Underground Storage Tanks

2019 Inspections – What Owner/Operators Missed

What is an Underground Storage Tank (UST)?

An underground storage tank system (UST) is a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank containing at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. The federal UST regulations apply only to UST systems storing either petroleum or certain hazardous substances.  To read more about USTs vist the USEPA's UST website.

NDEP's Underground Storage Tank Program

NDEP administers the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program for the State. Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and Washoe County Health District (WCHD) perform UST inspections in their jurisdictions via inter-local contracts with the NDEP. In all other counties the NDEP performs UST inspections.

UST Regulations — Nevada has adopted 40 CFR 280, the Federal UST Regulations by Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Programs under 40 CFR 281. A summary of these regulations and good UST operating practices is available on US EPA's website: 

• 40 CFR 280 and/or US EPA Website
• NRS 459.800 - 459.856 (Storage Tanks)
• NAC 459.9921 - 459.9995 (Storage Tanks)

The Compliance Assistance Brochure contains a Summary of Important Changes to help UST owners and operators comply with the updated federal UST regulations.  

Federally Regulated USTs in Nevada

Public Record – Summary Information For Regulated Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) 
Some of the storage tanks included in the "tank" list are not federally regulated USTs.  These tanks are identified under the "Federally Regulated Tank" column as "FALSE". Examplies of non-regulated tanks include ASTs, farm tanks, residential tanks, etc

Storage Tank (AST) Requirements — The NDEP Bureau of Corrective Actions does not regulate most AST systems. The exception is with regard to AST systems located at or near a body of water located at a marina facility. Marina AST regulations can be reviewed within the following state regulations: NAC 459.99285 and NAC 459.9931 through NAC 459.9938.

All other AST systems are regulated by other agencies. Please contact the State Fire Marshall (775-684-7500), local fire departments, local municipalities, and building code enforcement offices. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also has a hotline (800-424-9346) to the publicly accessible service. The hotline provides up-to-date information on the regulatory requirements of the Oil Pollution Prevention Program including Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plans, Facility Response Plans (FRPs), and oil discharges. The Information Center does not provide regulatory interpretations. It does, however, maintain up-to-date information on the availability and distribution of publications and other resources pertaining to its program areas. AST web information located at: https://www.epa.gov/ust/aboveground-storage-tanks