Underground Storage Tank Removal
Environmental Health Code, Chapter 4, Underground Storage Tanks, Board of Health Resolution 2010-4225
Appeals Process of Orders and Decisions of the Health Officer, Board of Health Resolution 2010-4224
Underground storage tanks (UST) are regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The Health Department's regulations for USTs come into play when a tank is to be removed from the ground or there has been a leak of hazardous substances from a tank. The removal of the tank and remediation of any associated contamination is termed "Decommissioning" by the Health Department. An UST Decommissioning Permit must be obtained from the Health Department prior to the decommissioning (removal) of any regulated UST within all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Pierce County. If a UST is found to be leaking, then the tank owner and/or property owner will be required to clean up the leaking material as well as any soil or groundwater that has been impacted by that leak.
Usually, USTs used for home heating oil use are exempt from these regulations.
By following the Guidance for Commercial Property Owner and UST Decommissioning Application Process, UST owners and removal firms can avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
Exempt USTs
The following types of USTs are not regulated by the health department under the definition of Underground Storage Tank as defined by Board of Health Resolution 2010-4225.
- Any underground storage with a volume of 1,100 gallons or less used for the sole purpose of storing heating or fuel oil used in heating equipment, furnaces or boilers.
- Any tank that forms an integral part of an industrial or commercial process (flow-through process tank) through which there is a steady or uninterrupted flow of materials during the operation of the process, subject to proper spill and management practices.
- Any on-site sewage disposal system or holding tank that serves as a method of storage, conveyance, treatment, or disposal of human or animal wastes.
- Any surface impoundment, pit, pond, or lagoon
For more information about home heating oil tanks click here.
Resources:
UST Variance or Waiver Request
UST Service ProvidersIf you have any questions, please call (253) 798-2855 or email us.
