Many automotive shops supply fuel for automobiles and other vehicles. They range from the local repair shop to the gas ‘n go shops that sell just fuel and provide no other automotive service. In addition, auto repair shops may keep used oil or fuel for emergency generators in underground tanks. These petroleum fluids are stored in underground storage tanks (USTs) which is defined as a tank, and any underground piping connected to the tank, that has at least ten percent of its combined volume underground, and is greater than 110 gallons in capacity.To protect human health and the environment from dangerous releases, USTs must have leak detection and spill, overfill, and corrosion protection. Other UST requirements address notification, installation, corrective action, financial responsibility, and recordkeeping. For more information on USTs, visit EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks website at www.epa.gov/oust.

Has the facility notified the State or EPA UST program office of any USTs located on-site?

Facilities with on-site regulated UST systems must submit a notification form to the responsible state (or EPA if you are located on Indian Lands) Underground Storage Tank (UST) program. The form includes certification of compliance with federal requirements for installation, corrosion protection, release detection, and financial responsibility for UST systems installed after December 22, 1988. For more information on how to obtain and complete the form, call EPA’s UST Hotline at (800) 424-9346. The notification form is available at: www.epa.gov/oust/fedlaws/cfr.htm#ustform.

Yes–Facility has submitted a notification form to the responsible State or EPA UST program office.  √

No–Facility has not submitted a notification form to the responsible State or EPA UST program office.

N/A–Facility has no USTs.

Does the facility conduct leak detection for tanks and piping of all on-site USTs?

Facilities with federally regulated UST systems must conduct leak detection. The monthly monitoring methods that may be used to conduct leak detection of tanks include the following:

• Automatic tank gauging: This method uses automated processes to monitor product level and inventory control in the tank.
• Statistical inventory reconciliation: A trained professional conducts a statistical analysis of inventory, delivery and dispensing data, which the facility must provide on a regular basis.
• Secondary containment and interstitial monitoring: This method monitors interstitial space between containment barriers (for example, a double walled tank).
• Vapor Monitoring: This method samples vapors in the soil surrounding the UST. Leaked petroleum produces vapors that can be detected in the soil gas.
• Groundwater monitoring: This method monitors the groundwater table near an UST for the presence of released product into the water table.
• Other methods approved by the regulatory authority.

Note: Facilities with USTs may use inventory control and tank tightness testing instead of one of the monthly monitoring methods for a maximum of 10 years after the tank is installed or upgraded with corrosion protection.In addition, any pressurized piping must have: (1) monthly monitoring (as described above) or annual line testing, and (2) an automatic flow restrictor, an automatic shutoff device, or a continuous alarm system installed. Check with your State or EPA UST program office to determine which leak detection methods are acceptable in your state.

Yes— Facility conducts at least one leak detection method for tanks and pipes as described above.  √

No–Facility does not conduct leak detection.

N/A–Facility does not have any federally regulated USTs.

Do USTs at the facility meet requirements for spill, overfill, and corrosion protection?

Spill Prevention:Many releases at UST sites come from spills made during delivery. Spills usually result from human error and can be avoided if everyone involved in the fuel delivery follows industry standard practices for tank filling. USTs must also have catchment basins to contain small spills. Basically, a catchment basin is a bucket sealed around the fill pipe.

Overfill:

When delivery drivers or UST owners make fuel delivery mistakes, a tank can be overfilled quickly and large volumes can be released at the fill pipe and through loose fittings on the top of the tank or a loose vent pipe. Overfills usually result from human error and can be avoided if everyone involved in the fuel delivery follows industry standard practices for tank filling. USTs must have overfill protection devices when they are installed. The three main types of overfill protection devices are:

• Automatic shutoff devices,
• Overfill alarms, and
• Ball float valves.

Corrosion Protection:Unprotected underground metal components of the UST system can corrode and release product through corrosion holes. Corrosion can begin as pitting on the metal surface. As the pitting becomes deeper, holes may develop. Even a small corrosion hole can leak hundreds of gallons of petroleum into the surrounding environment over a year. In addition to tanks and piping, metal components can include flexible connectors, swing joints, and turbines. All metal UST system components that are in contact with the ground and routinely contain product must be protected from corrosion. All USTs installed after December 22, 1988, must meet one of the following performance standards for corrosion protection:

• Tank and piping completely made of noncorrodible material, such as fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
• Tank and piping made of steel having a corrosion resistant coating AND having cathodic protection.
• Tank made of steel clad with a thick layer of noncorrodible material (this option does not apply to piping).
• Tank and piping are installed without additional corrosion protection measures provided that a corrosion expert has determined that the site is not corrosive enough to cause it to have a release due to corrosion during its operating life and owners/operators maintain records that demonstrate compliance with this requirement.
• Tank and piping construction and corrosion protection are determined by the implementing agency to be designed to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored regulated substance in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than the options listed above.

Yes–Facility has spill, overfill, and corrosion protection devices.  √

No–Facility does not have protection devices installed.

N/A–Facility does not have any federally regulated USTs.