What action should be taken if a UST has reached its end of service life?

When a UST reaches its end of service life, the appropriate action is to properly empty and clean it, then proceed with decommissioning or removal. This process is crucial to ensure environmental safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Proper decommissioning or removal involves thorough cleaning to eliminate any residual hazardous materials and ensure that the tank can no longer pose a risk of leakage or contamination. Following the decommissioning, the tank must be disposed of according to local and state regulations, which often include reporting the action taken and obtaining necessary permits to avoid environmental or legal repercussions.

Maintaining a tank that is no longer safe or functional can lead to significant environmental hazards, such as soil and groundwater contamination, which can arise from leakage of remaining fuels or other hazardous substances. Therefore, properly addressing the end of service life not only adheres to regulations but also protects public health and the environment.