Releases from Underground Storage Tanks

Releases from Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) are defined by the federal regulations in 40 CFR Section 280.12. The Federal cleanup process regulations are described in 40 CFR Subpart F.  

EPA works with state, territorial, tribal, and industry partners to clean up releases from regulated underground storage tanks (USTs) and develop strategies to clean up stalled or legacy UST releases.  Left unattended, releases can contaminate soil, groundwater, surface water, or indoor air.   Cleaning up UST releases protects our environment and the health of Americans. 

States and territories are the primary implementing agencies for the cleanup regulations.

EPA implements the underground storage tank (UST) program in Indian Country and provides support to tribal governments to prevent and clean up petroleum releases from USTs

Releases from unregulated USTs (for example, residential heating oil tanks) and other petroleum discharges (for example, from pipelines or tanker truck roadway spills) are not included in federal UST regulations and are addressed by each state under local laws and regulations.

The Leaking Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Process

Petroleum Brownfields

Why clean up releases? 

EPA's federal underground storage tank (UST) regulations require that contaminated UST sites are cleaned up to protect human health and the environment, for example by restoring and protecting groundwater resources and creating a safe environment for those who live or work around these sites. Petroleum releases contain contaminants that can make water unsafe or unpleasant to drink and can make exposure to petroleum contaminated soil or air harmful. Releases can also result in fire and explosion hazards, lead to long-term health effects, and adversely affect surface water environments.

How many UST releases are there?

Over 568,000 UST releases had been confirmed as of September 2022. Steady cleanup work has progressed and over 508,000 contaminated sites have been cleaned up. While much good work has been and continues to be done, there are about 60,000 UST sites remaining to be cleaned up. You can find information on the number of releases and cleanup actions taken, as well as an analysis of the remaining cleanup sites by visiting the links below. 

• 20 Years of Progress Closing LUST Sites
• LUST cleanup backlog
• UST performance measures

The Cost of Cleanup 

Contaminated UST sites vary considerably. Some are very contaminated, affect drinking water resources, and may involve years of cleanup activities that can cost millions of dollars. Other sites may have little or no groundwater contamination allowing the site to be restored quickly at low cost. Some petroleum releases have affected only surrounding soil and have not involved groundwater—these are generally easier and less expensive to clean up.

The Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) conducts an annual survey of costs incurred by state fund programs for cleaning up releases from USTs. Combined, these state fund programs raise and spend approximately $1 billion per year in addition to federal outlays from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund and amounts paid by responsible parties.

Resources

• ASTSWMO annual state fund survey of cleanup costs
• LUST Trust Fund

Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) Laws and Regulations

The Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA ) of 1976 (also known as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)), as amended, Title 42 United States Code Section 6991 is the law that addresses underground storage tanks.  In particular, Title 42 Unites States Code Section 6991b addresses release corrective action.  The EPA regulations that address UST releases and cleanups are found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  In particular:

• 40 CFR 280 Subpart E outlines regulations for Release Reporting, Investigations, and Confirmation
• 40 CFR 280 Subpart F outlines regulations for corrective action at underground storage tank release sites

Most LUST cases are addressed and resolved by the states who implement the federal law and regulations. Contact your local implementing authority to find out their specific requirements and to obtain guidance on LUST concerns you may have. EPA implements LUST cleanups in Indian Country.

Training Resources

• EPA, The Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Council (NEIWPCC) offer a range of training programs that cover many aspects of leaking underground storage tanks.