Underground Storage Tank / Leaking Underground Storage Tank (UST / LUST) Program

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In EPA Region 10, the Underground Storage Tank (UST) / Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program, authorized under Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), works to prevent the release of petroleum and other products stored in USTs. Because leaking underground storage tanks have been a major cause of groundwater contamination in the United States, Congress enacted laws to cleanup leaking tanks, to prevent tanks from leaking, and to detect leaks quickly if they do occur.

Working under regulatory authority in Chapter 40, Parts 280 and 281 of the Code of Federal Regulations, we support Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and Indian tribes located within these states. Our program works in conjunction with EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) in Washington, DC.

Our goal is to ensure that UST systems are installed, operated, maintained and closed safely and in compliance with UST regulations to prevent harm to others and the environment. Our efforts include providing technical assistance and outreach, conducting inspections, taking enforcement actions and building a state’s capacity to do the same. We also work with states and tribes to clean up known releases from UST systems using the Federal LUST Trust Fund, as well as state insurance and cleanup funds.

What’s New? What’s Hot?

• EPA conducts a second UST inspection sweep in Idaho. Since October 2003, EPA officials have inspected 155 UST facilities statewide and found that only one in three of them comply with federal UST requirements. The latest round of facility inspections – conducted April 26 - 30, 2004 – covered areas in and around Coeur d'Alene, the Treasure Valley and Twin Falls. For further information, view the press release or contact Erik Sirs, EPA Inspector and State Coordinator, at sirs.erik@epa.gov or (208) 378-5762.


• EPA conducts UST inspection sweep in Idaho. On November 5, 2003, Jim Werntz, the Idaho State Director in Region 10, announced the results of a statewide UST inspection campaign in Idaho in October. Idaho does not have a state UST program, so EPA is the implementing agency. During the week-long sweep, a team of 13 inspectors and support personnel from different EPA Regions visited 109 facilities. Each facility was notified by mail prior to the inspection and was advised as to what types of records and information would be reviewed. Results of the inspections revealed an overall UST compliance rate of 32% statewide, with a total of 146 violations and $24,000 in penalties issued. Leaking tanks can pose a serious threat to groundwater in Idaho, a state in which groundwater supplies an estimated 95% of the drinking water. For further information, view the press release or contact Erik Sirs, EPA Inspector and State Coordinator, at sirs.erik@epa.gov or (208) 378-5762.