This guide is an educational tool for tank owners, operators, and other users and is not intended for use in certifying compliance with the Federal technical standards for underground storage tanks.

The intent of this guide is to provide an overview of the general requirements. This guide is intended for users who are generally familiar with the requirements of 40 CFR Part 280. The user is advised that this guide does not contain the level of detail necessary to make the determination of whether specific equipment or services meet the detailed technical performance requirements of 40 CFR Part 280.

This guide does not cover state and local requirements, that can be more stringent than the federal rules. Owners and operators are responsible for meeting federal, state, and, in some circumstances, local requirements. It is recommended that owners and operators familiarize themselves with these requirements as well.

Owners or operators may use the sample checklist in Appendix X1 to assist them in determining operational conformance or they may develop their own checklist based upon this guide.

This guide and accompanying appendixes are not intended to be used by state or local UST program authorities as a regulatory or administrative requirement for owners or operators. Use of this guide and appendixes by owners and operators is intended to be a voluntary educational tool for the purposes described in 4.1.

1.1 This guide covers information for evaluating tank systems for operational conformance with the Federal technical standards (including the financial responsibility requirements) for underground storage tanks (USTs) found at 40 Code of Federal Register (CFR) Part 280.

1.2 This guide does not address the corrective action requirements of 40 CFR Part 280.

1.3 To the extent that a tank system is excluded or deferred from the federal regulations under Subpart A of 40 CFR Part 280, it is not covered by this guide.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.