Legal Requirements for Underground Storage Tanks

Individuals and businesses use underground storage tanks to keep various materials. These materials are typically hazardous. Underground storage tanks are subject to federal and state regulations. Here are some of the requirements.

Registration

A property owner is required to register their underground storage tank with the state governing body responsible for the oversight of the tank. The state’s environmental agency is usually the designated authority for keeping track of underground tanks. You will have to list pertinent details about the container, including who owns it, how it operates and what materials it holds.

Maintenance

As part of regular tank maintenance, you will need to inspect your underground tank at least every thirty days thoroughly. A vital part of the inspection is release detection to determine if any materials are coming out of the container. If your tank is leaking, you may need to contact someone specializing in oil tank removal Westchester County NY to extract the tank for repair or replacement.

During an inspection, you also need to check all the gauges and connections to ensure the tank system is operating properly. The secondary containment structure must be inspected regularly to help avoid any seepage into the environment. If any components of the underground tank are faulty or damaged, they will need to be replaced right away.

In addition to inspection of the tank and its components, you must monitor the groundwater for any possible contamination. Regular maintenance should also include installation and upkeep of anti-corrosion materials to protect the tank and the materials being stored.

Clean Up

As an underground tank owner, you will be required to remediate any damage caused by seepage from the container. If you discover a leak, you must report it to the state environmental agency. The agency will advise on the proper cleanup procedures for the particular material. You may get some financial assistance from the environmental agency for funding the remediation project.

The first step for any cleanup project is to stop the leak from the underground tank. You will then have to remove the polluting material. Further site remediation may be necessary, depending on the extent of the damage.

Underground storage tanks can provide many benefits to users as they allow storage of bulk materials that do not take up surface space and do not diminish the property aesthetics. The legal requirements for underground storage must be complied with to reap these benefits.