The Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act (25 Pa. Code Chapter 245) requires storage tanks no longer storing regulated substances to be properly removed from service. Additionally, storage tanks that no longer meet regulatory performance standards or will no longer be used to store regulated substances must be removed or closed-in-place. The PADEP’s stated goal is to restore the area where the storage tank exists to a condition similar to that area before the storage tank was present. This includes the removal of the storage tank and the remediation of any contamination through necessary corrective action. PADEP offers specific guidelines on planning for the removal of UST systems.

During the removal of regulated underground storage tanks, PADEP requires the collection of necessary samples of media (soil and groundwater, if present) to verify subsurface conditions at the time of removal. MEA has extensive experience working with PADEP-certified tank handling contractors to collect the necessary UST system closure assessment samples following the Closure Requirements for Underground Storage Tank Systems, outlined in DEP Technical Guidance Document 263-4500-601.

During the closure of a regulated tank system, MEA documents the condition of the tank system (storage tanks, product delivery lines, and dispensing equipment) to validate integrity at the time of closure and determine if evidence of a release had occurred. Following the removal of the storage tank equipment, specific closure samples are collected following PADEP’s site assessment sampling requirements targeting former storage tank equipment and features, which are analyzed for the PADEP short list of regulated substances. Should field screening measurements and olfactory observations reveal a release occurred at the facility, MEA provides recommendations for removal of localized contamination, further assessment sampling, submittal of a Notice of Contamination, and calling in a claim with PAUSTIF(for sites participating in this program). At the conclusion of the storage tank closure efforts, MEA compiles the findings, tabulates the laboratory analytical results, and prepares an Underground Storage Tank System Closure Report Form to summarize the efforts to the storage tank owner and PADEP.