Above Ground Storage Tank Permits

On December 2, 2000, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)announced its Interim Policy for Implementing the General Operating Permit Strategy for Aboveground Storage Tanks. Tanks installed prior to October 11, 1997 with capacities above 21,000 gallons, or tanks with capacities greater than 1,100 gallons containing highly hazardous substances, must obtain General Operating Permits when the PADEP requests the submission of permit applications. The PADEP is now implementing this permit program.

PERMIT PROGRAM

A facility has 45 days to return completed permit applications to the PADEP. On this application, the facility must provide a signed certification that the administrative, technical and operational requirements are met.

The requirements include, but are not limited to: a Spill Prevention and Response (SPR) plan, written operations and maintenance plan (methods of corrosion and deterioration prevention, routine operator maintenance inspection, procedures for monitoring transfer of product and removal of stormwater from containment areas), security measures, tanks system upgrade (gauge or monitoring device, emergency containment), and monthly leak detection program for tanks with secondary containment.

ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES If the information you submit with your application indicates non-compliance, PADEP will issue a Notice of Violation. Enforcement procedures instituted by the PADEP will be either of the following:

- Empty and close tanks, and enter into a "Consent Assessment" of civil penalty for past violations, or

- Continue to operate the tank contingent to a "Risk Assessment" and execute a "Consent Order Agreement" with penalties.

IES SERVICES

IES can assist you in determining compliance with the applicable standards, and developing strategies to achieve compliance. Acting before receiving the PADEP's notice will give you sufficient time to come into compliance and to avoid potential penalties. Let IES help you to ensure compliance with the aboveground storage tank regulations.

Need More Information?

Call or e-mail: Ashok K. Soni, P.E. (asoni@iesengineers.com) 610-828-3078 Web Address: www.iesengineers.com