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1. What is an underground storage tank system (UST)?

An underground storage tank (UST) system is a tank (or a combination of tanks) and connected underground piping having at least 10 percent of their combined volume underground. The tank system includes the tank, underground connected piping, underground ancillary equipment, and any containment system. The federal UST regulations apply only to UST systems storing either petroleum or certain hazardous substances.

2. What’s the history on UST’s?

Until the mid-1980s most underground storage tanks (USTs) were made of
bare steel, which is likely to corrode over time and allow UST contents to leak
into the environment. To address a nationwide problem of leaking USTs, Congress
passed a series of laws to protect human health and the environment beginning
in 1984 with an amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. 

3. How many UST’s do we have in Goochland?

Estimated at 106 (2010 database report). 

4. Who manages the UST program and is the proper contact person for that program?

DEQ’s ‘Piedmont Regional Office’ would be the proper agency, but the specific
contact person would differ depending on the subject matter. 
  Elizabeth Broeniman and Michael G.  Kelly have been previous
inspectors for Goochland County’s UST’s (804-527-5020).

5. What is the testing frequency of UST’s?

All UST’s are required to have spill, overfill, and corrosion
protection.  Testing frequency depends on the type of UST.  Some
systems require daily product reconciliation by taking daily tank readings to
verify that the product leaving the tank is attributed to filling a vehicle and
not a leak.  Other systems are outfitted with a digital gauge.  These
tank volume readings are verified by a third party specializing in statistical
analysis.  Every three years, systems are required to verify that the
fuel lines pass a tightness test and a tank cathodic protection test. 
These reports are provided to the DEQ representative during their inspections.

6. Is there active management of the tank program?

DEQ inspects registered tanks every three years.  They check for
the technical requirements listed above, conduct an onsite inspection, and
verify the owners’ financial responsibility to pay for costs associated with
cleaning up releases and compensating third parties.

7. What is the County’s responsibility in this program?

DEQ has jurisdiction over all UST’s, therefore, whenever Goochland County government receives a question or concern regarding them, we coordinate directly with DEQ.

8. Is the County proactive in enforcement of UST program?

DEQ has jurisdiction over the UST program. They conduct inspections every three years.

9. What is a big versus small tank?

Farm and residential tanks of 1,100 gallons or less capacity holding motor fuel used for noncommercial purposes and tanks of 110 gallons or less capacity do not need to meet federal UST requirements. This is also the distinction between residential and commercial tanks.

10. How do I remove an underground storage tank?

Removal or abandoning of underground storage tanks (UST) must be done by a licensed contractor and requires a mechanical trades permit from the Building Inspection department. Please contact the Community Development Customer Service Center at 556-5860 or visit the Building Inspection website at http://www.goochlandva.us/168/Building-Inspection

The
Department of Environmental Quality oversees the abandonment or removal of
USTs. Please visit the DEQ website for more information http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/LandProtectionRevitalization/PetroleumProgram/StorageTanks/undergroundstoragetanks.aspx.

11. How do I find more information about the UST program?

Please visit the EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/ust/frequent-questions-about-underground-storage-tanks

12. What if I think my well is contaiminated by UST?

Please visit our Well FAQs here to get information regarding well testing.

13. How do I find information about my septic system?

Please click here to for the Frequently Asked Questions regarding septic systems.