In June of 2015, EPA revised its underground storage tank (UST) regulations and regulations on federal approval of state UST programs – 2015 EPA Regulations. States with EPA-approved UST programs have three years to revise their regulations and obtain EPA approval. California, however, is one of 12 states with a UST program that is not approved by EPA, so tank owners and operators in California must comply with both state law and the new federal regulations, which become effective October 13, 2015.

On August 20, 2015, the State Water Resources Control Board announced that it is reviewing the new regulations to determine whether to propose statutory and/or regulatory amendments to conform state law to the federal regulations that are more stringent – click here for the Water Board communication. In the meantime, the Board says it will release guidance on the new requirements in the near future, including compliance deadlines and descriptions of the new federal regulations that are more stringent than California’s current UST statutes and regulations.

All new tank systems installed after October 13, 2015, must comply with both the new Federal regulations and all existing California UST regulations and statutes.

© 2015 – Hartman King PC. All rights reserved. The information in this article has been prepared by Hartman King PC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.