Regulatory requirements associated with the closure of underground storage tanks (USTs) are completely dependent on the UST usage and location. Owner / operator compliance requirements are mandated by the Washington Department of Ecology (WAC 173-360). More restrictive closure requirements may be required by local agencies. Currently, any UST that has not been in service for 12 months must be decommissioned. Residential heating oil USTs are exempt from Ecology requirements but are regulated by local government such as the fire department or city.
The need for UST location identification, soil and groundwater sampling and analysis are just some of the requirements that must be addressed every time a UST is closed. Our experience allows us a great advantage in addressing our client’s needs. EMS continues to develop a UST program that educates the client as to their specific needs and how their UST issues can best be resolved. We regularly work with and through insurance carriers to assess potential liability if a release has occurred, and offer expert testimony as to specific site conditions observed during the UST decommissioning event.
Assessing potential liability has become the single most important aspect with respect to UST closures and potential contamination cleanup costs. Proper decommissioning and site assessment techniques using certified UST decommissioning personnel are key to the assessment of potential liability in support of our client’s interests.
Many UST sites throughout Washington State may qualify for assistance in the closure of UST systems under the States Pollution Liability Insurance
Agency (PLIA). The mission of PLIA is to make pollution liability insurance available and affordable to the owners and operators of regulated petroleum underground storage tanks (USTs) and heating oil tanks by offering reinsurance services to the insurance industry.
