Petroleum Storage Tank Branch

A Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) is a tank that is an Underground Storage Tank (UST) or an Above Ground Storage Tank (APST).

An UST is a tank system, including piping connected to the tank, that has at least 10 percent of its volume underground. Federal and state regulations apply only to those USTs containing petroleum products or certain hazardous chemicals. USTs not regulated include:

• Farm or residential tanks 1,100 gallons or less, used non-commercially.
• Tanks storing heating oil, used on the premises.
• Flow-through process tanks.
• Emergency spill and overflow tanks.
• Tanks holding 110 gallons or less.
• Others as described in the federal register.

• Farm or residential tanks 1,100 gallons or less, used non-commercially.
• Tanks storing heating oil, used on the premises.
• Flow-through process tanks.
• Emergency spill and overflow tanks.
• Tanks holding 110 gallons or less.
• Others as described in the federal register.

An APST is a storage tank that is less than 10 % buried in the ground and has attached underground piping or rests directly on the ground, contains regulated substances and has the capacity to hold 501 gallons or more. Sites not regulated include aboveground storage tanks:

• At commercial airport for fueling
• Used in farming or agriculture
• Related to a Petroleum refining (SIC Code 2911)
• At petroleum bulk stations and terminals (SIC Code 5171)
• Related to oil or gas production and gathering operations
• Used for heating oil on premises

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Utah, with the help of the regulated industry, developed regulations concerning PST owners and operators. The goals of these regulations include:

• To prevent leaks and spills.
• To find leaks and spills.
• To correct the problems created by leaks and spills.
• To ensure the owners and operators can pay for clean-up associated with leaking PSTs.
• To ensure that Utah has a regulatory program that complies with the State and Federal regulations.

Utah obtains more than 50% of the population’s drinking water from groundwater. The regulations in place are meant to protect this valuable public resource. When an PST leaks, it becomes a Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST) and poses a risk to human health and the environment. The Petroleum Storage Tank Branch has two sections handling the cleanup of LPST sites. The Environmental Assurance Section handles the cleanup of PST sites on the State’s PST Fund. The Environmental Assistance Section handles the cleanup of PST sites that have private insurance or have no insurance.

DERR Director

The Director of the Division of Environmental Response and Remediation is an individual who has the authority to administer the UST Program as established by the Utah Legislature. The Director answers to the Utah Solid and Hazardous Waste Control Board which consists of approximately ten individuals appointed by the Governor.

UST Section

The UST section of the Division of Environmental Response and Remediation, is a group of environmental scientists whose task is to oversee the regulated public in issues that concern the operational life of USTs up to proper closing of UST systems. The UST staff has tracked about 15,000 USTs and currently regulates approximately 4,300 USTs at more than 1,500 different facilities. UST staff members perform compliance inspections, issue compliance notices, and serve as expert witnesses at administrative hearings. Outreach classes and seminars are taught throughout the state.

LUST Section

The LUST section of DERR oversees remediation of contamination from USTs. LUST scientists and engineers review and establish clean-up guidelines. When responsible parties are not available or are unable to pay for the remediation of a LUST site, the LUST staff may use LUST-Trust money to define the degree of hazard, initiate abatement actions, and remediate the site. Funds spent will be recovered from responsible parties. Often, responsible parties seek the guidance of the LUST staff to insure clean-up in a timely and economical fashion.

Administrative Support Section

The administrative support section oversees the collection of UST fees and monitors expenditures. Accountants and technicians answer questions concerning billings and distribute funds as appropriate.

• Notify the DERR of all regulated USTs with EPA Notification Form 7530-1 
• Pay any applicable fees.
• Obtain a Certificate of Compliance.
• Maintain compliance with regulations.
• Upgrade USTs when required.
• Report any UST release to the DERR.
• Remediate contamination.
• Remove UST appropriately.

You can obtain more information by contacting us:

Division of Environmental Response and Remediation
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
Phone: (801) 536-4100