Deadline nears for underground tank compliance

Fuels are essential to our lives. Without these fuels we cannot operate cars, trucks, and combines, many people cannot heat their homes and businesses, and emergency equipment cannot respond. Just as we take for granted that the lights come on when we flip a switch, we take for granted that gasoline is available from the local station and agricultural fuels are there when we need them. Much of this fuel is stored in underground storage tanks and these tanks are subject to regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

Thomas L. Armstead

Underground storage tanks of more than 1,100 gallons on farms are regulated by federal and state regulations.

Underground storage tanks containing heating oil for farms and residences are not subject to state or federal regulation, but tanks containing motor fuels, hazardous substances and hazardous waste are regulated.

Federal law setting standards for these tanks were established fully a decade ago, yet many tanks still are not in compliance as a Dec. 22,1998, deadline looms. Federal law requires state rules to be at least as stringent as federal rules. In Illinois, the state fire marshal has written rules to meet the various federal standards for these tanks. These standards include leak detection on all tanks and piping, spill, overfill and corrosion protection. It makes good business sense to follow these regulations; nobody wants to lose a costly product. Few of us would willingly lose a gallon or two of gasoline a day at the current cost.

Leaking underground storage tanks also pose a threat to safety and the environment. One gallon of gasoline can contaminate thousands of gallons of water. In our rural areas, wells are the typical source of drinking water and petroleum contaminated ground water could easily destroy the water supply for an entire community. Leaking tanks have also caused fires and explosions when the product reaches sewer and septic lines and fumes reach basements.

All of us need to work together to prevent leaking tanks from disrupting our water supplies and yet we need to keep adequate supplies of fuel to allow us to drive to school and work, fuel tractors and keep us warm. Legislation now on Gov. Edgar's desk, would assist us in meeting these goals. If signed into law, suppliers could only fill tanks that have the appropriate tag indicating it passed inspection. Tanks not in compliance would no longer be able to obtain fuel.

Dec. 22,1998, is the date U.S. EPA has set for all existing tanks to comply with the requirements for new underground storage tanks. We are prepared to meet the challenge of certifying tanks, issuing permits and inspecting facilities to meet this deadline.

To upgrade or remove a tank, a permit from our office must be obtained. Generally, if you have an underground storage tank, permits are required for any activity associated with that tank and its piping and only licensed contractors may perform the work. Unfortunately, it has been necessary for us to cite people for engaging in such activity and the attorney general's office has been filing suit.

If you have an underground storage tank, you will have to upgrade it by Dec. 21. If you need some additional time to make that decision there is an option: You can temporarily remove it from service by filling out an amended notification form and mailing it to our office by Dec. 21,1998. If the tank is pumped empty, leak detection will not be required. If there is any product remaining in the tank, the owner must maintain leak detection. A tank may be out of service for one year and may not receive any product until it is fully upgraded. If the tank is not in compliance by Dec. 22 and is not temporarily out of service, it must be removed within 24 months. Fines of up to $10,000 a day may be imposed for every day a tank is not in compliance.

If you have any questions regarding underground storage tanks, licensed contractors, regulations or any underground storage tank activity, call us toll-free at (800) 851-2119. We are committed to working with our citizens to achieve compliance with the deadline and maintaining supplies of the fuels we need.

Thomas L. Armstead became state fire marshal in 1991 after sewing three years as a fire safety coordinator for the Illinois Department of Corrections. Previously he served 28 years with the Springfield Fire Department, including as chief from 1985-1988.

4 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING AUGUST 1998