Deadline set for UST regulations compliance
The Division of Environmental Quality is reminding local businesses of the deadline set by the Environmental Protection Agency for their compliance with federal regulations involving underground storage tank systems or USTs.
“The regulations are meant to help protect our groundwater resources,” said DEQ Director Ignacio Cabrera, who is working with CNMI businesses to help them meet federal regulations that require all underground storage tanks to be protected from spills, overfill and corrosion.
EPA has been implementing the regulations for years but has set the final deadline today for businesses to either upgrade, close or replace existing USTs.
“Many of the older tanks and their pipes are made of steel,” explained Cabrera, “which in time may corrode, leak and break down.”
Most of the businesses here used the old UST models and its contents can infiltrate the groundwater and contaminate the CNMI’s most important natural resources.
Cabrera said most businesses here are aware of the new requirements and are ready for the deadline.
However he warned businesses that DEQ will be ready to cite anyone found not complying with the regulations.
