What to do in the event of a release

Preventive Measures to Take Before a Leak is Suspected or Confirmed

• Make sure you are in full compliance with leak detection regulations and all employees know how to operate and maintain leak detection systems to minimize false alarms.
• Know what to do if a leak in an underground storage tank system occurs.
• Make sure your C operator manual or sign is easy to see and your C operator has been trained.
• Get to know pertinent people in the Division of Underground Storage Tanks so you will know whom to contact in case of a suspected or confirmed release.
• Get to know members of the local fire department and their emergency response capabilities.
• Obtain an environmental consulting company to ensure quick responses to a system release.

Warning Signals of a Leaking UST System

• Dispensing equipment and/or leak detection equipment begins operating erratically.
• Inventory discrepancies in excess of 1% of monthly throughput plus 130 gallons.
• Neighborhood reports of petroleum odors in homes, drinking water or sewage systems.  

What to do when a UST System Release is Suspected

• Check dispensing and leak detection systems for malfunctions.
• If equipment is malfunctioning, have it fixed or replaced. Keep accurate records for each UST system repair as long as it is in service.
• Report any suspected release to appropriate TN UST Environmental Field Office within 72 hours.
• Conduct tightness tests, or other appropriate tests, on all suspect tanks and piping.
• If tests indicate a release has occurred, report it to the appropriate TN UST Environmental Field Office within 72 hours.
• Keep daily logs documenting all actions taken on leaking UST system.
• File an application for fund eligibility within 90 days.

Actions To Take For A Confirmed Release

Immediate actions:

• Stop and contain the leak or spill.
• Call local fire department to evaluate if explosive conditions are present.
• Remove vapors or fire hazards to ensure the spill or leak poses no immediate hazard to human health or safety.  Follow guidance provided in TGD-020 
• If impacted drinking water is discovered an alternate drinking water supply or filtration system shall be supplied immediately.  Follow guidance provided in TDG-019.
• Begin removing free product, if it is present in accordance with TGD-004.
• File an application for fund eligibility within 60 days. 
• File the required Hazard Notification Report CN-1259 within 72 hours for all above impacts.
• Contact an approved corrective action contractor (CAC).

Short term actions:

• If contaminated soil is excavated, handle it in accordance with TN UST Guidelines and Regulations.
• Determine the presence and levels of soil and groundwater contamination.
• Submit an Initial Response and Hazard Management Report after release is confirmed.
• Perform Risk Based Corrective Action Process RBCA TGD-017.

Long term actions:

• Based on information provided to TN UST, it will be determined if additional remediation must be taken.
• If additional remediation is necessary, submit a Corrective Action Plan to TN UST.
• Once the plan is approved, implement it to remediate soil and groundwater to applicable cleanup levels. 
• Other Applicable Guidelines and Documents can be found in the link to Technical Guidance Documents in forms page.