- Large above-ground heating oil tanks, with greater than 30,000 gallons of capacity where the product is consumed on the premises were stored are now reregulated. Tanks in this category were required to be registered with DEP by January 9, 2008.

- There are new specific requirements for having secondary containment, in place, by 2010. Where secondary containment is not present, and the tank is taken out of service for any reason, it will not be allowed to be placed back in service until the secondary containment is installed.

- For underground storage tank systems, where more than 50% of existing product piping is replaced, the entire length of underground storage tank piping must be replaced with double wall piping and sumps installed as well.

- The regulations clarify that where industry standards are referenced in regulations, the industry standards take precedence over the regulatory language.

- There are new requirements for above-ground storage tanks in underground vaults.

- There are a substantial number of modifications to the installer, inspector, and company certification program.

For more information, visit the DEP storage tanks website at www.depweb.state.pa.us, and enter the Key Words "storage tanks" for more information. At RT Review presstime, in addition to updated forms and applications, a copy of a Power Point presentation of the regulatory changes as well as links to the regulations themselves can be found on the storage tank program website.

Those owning and/or operating above-ground storage tanks in Pennsylvania should also be aware that DEP interprets Clean Streams Law Chapter 91.34, as requiring secondary containment at this time. This applies to all tanks regardless of site, whether they are regulated or not. Section 91.34 states that "persons engaged in activity which includes the impoundment, production, processing, transportation, storage, use, application or disposal of pollutants should take necessary measures to prevent the substances from directly or indirectly reaching the waters of this Commonwealth, through accident, carelessness, maliciousness, hazards of weather, or from another cause." According to a key DEP Tanks Program official, the Section of Clean Streams law regulations is used to cite those who do not have secondary containment, after a release occurs.

RT recommends above-ground storage tank owners and operators in the Commonwealth, plan to add secondary containment in the near future if it is not already present.

The UST Environmental Cleanup Program provides for reimbursement of up to $5,000 for corrective action taken by owners of heating oil USTs having capacities of 3,000-gallons or less. With the right guidance, the money can be obtained quickly if a release is discovered during removal of a heating oil UST and it eases the financial burden associated with environmental remediation of these spills.

The UST Pollution Prevention Program is geared more toward helping tank owners to take measures aimed at preventing releases from tanks. Grants of up to $2,500 are available to owners with six or fewer regulated USTs for pumping out and disposing of regulated product and then cleaning the insides of the USTs. These measures are designed to prevent releases from unused or unsafe (i.e., older, non-corrosion resistant USTs) tanks that have not been updated to regulatory standards.

Visit this link and enter keyword "Storage Tanks" for more information: www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp

(By Brian J. Beahan, P.G.-Alternative Environmental Solutions-11/16/07)