Which federal law regulates underground storage tanks for hazardous substances?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the federal law that regulates underground storage tanks (USTs) for hazardous substances. It was enacted to address the management of hazardous waste from its creation to its disposal and includes provisions specifically targeting the protection of human health and the environment from potential hazards associated with waste management practices, including those related to USTs.

Under RCRA, UST systems that store hazardous substances must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in a manner that prevents releases into the environment. This includes requirements for leak detection, corrosion protection, and proper closure procedures when tanks are no longer in use.

Other laws mentioned, such as the Clean Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, primarily focus on regulating discharges to water bodies and overall water quality rather than specifically addressing underground storage tanks. The Solid Waste Disposal Act is an earlier evaluation statute related to solid waste management but does not specifically cover hazardous substances stored underground as comprehensively as RCRA does. Thus, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is the most relevant and specific regulation concerning underground storage tanks and their management.