STORAGE TANKS > Overview

A power plant may store used oil in containers and/or storage tanks. Depending on whether used oil is stored in tanks and the design capacities of such tanks, the specific requirements applicable to a power plant’s storage tanks for used oil will vary. This section of the EVC will address Federal requirements associated with underground and aboveground storage tanks. The expanded content that is provided includes descriptions of what is required for storage tanks. In addition, it is important to note that some states have more stringent requirements than the Federal requirements for underground storage and aboveground storage tanks.

If your facility stores used oil underground, then several aspects related to the underground storage tanks (USTs) are regulated. They include:

• Performance standards for new and existing USTs
• Required notifications in the event of a release
• Spill and overfill control
• Corrosion protection
• Recordkeeping and reporting
• Release detection
• Release response
• Release reporting and investigation
• Closure of USTs

However, should your power plant store used oil aboveground, applicable requirements are generally at local and state levels. For example, Massachusetts regulates the use of tanks and/or containers for:

• Aboveground storage of combustible and flammable liquids
• Underground storage
• Used oil storage (i.e., “waste oil” storage)

Continue on through this EVC section to learn more about requirements associated with underground and aboveground used oil storage tanks at your power generation facility.