Press Release: One Year Left to Pull Underground Tanks

For Immediate Release (C-20-97)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
December 22, 1997

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814

SACRAMENTO -- Owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs) have one year left to meet the December 22, 1998 deadline for complying with federal and state requirements to upgrade or replace tanks and piping that were installed prior to 1984. This deadline was initially established in 1988 to allow tank owners sufficient time to comply with the upgrade requirements.

"Old tanks and piping are a serious threat to the State's groundwater resources," said Peter M. Rooney, California Secretary for Environmental Protection.

"To ensure that the work is performed before the deadline, it is imperative that owners immediately begin the upgrade process if they have not already done so," said Rooney.

A new State law (Assembly Bill 1491, Cunneen) will prohibit the delivery of petroleum products to USTs that have not been upgraded or replaced by the December 22, 1998 deadline. It is essential that all facilities, especially those depending on petroleum for providing critical service (e.g., hospitals, police and fire departments), have their USTs upgraded prior to the deadline.

Local agencies regulate approximately 65,000 tanks throughout California. Although most of these tanks contain petroleum products and are found at service stations and convenience stores, many are used by trucking and transportation companies, hospitals, marinas, airports, and federal, state and local agencies to service their vehicle fleets. Approximately 35,000 tanks have already been upgraded or replaced.

Owners are encouraged to begin planning their upgrades as soon as possible because of the difficulty in locating a qualified contractor. Owners who miss the 1998 deadline will be subject to fines and may find their insurance carrier canceling their coverage. In addition, if an old tank still exists on the property after the 1998 deadline, owners will be ineligible to receive reimbursement from the State's Underground Tank Cleanup Fund.

Upgrades may include retrofitting an existing tank and piping with internal lining, corrosion protection, spill containment, overfill prevention equipment, striker plates and automatic pump shutdown capabilities. Replacing the tank with a new secondary tank system can also satisfy the requirements. Non-petroleum hazardous substances tank systems must be replaced with secondary containment (double-walled) tank systems.

Those needing further information should contact the local agency responsible for the UST program, the county health department or city fire department.

The State Water Resources Control Board is a part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and has oversight responsibility for the UST program in California.

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