EPA’s Underground Storage Tank Program

EPA’s Underground Storage Tank Program was developed to regulate and monitor underground storage tanks for leaks, mostly of petroleum motor fuels, which can cause fires, explosions, and contaminate groundwater. Groundwater is the source of drinking water for half of the population of the U.S. Since Congress directed EPA to start its Underground Storage Tank Program more than 25 years ago, two-thirds of some two million underground tanks have been properly closed. In addition, federal rules to reduce tank releases have cut the number of leaks and spills by 90%, and more than 80% of sites with releases have been cleaned up. EPN created this Underground Storage Tank Program fact sheet to explain the importance of supporting this program and EPA’s research, which has greatly improved the ability to track and clean up dangerous underground leaks.