Storage of petroleum and hazardous liquids is regulated. These regulated liquids can be stored in underground storage tanks (USTs) or aboveground storage tanks (ASTs).
Underground Storage Tanks
The UST Program helps protect against releases from UST systems. Any leak can pose a serious environmental threat if the stored hazardous substance seeps into the soil and contaminates the drinking water.
DEQ has EPA approval to operate the Idaho UST program. States with an approved UST program only require one set of statutes and regulations. State programs must be at least as stringent as EPA’s regulations (40 CFR 280).
Aboveground Storage Tanks
EPA regulates petroleum ASTs in Idaho under the federal Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. Although our UST Program does not regulate ASTs in Idaho, IDAPA 58.01.02 sections 851 and 852 require that DEQ be notified within 24 hours of a petroleum or hazardous substance release.
Hazardous waste ASTs and ASTs utilized for used oil are regulated by our Hazardous Waste Program. ASTs containing hazardous materials, but not considered waste, are regulated by other agencies. Releases of hazardous materials must be immediately reported to our office. Local fire districts, cities, and counties may have additional AST ordinances or best management practices. Federal regulations 40 CFR 112 and the National Fire Code-NFPA are excellent resources.
