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Underground Storage Tank (UST) Closures |
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 Many of RMEAs site investigation and remediation projects have been the result of leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs). Our staff has extensive experience conducting tank-related projects since the 1980s, in states across the U.S. While UST work has declined in recent years because many sites have now been addressed and most UST systems have been upgraded with spill prevention and leak detection systems, many abandoned USTs remain that have been forgotten or are out of use.
RMEA almost always recommends that if a property owner can live without a UST, that he properly close the UST and adequately document the closure. While most of our UST work has involved commercial or industrial properties, we have also dealt with the closure of numerous home heating oil tanks, farm equipment fuel supply tanks, and irrigation pump supply tanks.
(see Site Investigation and Remediation Services)
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What is an UST?
An underground storage tank system (UST) is a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. The federal UST regulations apply only to underground tanks and piping storing either petroleum or certain hazardous substances.
Why be concerned about USTs ?
Until the mid-1980s, most USTs were made of bare steel, which is likely to corrode over time and allow UST contents to leak into the environment. Faulty installation or inadequate operating and maintenance procedures also can cause USTs to release their contents into the environment.
The greatest potential hazard from a leaking UST is that the petroleum or other hazardous substance can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans. A leaking UST can present other health and environmental risks, including the potential for fire and explosion.
SOURCE: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA.gov
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We almost always recommend that if a property owner can live without a UST, that he properly close the UST and adequately document the closure with the appropriate regulatory agency. While most of our work has included USTs on commercial or industrial properties, we have also dealt with the closure of numerous home heating oil tanks, which sometimes also involve the cleanup of contaminated soil.
(see Site Investigation and Remediation Services)
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If you would like information regarding this service please contact us at:
Rocky Mountain Environmental Associates, Inc.,
482 Constitution Way, Suite 303, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402
Phone: 208-524-2353 ||| FAX: 208-524-1795
Or contact us by E-Mail: John B. Rice, Jr., President
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Rocky Mountain Environmental is a registered service mark of
Rocky Mountain Environmental Associates, Inc., 482 Constitution Way, Suite 303, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402
VOICE: 208-524-2353 ||| FAX: 208-524-1795 |
