Division of Waste Management
Rule changes integrate underground storage tank programs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 11, 2006) – Amendments to underground storage tank (UST) regulations have been approved by the Legislative Research Commission. The amendments integrate technical UST program requirements with the reimbursement aspects of the Petroleum Storage Tank Environmental Assurance Fund.

A notice with details about the regulation changes is available online at http://www.waste.ky.gov/programs/ust

One-day optional review seminars for registered UST owners will be held Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST in the Transportation Cabinet auditorium, 200 Mero St., Frankfort.   Due to limited seating, early registration is recommended. 

Consultants/contractors choosing to attend must register online. Participation is not reimbursable. UST owners or operators may register online or by contacting Mark Mangeot at (502) 564-5981 or 1-800-928-7782, Mark.Mangeot@ky.gov. 

The Office of Petroleum Storage Tank Environmental Assurance Fund was brought under the UST Branch in the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection’s Division of Waste Management during a 2004 reorganization. The UST Branch regulates UST systems and the Petroleum Storage Tank Environmental Assurance Fund. The fund, created by the Legislature in 1990, provides financial assistance to facility owners and operators. Money for the fund comes from an assurance fee of $0.014 assessed on each gallon of gasoline and special fuels imported into the state.

There are 40,000 registered tanks in Kentucky containing petroleum products or hazardous chemicals. Leaks can cause fires or explosions and contaminate groundwater, a primary drinking water source in Kentucky.  State and federal UST laws and regulations were enacted to safeguard groundwater resources.

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