Underground Storage Tanks

Laws

A complete version of the law that governs underground storage tanks (USTs) is available in the U.S. Code, Title 42, Chapter 82, Subchapter IX . This law incorporates amendments to Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act and gives EPA the authority to regulate USTs. Subchapter IX: Regulation of Underground Storage Tanks (41 pp, 126K, About PDF) provides a downloadable file of the regulation. This law incorporates amendments to Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act as well as the UST provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Regulations

EPA's regulations concerning USTs are contained in 40 CFR Part 280, 40 CFR Part 281 and 40 CFR Parts 282.50-282.105. The regulations are divided into three sections: technical requirements, financial responsibility requirements, and state program approval objectives.

Policies

In accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, EPA developed grant guidelines, a tribal strategy and an Indian Country UST report.

EPA issued Policy Directives (1988-1999) to provide regulatory agencies with information to help them implement the UST program.

The UST Technical Compendium is a collection of questions and answers which interpret guidance issued by EPA's Office of Underground Storage Tanks.

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