Which federal law regulates underground storage tanks for hazardous substances?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the federal law that specifically regulates underground storage tanks (USTs) for hazardous substances. This legislation was designed to ensure the protection of human health and the environment by managing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste effectively. Under RCRA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes standards more directly aimed at the management of hazardous waste, including rules pertaining to USTs.

RCRA includes provisions that set forth requirements for the design, construction, operation, and closure of underground storage tanks to minimize the risk of leaks and spills that could contaminate soil and groundwater. This focus reflects the overarching goal of RCRA to promote environmentally sound management and reduce potential hazards associated with waste storage, including toxic contamination from USTs.

Given the specific regulatory framework established by the RCRA, it is clear why this law is directly responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of underground storage tanks housing hazardous substances.