The Underground Storage Tank (UST) program was created in 1985 to help prevent contamination caused by leaking tanks. Tank owners and operators must comply with state rules for USTs.

The goal of the UST Program is to protect human health and the environment by preventing releases of petroleum and hazardous substances from UST systems. The release of these regulated products into the environment threatens groundwater resources and can cause explosive vapors to seep into confined spaces and occupied dwellings.

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the UST Program are to ensure that:

1. UST systems are properly constructed and designed using recognized industry standards;
2. Installations, repairs and removals are conducted and inspected by qualified and trained individuals;
3. Active USTs are properly operated and monitored for releases;
4. Upon closure, USTs are properly decommissioned and sites assessed for contamination.

A summary table of the requirements for each UST system can be found HERE

PERMITTING
All regulated USTs must be permitted for construction/installation and operation. Construction permits are issued for one year and operational permits are issued for up to five years with an annual permit fee. The rules require each petroleum facility to prominently display a current valid operating permit or certificate.

Petroleum distributors are not allowed to fill an UST that has a red tag affixed to its fill port stating “Do Not Fill”.

Note: USTs larger than 1100 gallons used exclusively for on-premises heating may be subject to plan oversight review by the Department of Public Safety, Fire Prevention Division

Lists of permitted and registered facilities can be found HERE