Underground Storage Tank Deadline Approaching

The deadline for removing single-wall steel USTs is approaching fast. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is requiring single-wall steel USTs to be removed or closed in-place by August 7, 2017 per 310 CMR 80.15. Consumptive use tanks, tanks lined prior to August 8, 2007, and composite/clad tanks are exempt from this requirement.

In 2016, MassDEP notified Owners and Operators of single-wall steel USTs of the approaching deadline and the requirements to remove or close the tanks in-place. If you received a letter, your tank(s) is likely subject to this regulation unless it meets the exception criteria outlined above. Even if you did not receive a letter from MassDEP, your single-wall steel tank(s) may still be subject to this regulation.

To qualify for an extension, you must take the UST out of service by August 7, 2017, file an “Out of Service” Notification to MassDEP within thirty days of taking UST out of service, and submit a fully-executed contract with a UST removal contractor to MassDEP that indicates the UST will be removed or closed in-place by July 1, 2018. MassDEP may proceed with enforcement if the UST is not taken out of service and removed or closed in-place, or the deadline extension paperwork has not been submitted by the August 7, 2017 deadline.

BETA can work with you to determine if/how your UST is subject to this regulation and provide guidance to achieve compliance. Download this informational brochure and contact us today to find out more.