What are the key federal regulations governing USTs in the United States?

The key federal regulations governing Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) in the United States are primarily outlined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and specifically in the UST Regulations found in 40 CFR Part 280.

RCRA provides a framework for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste, and the UST regulations established under RCRA focus on the management and monitoring of underground storage tanks containing petroleum and certain hazardous substances. These regulations set standards for the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and closure of USTs, significantly aiming to prevent leaks and protect groundwater resources.

In contrast, while the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act are vital pieces of legislation that serve to protect water quality and resources, they do not specifically focus on USTs or their operation and management. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), while important for addressing environmental cleanup and contamination issues, does not regulate USTs directly. Similarly, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) deals with environmental review processes for federal actions but is not targeted at UST regulations. Thus, the regulations under RCRA and 40 CFR Part 280 provide the comprehensive guidelines that are essential for the management and oversight