UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK (UST)
The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board administers a cleanup program to address discharges from underground tank systems. Petroleum products have been released into the environment from tanks, lines, pumps and related operations at gasoline stations and other sites where underground tanks are or have been used. These releases often threaten water quality, and cleanup activities are required. Cleanup actions conform to requirements set out in Article 11, Chapter 16 of Title 23, California Code of Regulations, and also must comply with other applicable plans, policies, laws and regulations.
Sonoma County and Humboldt County local environmental health departments also oversee underground tank cleanups in the North Coast Region in accordance with state requirements.
A leaking underground storage tank information system (GeoTracker) lists all sites where releases from underground tank systems have been reported. Find information on Leaking Underground Fuel Tank cases/facilities, MTBE case reports, and municipal water supply wells at the Geotracker website.
General waste discharge requirements exist for petroleum-contaminated soil and groundwater treatment. General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits exist to regulate the year-round discharge of highly treated groundwater derived from cleanups involving volatile organic compounds.
Program contact is Kasey Ashley (707) 576-2673.
Information is available at the US Environmental Protection Agency at http://www.epa.gov/swerust1/fedlaws/subtitli.htm.
Legislation now requires the submission of electronic laboratory data effective September 1, 2001. The regulations and other background information are available on the internet at http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov .