How Do You Close Tanks?

Any owner or operator who hires a contractor for a fee must use a Nevada Certified Tank Handler for UST closure and removal (NAC 459.9719). Any owner or operator who hires a consultant for a fee to manage hazardous waste, perform a site investigation, collect samples, or handle corrective action pertaining to a hazardous substances must use a Nevada Certified Environmental Manager. Those certified can be accessed here

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has provided the following document as guidance to owners and operators to summarize procedures necessary to permanently close an UST system. It does not provide a full account of federal and state regulations, nor is it to be substituted for local government codes and requirements. It is the owner and operator’s responsibility to familiarize themselves with all rules and regulations pertaining to the property on which the UST system(s) is to be permanently closed. NDEP strongly recommends contacting local fire, building, and environmental departments prior to proceeding with tank closure. Furthermore, it is the owner and operator’s responsibility to hire trained professionals or review and follow standard safety practices when permanently closing a petroleum / hazardous substance UST system.

• UST Permanent Closure Requirements & Guidance
• UST Temporary Closure Requirements & Guidance
• US EPA Guidance

Documentation of Closure for Regulated Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) 

Temporary Closure (40 CFR 280.70):

• Submit the completed UST notification form to the applicable implementing agency (NDEP, Washoe County District Health Department, or Southern Nevada Health District).
• Provide a statement the fill pipe(s) have been capped and locked, or otherwise secured to prevent inadvertent filling of the tank(s). Power to turbines and/or dispensers must be off, or secure the dispenser nozzles.
• Provide an invoice or work order showing the tanks have been completely emptied (less than 1 inch of product /liquid residue remains).
• If the tanks are not emptied, continue to monitor the tanks for releases in accordance with 40 CFR 280, Subpart D.
• Any tanks protected by cathodic protection system installed to prevent corrosion to the tank(s) and/or associated piping must be maintained and operational regardless of whether the tank system(s) contains product during temporary closure.

Permanent Closure (40 CFR 280.71):

• Provide written notification to the applicable implementing agency 30 days prior to permanent closure using the UST notification form.
• NDEP will accept a hard copy letter or e-mail correspondence. Consult with the appropriate health district if the facility is located in Washoe or Clark County.
• Pursuant to removal or closure in place, provide the applicable implementing agency with an UST closure notification form (EPA 7530-1) and an UST Closure/Site Assessment Report within 30 days or other time period specified by the implementing agency. The report must contain the following information:
  • The dates each UST system was removed from the ground or closed in place.
  • Tank and product line leak detection records for the 12 months prior to each tank’s closure.
  • Identify the NDEP certified tank handler who had oversight of the closure activities.
  • Provide a site drawing to include the locations of each UST system (tank, turbine sump, fill, product piping, dispensers, and vent lines), convenience store relative to the UST system(s), and sample points (indicate depth at which the sample was taken). Orient the top of the drawing north or indicate direction with a north arrow.
  • Laboratory analysis results (EPA Method 8015, modified for petroleum hydrocarbons) for each collected soil sample. Samples must be collected at any location contamination is visible, beneath each tank at opposite ends of the excavation (2 samples per tank), beneath each product dispenser, and beneath product piping unions, tees, and elbows.