Department of Environment & Conservation
Jim Fyke, Commissioner

What To Do In The Event Of A Release

PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO TAKE BEFORE A LEAK IS SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED

Make sure you are in full compliance with leak detection regulations.

Make sure all employees know how to operate and maintain leak detection systems to minimize false alarms.

Know what to do if a leak in an underground storage tank system occurs.

Get to know pertinent people in the Division of Underground Storage Tanks so you will know whom to contact in case of a suspected or confirmed release.

Get to know members of the local fire department and their emergency response capabilities.

Obtain an environmental consulting company to ensure quick responses to a system release.

WARNING SIGNALS OF A LEAKING UST SYSTEM

Dispensing equipment and/or leak detection equipment begins operating erratically.

Inventory discrepancies in excess of 1% of monthly throughput plus 130 gallons.

Neighborhood reports of petroleum odors in homes, drinking water or sewage systems.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A UST SYSTEM RELEASE IS SUSPECTED

Check dispensing and leak detection systems for malfunctions.

If equipment is malfunctioning, have it fixed or replaced. Keep accurate records for each UST system repair as long as it is in service.

Report any suspected release to appropriate TN UST Environmental Assistance Center within 72 hours.

Conduct tightness tests, or other appropriate tests, on all suspect tanks and piping.

If tests indicate a release has occurred, report it to the appropriate TN UST Environmental Assistance Center within 72 hours.

Keep daily logs documenting all actions taken on leaking UST system.

ACTIONS TO TAKE FOR A CONFIRMED RELEASE

Immediate actions:

Stop and contain the leak or spill.

Call local fire department to evaluate if explosive conditions are present.

Remove vapors or fire hazards to ensure the spill or leak poses no immediate hazard to human health or safety.

Begin removing free product, if it is present.

Contact an approved corrective action contractor (CAC).

Short term actions:

Determine extent of soil and groundwater contamination.

If contaminated soil is excavated, handle it in accordance with TN UST Guidelines and Regulations.

Submit an Initial Abatement Report to TN UST 30 days after a release is confirmed. Include all relevant information about the release and actions taken to mitigate fire and vapor hazards.

Long term actions:

Based on information provided to TN UST, it will be determined if additional remediation must be taken.

If additional remediation is necessary, submit a Corrective Action Plan to TN UST.

Once the plan is approved, implement it to remediate soil and groundwater to applicable cleanup levels.