What is the States” Role in Enforcing the 1998 Deadline?
EPA expects States to take the lead in securing compliance with the 1998 UST requirements. EPA recognizes that States can use various enforcement activities to achieve compliance. These enforcement activities can include filing administrative or judicial actions or immediately stopping operation of a non-complying tank (e.g., by using their “red tag” authority) States will use their enforcement authority as necessary to demonstrate to UST owners and operators that they will not be permitted to ignore UST requirements with impunity. In the months leading up to the December 22, 1998 deadline, EPA expects that States generally will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with UST requirements already in effect, including those for release detection; to remind UST owners and operators of their obligation to upgrade, replace, or properly close substandard UST systems; make owners and operators aware of the fact that enforcement action will be taken against those who miss the deadline; an
