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The Utah State Underground Storage Tank program is a regulatory branch of the Department of Environmental Quality. Its primary goal is to protect human health and the environment from leaking underground storage tanks (USTs). The UST staff oversees: UST notification, installation, inspection, removal, and compliance with State and Federal UST regulations concerning release prevention and remediation.
WHAT ARE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS?
An UST is a tank system, including piping connected to the tank, that has at least 10 percent of its volume underground. Federal and state regulations apply only to those USTs containing petroleum products or certain hazardous chemicals. USTs not regulated include:
WHY WORRY ABOUT AN UST RELEASE?
Utah obtains more than 50% of the population's drinking water from groundwater. Currently, there are more than 3000 leaking UST sites in Utah. These sites have resulted in contaminated ground water and in some cases, explosive situations. Many more USTs in Utah could leak or have yet to be discovered in the future adding to the existing problems.
WHAT DO THE UST REGULATIONS ACCOMPLISH?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the help of the regulated industry, developed regulations concerning UST owners and operators. The goals of these regulations include:
The EPA phased-in many of the requirements over a ten year period beginning December 22, 1988. By December 22, 1998, all operating facilities were required to be upgraded with corrosion protection, spill and overfill equipment, and regularly monitored for a release. Non-operational facilities must be properly closed.
For more information regarding the EPA UST regulations, please visit "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" at EPA's OUST HomePage.
THE UTAH UST PROGRAM
As a result of the federal mandate, the State of Utah amended the Solid and Hazardous Waste Act in 1986 which established the Utah UST Program. UST owners and operators were required to register all USTs. In 1989, the Underground Storage Tank Act was enacted; it details the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Secretary (UST), the Solid and Hazardous Waste Control Board, and the Utah UST Program Authority. The act established the Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) Fund and provides certain requirements for UST owners and operators.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY (UST): The Executive Secretary (UST) is an individual who has the authority to administer the UST Program as established by the Utah Legislature. The Executive Secretary answers to the Utah Solid and Hazardous Waste Control Board which consists of approximately ten individuals appointed by the Governor.
THE UST SECTION: The UST section of the Division of Environmental Response and Remediation (DERR), is a group of environmental scientists whose task is to oversee the regulated public in issues that concern the operational life of USTs up to proper closing of UST systems. The UST staff has tracked about 15,000 USTs and currently regulates approximately 4,300 USTs at more than 1,500 different facilities. UST staff members perform compliance inspections, issue compliance notices, and serve as expert witnesses at administrative hearings. Outreach classes and seminars are taught throughout the state.
THE LUST SECTION: The Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) section of DERR oversees remediation of contamination from USTs. LUST scientists and engineers review and reestablish clean-up guidelines. When responsible parties are not available or are unable to pay for the remediation of a LUST site, the LUST staff is required to define the degree of hazard, possibly take action with LUST-TRUST money to abate the hazard and remediate the site, and recover costs incurred from responsible parties. Often, responsible parties seek the guidance of the LUST staff to insure clean-up in a timely and economical fashion.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SECTION: The administrative support section oversees collection of UST fees and monitors expenditures. Accountants and technicians answer questions concerning billings and distribute funds where appropriate.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNER/OPERATORS OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SYSTEMS?
You can obtain more information and forms from the DERR, 168 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116; phone (801) 536-4100.
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