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Tank Closure Information

In accordance with Rule 1200-1-15-.07(2)(a) of the Tennessee Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Regulations, the Responsible Party shall notify the Division of Underground Storage Tanks of their intent to permanently close an underground storage tank (UST) system. A closure assessment shall be conducted to determine if a release has occurred. According to Rule 1200-1-15-.01(3)(ccc):

UST system or tank system means an underground storage tank, connected underground piping, underground ancillary equipment, and containment system, if any.

CLOSURE PACKET

Instructions

When closing your tanks, complete the "Closure Application". Submit the application to the appropriate Field Office for approval 30 days prior to closing the UST system.

After tanks are out of the ground or properly closed in place, be sure to file an amended notification form with TN UST. This stops the automatic billing procedure for annual tank registration.

You will need the following resources if you close your tanks:

GENERAL INFORMATION

For tank owners to properly close tanks, they must work closely with the Field Offices of the Division of Underground Storage Tanks. Failure to properly close tanks could further expose any tank owner to civil or criminal liability should an accident or injury result from negligence on his/her part. Also, violations of the UST Regulations could result in civil penalties or fines against the tank owner and/or operator.

If you are a property owner, proper closure of tanks helps ensure that your property is not viewed as suspect by potential buyers and lending institutions.

If your site is fund eligible, certain costs associated with the clean up of any contamination found during closure may qualify for reimbursement up to 100% above your deductible up to $1 million.

STATE NOTIFICATION OF TANK CLOSURE

Proper planning can save annual tank fee dollars! Tank fees are due if the tank is in the ground even one day during the fee year.

The fee year or the billing cycle is different for each grand division of the state.

    The Fee Year for East Tennessee is July 1 through June 30.

    The Fee Year for Middle Tennessee is October 1 through September 30.

    The Fee Year for West Tennessee is January 1 through December 31.

To legally avoid paying tank fees for the next fee year, tanks must be properly closed (that is, removed or filled) before that fee year begins. If you wait until the fee year begins, fees are due for that fee year.

This applies to tanks which are temporarily out of service as well as to active tanks.

Failure to pay these fees will result in a 5% per month late penalty and loss of fund eligibility for the site.

Be smart; be legal; save dollars. Close your tanks before the next fee year begins!

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS TO CLOSE TANKS

Before beginning work, discuss process with local Field Office representatives.

Obtain and complete all necessary paperwork.

You may:

    Close and remove your tanks

    Close and leave tanks in place

Determine if there is any soil or water contamination from leaks or spills.

If there is contamination, follow appropriate procedures.

    If so, follow procedures for addressing contamination.

    If not, complete closure process.

Within thirty days after an UST system is permanently closed, a Notification Form must be submitted to the address located on the notification form (UST Nashville Central Office). The form shall indicate the current status of the UST system at the facility. Include the Facility ID Number and mark "C. CLOSED." Failure to submit the amended Notification Form may result in continued billing for the annual tank fee.