Underground Storage Tanks

Oils and fuels stored underground may be subject to Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulation.

Under the federal regulations, 40 CFR 280, all Underground Storage Tank (UST) systems used to store fuels must meet specific requirements designed to reduce the likelihood of a release to the environment. At Longwood University, the tanks covered under this regulation include the motor fuel USTs operated by Fleet Services, and propane tanks that service dining facilities. Virginia DEQ implements and enforces this regulation under 9VAC25-580. Virginia DEQ conducts routine inspections to ensure compliance. Longwood University conducts monthly and annual inspections on each regulated tank. The inspection requirements generally exceed the requirements of the Spill Prevention Controls and Countermeasures Plan (SPCC), the EPA and Virginia DEQ does not require regulated USTs to be covered under the facility SPCC Plan. However, for continuity Longwood University does include regulated USTs in the SPCC Plan.  USTs that are used to store heating oil are not regulated.

Contact EH&S before installing a new underground storage tank.

Our currently active underground tanks include:

· Four propane tanks

· Two heating oil tanks

· One gasoline tank.