Natural Disasters and Underground Storage Tanks
Natural disasters – such as tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and fires – are often unpredictable, cause significant damage, and can be costly to mitigate. Underground storage tank systems can be vulnerable to damage during natural disasters and can even release regulated substances into the environment. Before returning a damaged UST to service, the owner or operator needs to ensure the system has been properly evaluated and restored to safe operating condition.
Flooding Resources
- Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide. EPA developed the Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide to help states and UST owners and operators prepare for, prevent, or lessen catastrophic effects and environmental harm from floods.
- Underground Storage Tank Flood Checklist (pdf)
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Lessons Learned: Takeaways for UST Inspectors from Washington’s Unprecedented Flooding Event, Annette Ademasu. LUSTLine article from NEIWPC.
Wildfire Resources
EPA developed the Wildfire Guide: Preparation and Recovery for Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Systems to help states and owners and operators prepare for, prevent, or lessen catastrophic effects and environmental harm from wildfires.
- Wildfire Guide: Preparation and Recovery for Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Systems (pdf)
- Recommended Actions for Underground Storage Tank Facilities Impacted by Fire (pdf)
- Recommended Actions for Facilities with Aboveground Storage Tanks Impacted by Fire (pdf)
Severe Weather - General Resources
EPA developed the resources below to help states prepare for and respond to natural disasters affecting UST facilities.
- Post-Severe Weather Checklist (docx) Free Viewers
- Post-Severe Weather Spreadsheet (xlsx) Free Viewers
Changing Climate
Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, and more extreme climate events – like heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures – are becoming more common. These events can impact all types of UST sites, including active USTs and UST releases. The resources below may be helpful for operating USTs and for UST release cleanup projects in a changing climate.