THE REGULATIONS WHICH CONFUSED MANY TANK OWNERS ARE THE SAME REGULATIONS WHICH CONFUSED MANY UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SERVICE PROVIDERS.
THEIR CONFUSION COULD MEAN THAT YOUR TANKS ARE NOT COMPLIANT!
THE REGULATIONS REQUIRED COMPLIANCE WITH FOUR BASIC PROVISIONS:
1> CORROSION PROTECTION - TO PREVENT RELEASES;
2> RELEASE DETECTION MONITORING - TO DETECT RELEASES QUICKLY;
3> OVERFILL AND SPILL PREVENTION MEASURES - TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL RELEASES DURING PRODUCT TRANSFER; AND,
4> FINANCIAL ASSURANCE THAT ANY RELEASE WILL BE CLEANED UP BY THE TANK OWNER.
MANY TANK OWNERS RELY ON STATE FUNDS TO PAY FOR SITE CLEAN UP IN THE EVENT OF A RELEASE
NON-COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS CAN DISQUALIFY YOU FROM RECEIVING THESE CLEAN UP FUNDS. MOST OF THESE FUNDS ARE ON THE BRINK OF INSOLVENCY AND ARE LOOKING FOR ANY EXCUSE TO DENY YOUR CLAIM. ADDITIONALLY, MANY OF THESE FUNDS WILL SUNSET, REQUIRING TANK OWNERS TO OBTAIN PRIVATE INSURANCE TO COVER POLLUTION LIABILITY CLAIMS. THESE PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL ALSO WANT TO AVOID PAYING CLAIMS WHICH CAN BE DISPUTED DUE TO NON-COMPLIANCE ISSUES.
SOME NON-COMPLIANCE ISSUES ARE:
* FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER LEAK DETECTION RECORDS
* SWING JOINTS INSTALLED ON PIPING
* COMPATIBILITY OF SOME OLDER FIBERGLASS TANKS WITH MODERN FUELS
* IMPROPER TANK REGISTRATIONS
* MAINTAINING CATHODIC PROTECTION RECORDS
* INSPECTION OF INTERNALLY LINED TANKS
* AND MANY MORE!
THE UST REGULATIONS DO NOT ELIMINATE RELEASES, THEY ONLY SERVE TO ALLOW TANKS TO STAY IN THE GROUND LONGER BEFORE THEY BEGIN TO LEAK!
The EPA requires that tanks be leak free for their operational life. But, with the exception of secondarily contained tank systems, the safeguards implemented under the rule (leak detection) only alert the owner to a probable after the tank has contaminated the surrounding environment and a clean up is necessary.
DID YOU KNOW?
* PIPING AND FITTINGS OF TANK SYSTEMS ARE HISTORICALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE THAN 75% OF ALL USTS RELEASES.
* FIBERGLASS PIPING SYSTEMS MAY HAVE METALLIC COMPONENTS WHICH REQUIRE CATHODIC PROTECTION.
* TANKS UPGRADED BY CATHODIC PROTECTION ALONE HAVE NO DESIGNATED OPERATIONAL LIFE. WHEN THE TANK BEGINS TO LEAK, THE OPERATIONAL LIFE OF THE TANK IS OVER.
* VIDEO INSPECTION OF INTERNALLY LINED TANKS PROVIDES INFORMATION THAT CAN BE USED TO DETERMINE THE NEED FOR MANNED INTERNAL INSPECTION.
* SOME OLDER FIBERGLASS TANKS MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH MODERN MOTOR FUELS.
* SINGLE WALL TANKS CAN BE FITTED WITH SECONDARY CONTAINMENT WITHOUT REMOVAL.
LET T.R. CONSULTING DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM
We can perform a site investigation to uncover compliance issues and will be happy to supply you with references to customers we have helped find compliance problems.
For more information < CLICK HERE > OR CALL US AT (719) 359-8467.