Underground Storage Tanks

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

The goal of Vermont's UST Program is to protect human health and the environment by preventing releases of liquid petroleum and hazardous substances from storage tank systems. The release of these regulated products into the environment threatens groundwater resources and can also cause explosive vapors to seep into confined spaces and occupied dwellings. The Underground Storage Tank (UST) rules regulate the installation and operation of underground petroleum/chemical storage tanks (not including propane tanks), and they first came into effect in 1985.

The current UST Rules came into effect on October 26, 2020.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Proposed Approval of Vermont’s Revised UST Program

The Vermont UST Program applied to EPA for approval of revisions to its UST program, and EPA has determined that the revisions satisfy all requirements for approval. The EPA has published a Proposed Rule and Direct Final Rule in the Federal Register dated July 14, 2022. To access EPA’s proposed rule, EPA’s direct final rule, Vermont’s application, or to provide public comments, please follow the links below to the Federal Register:

Direct Final Rule: Vermont: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program Revisions, Codification, and Incorporation by Reference

Proposed Rule: Vermont: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Program Revisions, Codification, and Incorporation by Reference

Public comment must be received within 30 days of the date of publication in the Federal Register. This rule is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, unless the EPA receives adverse comment. If you have any questions, please contact Joan Coyle of the EPA at 617-918-1303 or coyle.joan@epa.gov