Howard County Maryland Settles Underground Storage Tank Violations at Two Facilities
The Environmental Protection Agency Takes Action
I’m always keeping an eye on environmental compliance issues in our communities. Therefore, I wanted to share some important news about recent developments right here in Maryland. Howard County has just agreed to pay a $9,727 penalty to settle alleged violations of underground storage tank (UST) regulations at two facilities in Columbia. WWW.THEFREELIBRARY.COM
What Exactly Happened?
The EPA discovered some serious issues with how Howard County was managing their underground storage tanks. Specifically, they found that a 1,000-gallon tank containing used oil wasn’t being regularly monitored for leaks. In fact, this monitoring hadn’t been done for three and a half years! Additionally, the county failed to provide proper cathodic protection (anti-corrosion measures) for piping connected to a 2,500-gallon diesel fuel tank. WWW.THEFREELIBRARY.COM
Why This Matters to All of Us
You might be wondering why underground storage tanks are such a big deal. Well, with millions of gallons of gasoline, oil, and other petroleum products stored underground throughout the U.S., leaking tanks represent a major source of soil and groundwater contamination. Consequently, these regulations aren’t just bureaucratic red tape – they’re essential safeguards for our environment and health.
The Dangers of Leaking USTs
When underground tanks leak, they can contaminate soil, groundwater, and eventually drinking water supplies. Moreover, petroleum products contain numerous harmful compounds that can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. Furthermore, cleanup costs for these spills often run into hundreds of thousands of dollars – money that ultimately comes from taxpayers.
Prevention Is Always Better Than Cleanup
I’ve seen firsthand how devastating environmental contamination can be. Hence, I’m a firm believer that preventive measures like regular monitoring and proper maintenance are absolutely crucial. EPA and state underground storage tank regulations are specifically designed to reduce the risk of underground leaks, thus avoiding the astronomical costs of major cleanups.
What Howard County Needs to Do Now
Besides paying the penalty, Howard County will need to bring their facilities into compliance with all UST regulations. This means implementing regular monthly leak detection monitoring and installing proper cathodic protection for all metal piping. Furthermore, they’ll likely need to demonstrate ongoing compliance through regular reporting.
The Bigger Picture
This case highlights a problem that extends beyond just Howard County. Underground storage tanks exist in virtually every community across America. Therefore, we all have a stake in ensuring they’re properly maintained and monitored. Additionally, this serves as an important reminder for all municipalities to review their own compliance with environmental regulations.
I believe we all deserve clean water and uncontaminated soil. Consequently, I’ll continue monitoring these environmental compliance issues and sharing them with you. After all, an informed community is an empowered one!
Sources:
- EPA Press Release on Underground Storage Tank Regulations, January 2014
- Hazardous Waste Superfund Alert, January 27, 2014
- Maryland Department of the Environment, Underground Storage Tank Division, 2014
- Green Living Guy Archives on Environmental Compliance, 2013
For more information on cathodic protection, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oust/ustsystm/cathodic.htm
For more information on underground storage tanks, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oust/index.htm.
