How Will EPA Deal With Non-Compliance?
After December 22, 1998, it will be illegal to operate UST systems that are not equipped to protect against corrosion, spills, and overfills. Owners and operators who miss the deadline must bring substandard UST systems into compliance by upgrading, replacing, or closing them. If EPA finds them in violation, they will be subject to monetary penalties for periods of non-compliance. EPAs goal is to ensure that the regulated community brings substandard UST systems into compliance. When UST owners and/or operators fail to comply with the 1998 deadline requirements, EPA will initiate enforcement actions to ensure prompt compliance with the UST regulations. EPAs position is not to allow continued operation of substandard UST systems after December 22, 1998. Toward that end, EPA will take the position that substandard UST systems should be temporarily closed until the work necessary to upgrade, replace, or permanently close them is completed. Alternatively, EPA may refer the matter to the St
