Whether you’re a commercial property owner or a construction firm, knowing about the regulations for underground storage tanks is essential. Properly maintaining these tanks is necessary as breaches or leaks can threaten human and environmental safety and health as the systems contain hazardous chemicals. Fumes from broken tanks can travel through the ground and infect basements, utility vaults, and parking garages. Once these vapors are released, they can contribute to an explosion, fire, and asphyxiation.

Gasoline leaking from underground storage tanks is one of the most frequent contributors to groundwater pollution and municipal and private wells must be shut down when contaminated by pollutants as the chemical pose a serious health risk.

Cleaning up leaks and breaches is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive, so it’s easier to exercise preventative maintenance if your property contains underground storage tanks.  One way to do this is to routinely schedule tightness testing of the complete system. If your testing reveals a leak, you are required to contact your state’s regulatory agency to report it and then begin the process of removing the substance from the underground tank, and assessing damage done to the area.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Underground Storage Tanks contain toxic material that must be disposed of in accordance with federal and state laws. Whether you own a property with tanks or involved with C&D on a site where tanks are located, taking care to maintain the integrity of the tank is essential.