What regulatory framework governs the operation of USTs in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act is the primary regulatory framework governing the operation of underground storage tanks (USTs) in Pennsylvania. This legislation is specifically designed to address the management, inspection, and regulation of storage tanks in the state, ensuring that they are operated in a way that minimizes risks to human health and the environment.

The Act establishes a system for regulating the installation, operation, and maintenance of USTs, including requirements for leak detection, financial responsibility, and reporting of spills or leaks. It is aimed at preventing contamination of soil and groundwater and is tailored to meet the unique challenges and circumstances related to storage tanks in Pennsylvania.

While other acts, such as the Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, address broader environmental issues and hazardous waste management, they do not specifically govern the operation of USTs within Pennsylvania. Each of these acts has its own focus and framework, thus highlighting the importance of the Pennsylvania Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act in the context of state-level regulatory compliance for USTs.