underground storage tanks
Since 1983, NEIWPCC has been deeply involved in issues related to underground storage tanks (USTs). These are the subterranean tanks commonly used to store petroleum at gas stations, car dealerships, bus line garages, marinas, and elsewhere. Unfortunately, these tanks can leak, often resulting in contamination of soil and groundwater. Such contamination is expensive to remediate and can be detrimental to drinking water wells, particularly if the fuel contains methyl tertiary-butyl ether. MtBE is an additive used to help many regions of the country meet federal air quality standards but is also a suspected carcinogen.
NEIWPCC's UST/LUST workgroup, comprised of the directors of tank programs in our member states and EPA, typically meets three times a year to address the many issues surrounding USTs--including MtBE, state inspections, and compliance. Despite progress in recent years, many cleanups of leaking tank sites have yet to be completed, and state inspectors in New England and New York State continue to find far too many people operating USTs without the equipment, systems, and procedures they are required to have to prevent and detect leaks. This failure by many to comply with state and federal UST regulations has prompted NEIWPCC to take a lead role in an effort to increase compliance in our member states. The workgroup has provided crucial support for this effort.
Since 1985, NEIWPCC has also published LUSTLine, an influential national bulletin covering UST/LUST issues, federal and state programs, activities, and technologies. LUSTLine is published three times a year.
For more information on all of our UST programs, contact Susan Sullivan, NEIWPCC's deputy director, or Kara Sergeant, the coordinator of our UST/LUST workgroup.