their Natural Disasters and Underground Storage Tanks resource page brings together a suite of documents designed to reduce risk and speed recovery when disaster strikes.
Understanding the Risks
Every type of disaster presents unique challenges for fuel storage systems:
Flooding can lift tanks from the ground, rupture piping, or inundate containment areas with contaminated water.
Wildfires can melt components, burn wiring, and compromise containment systems.
Earthquakes can fracture lines and break venting or fill connections, leading to leaks that may go unnoticed amid broader infrastructure damage.
The EPA highlights that “underground storage tank systems can be vulnerable to damage and even release regulated substances into the environment” when natural disasters occur. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward mitigating them.
EPA’s Key Guidance Documents
EPA’s documentation provides a roadmap for preparation, response, and recovery. These materials are free and designed to be practical for operators, inspectors, and emergency responders alike:
Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide (PDF) – A comprehensive guide to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from flood impacts to UST systems.
Underground Storage Tank Flood Checklist (PDF) – A condensed, actionable list for flood-preparedness planning.
Wildfire Guide: Preparation and Recovery for Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Systems (PDF) – Published in 2024, this guide outlines specific steps facilities can take before, during, and after wildfire exposure.
Recommended Actions for UST Facilities Impacted by Fire (PDF) – A quick-reference for assessing system safety following fire incidents.
Recommended Actions for Facilities with Aboveground Storage Tanks Impacted by Fire (PDF) – Complements the UST guide with AST-specific actions.
Post-Severe Weather Checklist (DOCX) – A practical tool for evaluating UST system condition after hurricanes, tornadoes, or other major weather events.
Each of these resources helps tank owners and operators evaluate their risks, implement proactive measures, and make informed decisions during emergencies.
Applying the Guidance in the Field
Preparedness begins long before disaster strikes. Facilities can use the EPA’s flood and wildfire checklists to evaluate vulnerable areas, secure vent pipes, verify spill containment integrity, and ensure emergency power systems are ready.
When events unfold, quick access to the EPA’s post-severe weather checklists helps teams safely assess damage before resuming fuel operations. These same tools can guide emergency responders when entering affected areas, ensuring containment and environmental protection.
After the immediate response, the Flood Guide and Wildfire Guide provide best practices for cleanup, repair documentation, and coordination with state and federal regulators — essential for maintaining compliance and safety during recovery.
Lessons from Spokane
During the NTC session, participants discussed how these types of guidance materials bridge the gap between emergency response and long-term resilience. One key takeaway: when disasters happen, tank system preparedness can make the difference between a short disruption and a major environmental release.
For regions like the Pacific Northwest, where wildfires and earthquakes pose growing threats, applying the EPA’s documentation is not just recommended — it’s essential. For coastal and southern states, flood and hurricane planning are equally vital.
Even though there is currently no formal EPA guidance addressing the human side of disaster response, Jon McRae, Supervisor of the UST/LUST Bureau of Corrective Actions at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, raised an often-overlooked concern during the discussion — the mental health of first responders. He urged regulators and agencies to incorporate psychological well-being into their emergency-response frameworks, emphasizing that “responders face tremendous emotional and physical strain when working in the aftermath of a disaster.”
McRae’s remarks were a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about people. Protecting the workforce that protects our environment is equally critical.
Where to Learn More
You can explore and download the EPA’s complete set of documents here:
Natural Disasters and Underground Storage Tanks – EPA Resource Hub
This central hub includes guides, checklists, and case studies — including “Lessons Learned” from major disasters nationwide. Whether you’re a state regulator, a fuel-site owner, or a service provider, these materials offer practical insight into reducing risk and ensuring environmental safety.
Final Thoughts
Natural disasters remind us how interconnected our infrastructure really is. The same systems that keep our communities fueled can also pose environmental risks if not properly managed.
By using the EPA’s documentation as part of routine emergency-planning and training — and by remembering Jon McRae’s call to care for the people behind the response — the UST community can strengthen its resilience from the ground up.
Take Action: Be Ready Before the Disaster
Preparedness begins with training. Every certified Class A/B Operator plays a crucial role in ensuring that UST systems are properly maintained, inspected, and secured before a natural disaster ever strikes. Understanding your system, your compliance requirements, and your response responsibilities is the best line of defense against both environmental harm and costly downtime.
Start or renew your A/B Operator Training today with PASS Training & Compliance
Our state-approved online courses cover inspection procedures, emergency response, and environmental protection practices — the same fundamentals that keep facilities safe when nature tests our systems the hardest.
