NJDEP has just released a Notice of Rule Proposal for Underground Storage Tanks

The NJDEP has just released a Notice of Rule Proposal for Underground Storage Tanks (UST), N.J.A.C. 7:14B, Water Pollution Control Act, N.J.A.C. 7:14, and Administrative Requirements for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites, N.J.A.C. 7:26C. The proposal may be viewed or downloaded from the Department’s web page at: http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/proposals/20170515a.pdf. Written comments may be submitted electronically by July 14, 2017 at www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments.

These proposed new rules incorporate the revisions made in 2015 to the EPA Federal UST regulations.

The proposed new rules and amendments relate to secondary containment; operator training, designation and duties; partially regulated UST systems; field constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems; operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections; UST registration; notification; UST service provider certifications; and civil administrative penalties.  The proposed rules apply to tanks that store motor fuel, liquid petroleum products, waste oil, or other hazardous substances, and all heating oil tanks of 2,001 gallons or more for on-site consumption at businesses or commercial operations.

The new rules require owners and operators to comply with the new regulations no later than October 13, 2018; this includes the new requirement of having Licensed Operators at the facility. To be a licensed operator, you must attend a class at Rutgers University administered by the NJDEP and pass an ICC examination.