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AST, or Above Ground Storage Tanks, are crucial for storing petroleum, chemicals, and water in industries, businesses, and homes. However, improper management can lead to environmental and public health issues. To ensure safe operation and maintenance, federal and state governments have enacted laws. This article explores some of the types of above ground storage tank regulations.
ASTs, used for centuries to store liquids and gases, have faced numerous environmental pollution incidents due to lack of regulations. In 1988, a massive AST storing 11 million gallons of oil ruptured, releasing over a million gallons into Pennsylvania’s Monongahela River. This tragedy affected the water supply for over a million people and underscored the need for regulations to ensure safe operation of ASTs.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary federal agency responsible for regulating ASTs, which are substances that pose significant risks to human health. The EPA has issued numerous regulations, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), and the Clean Water Act (CWA), to address these risks. The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule, created under RCRA, mandates facilities to have a plan for preventing, anticipating, and responding to oil spills.
Facilities with more than 1,320 gallons of oil in above ground storage tanks and containers are subject to the SPCC Rule. The EPA also mandates businesses to install secondary containment systems to prevent oil spills from entering adjacent shorelines or navigable waters. The Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates emissions from storage tanks, including NESHAPs and NSPS, which require facilities to use vapor recovery systems and conduct routine inspections. The Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation, created under the Clean Water Act, mandates facilities to have a strategy for preventing, anticipating, and responding to oil spills into navigable waterways or adjacent shorelines. Facilities that keep more than 1,320 gallons of oil in above-ground containers are subject to this requirement.
States have their own above ground storage tank regulations, often stricter than federal ones, with some having lower levels for when rules apply or more stringent requirements for secondary containment systems. Other states also mandate more thorough training for AST operators and frequent inspections by licensed experts.
Federal and state regulations have effectively reduced risks associated with ASTs, resulting in a significant decrease in oil spills since the 1974 SPCC rule. These regulations have improved preparedness for incidents and raised awareness of potential dangers. They have also promoted safer, more modern technologies for AST construction and operation.
The success of state above ground storage tank regulations in environmental and public health protection is hindered by inconsistencies, causing varying degrees of protection across states. To ensure compliance, regular inspections and strict enforcement of laws are necessary, along with thorough training for operators to prevent human error-related mishaps and prevent accidents.
In conclusion, the hazards associated with ASTs have been reduced through federal and state restrictions, but there is still room for improvement. To enhance safety, uniform state laws, stricter enforcement, and thorough operator training are needed. Regular review and enhancement of these restrictions are crucial for environmental and public health protection.