Many facilities use underground storage tanks (USTs) to store petroleum products, waste or other chemicals. In December 1998, regulations designed to avoid the release of petroleum products or hazardous materials from USTs by overfill, leakage or corrosion.

You might think that, as long as you follow these regulations, you’re all set. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily so. If you store petroleum products, virgin products or waste in USTs, consider this:

• The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act may require you to report the storage of certain chemicals at certain quantities.
• If you store waste paint or waste oil in USTs, you may be required to meet hazardous waste regulations.
• If your annual fueling of maintenance vehicles exceeds maximum threshold levels, you must install Stage 2 vapor recovery equipment.
• Depending on volume, you may need a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan if you are storing petroleum products above certain volume levels.

Follow these links for more information and best practices associated with USTs.