UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS: TIME IS RUNNING OUT

 

All underground storage tanks (UFT)must be replaced, closed, or upgraded by December of 1998. Federal regulations require that by December 22, 1998, all existing underground storage tanks have spill protection, overfill protection and corrosion protection.

Upgrade requirements for existing underground storage tanks are:

1. Spill Protection

Tanks must have catch basins to contain spills from delivery hoses.

2. Overfill Protection

Tanks must have ONE of the following:

3. Corrosion Protection

Tanks must match ONE of the following:

i Steel tank-resistant coating and cathodic protection.

i Tank made of noncorrodible material.

i Steel tank clad with or enclosed in noncorrodible material.

i Uncoated steel tank has interior lined with noncorrodible material.

i Uncoated steel tank has cathoding protection and interior lined with noncorrodible material.

Missing the December 1998 deadline puts you in financial harms way. The Department

of Environmental Conservation can cite the school for violations and fines. Failure to comply

with the UST standards also may affect your school insurance coverage.

The above regulations apply only to tanks for gasoline, diesel or waste oil. EXEMPT from the federal regulation are heating oil tanks for on premise consumption.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Spill Management

(1-800-388-8223) will be able to assist you. Your local BOCES Environmental Safety and

Health Office will also be able to assist you.