The Problem
Petroleum products and mineral acids are stored above and underground at places like retail gas stations, marinas, airports, fleet fueling sites, hospitals, golf courses, farms, buildings with emergency generators, golf courses, and commerical/governmental operations throughout the state. Lack of maintenance, faulty equipment, or operator error could allow these substances to leak out into the soil and groundwater, South Florida's main source for drinking water.

The Solution
In 1988, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) contracted with ERM to manage the Petroleum Storage Tank Compliance Program to oversee that facilities storing petroleum products and mineral acids are in compliance with the law.

ERM's Role in Storage Tank Compliance
ERM Storage Tank Compliance Inspectors provide the first line of defense against contamination and the highest level of protection for our land and water resources by:

• Performing annual compliance inspections and investigating reported or suspected discharges.
• Performing annual marina spill plan certifications and verifying that gas stations have backup power ability.
• Verifying that storage tanks, piping, dispensing equipment and electronic monitoring systems meet the code and are monitored monthly.
• Initiating a timely response to reported petroleum product discharges.
• Reviewing plans for and performing inspections at all tank installations and closures.
• Maintaining a web-based public access to over 25 years of storage tank records.
• Click here to see photos of what ERM tank inspectors find on a daily basis.

Highlights of ERM's Storage Tank Compliance Program

• There are over 1,320 registered facilities in Palm Beach County that store and dispense petroleum products.
• There are over 2,826 registered storage tank systems in Palm Beach County ranging in size from 110 to more than 21 million gallons/tank.
• ERM has conducted over 13,000 inspections.
• ERM staff involvement/oversight results in quick resolution to violations.
• ERM staff respond to thousands of requests each year for technical assistance, general information, complaints, and plan review.
• In 2003, the Palm Beach County Petroleum Storage Systems Ordinance was adopted, allowing ERM to pursue enforcement of non-compliant facilities and owners.

Helpful Links

• Program Fact Sheet
• PBC Petroleum Storage Systems Ordinance 2003-020
• Chapter 62-761, FAC Underground Storage Tanks [External Link]
• Chapter 62-762, FAC Aboveground Storage Tanks [External Link]
• FDEP Storage Tank Regulations [External Link]
  
• FDEP Waste Management Rules [External Link]
  
• LUST Line News Bulletin [External Link]