Fuel Tanks Must Be Up to Specs

Did Dec. 22 come and go with a splash? It was the deadline for compliance with federal laws on underground fuel storage tanks. Owners of the tanks had since 1988 to get their facilities in order, and many did, so for them the day was nothing special.

Many other private and public operators procrastinated and are still scrambling to get their tanks up to snuff. Small operations may have some breathing room from enforcement, but large companies could have state and federal inspectors on their backs.

The trucking industry is in comparatively good shape, but compliance varies, according to American Trucking Associations. Large motor carriers among its members tend to be in compliance, but smaller companies seem caught off guard.

“There seems to be an awareness gap with the smaller companies,” said Fern Abrams, ATA’s manager of environmental affairs. “For the past few months now, and well into November, we’ve gotten calls from people who knew absolutely nothing of it.”

Small carriers may have a break because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will concentrate its enforcement first on large companies, because the sheer volume of what they store and pump constitutes the biggest risk. This may give smaller companies and government bodies a six-month breather.

However, EPA is not officially extending its deadline, and state officials may zealously enforce federal and state laws and regulations. California’s own EPA, for instance, says it will enforce the rules because not to would be unfair to those who have spent time and money complying.

TA advises anyone who’s not had underground storage tanks — USTs — approved by state or local officials to find out what laws govern their facilities and act accordingly.

Tanker fleets that deliver bulk fuels to customers with underground tanks face a sort of double jeopardy: They must avoid illegal deliveries while not offending their customers.

ome states prohibit fuel carriers from delivering to unapproved tanks. Some require placement of red tags on filler caps of such tanks, while others require stickers in the windows of a gas station’s building. This makes it difficult for drivers, especially delivering at night.

“Carriers need to find out what each state’s regulations are,” said Cliff Harrison, president of National Tank Truck Carriers. “Protect yourself and your customer.”

In early December, NTTC sent its members a list of state agencies and contacts and urged members to call them. “Keep a record of such contacts, and the results thereof,” the organization said.

For the full story, see the Dec. 28 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.