How to Report a Leaking Underground Storage Tank
Step-by-step emergency response and reporting requirements for suspected UST releases
⚠️ Emergency Alert: If you smell strong petroleum vapors, suspect an imminent explosion risk, or observe significant environmental contamination, call 911 immediately before following these reporting procedures.
Discovering a leaking underground storage tank can be overwhelming, but prompt and proper reporting is crucial for minimizing environmental damage, protecting public health, and avoiding regulatory penalties. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process for reporting suspected UST releases to state authorities.
Immediate Response Steps (First 24 Hours)
Time is critical when dealing with suspected UST releases. Follow these immediate steps:
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Eliminate all ignition sources (smoking, vehicles, electrical equipment)
- Evacuate people from the immediate area if vapors are present
- Ventilate enclosed spaces if safe to do so
- Call 911 if there's immediate danger to life or property
Step 2: Stop the Release
- Turn off power to dispensers and pumps
- Stop delivery operations immediately
- Close all product valves if accessible
- Do not attempt repairs that could cause sparks
Step 3: Contain and Document
- Place absorbent materials around visible product
- Take photographs of the affected area
- Note the time, date, and circumstances of discovery
- Identify witnesses and potential sources of the release
State Reporting Requirements
Every state has specific UST release reporting requirements. Most follow similar timelines but have different procedures:
Immediate Notification
Timeframe: Within 24 hours (some states require immediate)
Method: Phone call to state environmental agency
Required for: All suspected releases, regardless of size
Written Report
Timeframe: 7-30 days (varies by state)
Method: Official form submission
Required for: Follow-up to oral notification
Pro Tip: Keep a list of your state environmental agency's 24-hour spill hotline number readily available. Most states have dedicated UST emergency numbers for faster response.
Information Required for Reporting
Gather the following information before making your report. Having this ready will expedite the process:
Facility Information
- Complete facility address and legal description
- Facility owner and operator names and contact information
- UST registration numbers and permit information
- Facility ID numbers from previous inspections
Release Details
- Date and time the release was discovered
- Product type (gasoline, diesel, heating oil, etc.)
- Estimated volume of product released
- Location of the release (tank, piping, dispenser)
- Suspected cause (equipment failure, overfill, etc.)
Environmental Impact
- Visible product on ground or water surface
- Presence of petroleum odors and affected area
- Proximity to water sources, wells, or sensitive receptors
- Weather conditions and potential migration paths
Key State Agency Contacts
Contact information for major state UST programs:
For other states, search "[State] UST spill reporting" or contact your state environmental agency.
Follow-up Actions
After making the initial report, several follow-up actions are typically required:
- Submit Written Report: Complete official state forms within the required timeframe (usually 7-30 days)
- Site Investigation: Conduct initial site assessment to determine contamination extent
- Notification to Other Parties: Inform insurance carriers, lenders, and potentially affected neighbors
- Corrective Action Plan: Develop and submit cleanup plan if contamination is confirmed
- Ongoing Monitoring: Implement monitoring programs as required by state regulators
Common Reporting Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Delaying Notification: Don't wait to "see how bad it is" - report immediately upon discovery
❌ Incomplete Information: Provide all available details even if some are uncertain
❌ Attempting DIY Cleanup: Don't try to clean up contaminated soil without professional guidance
Regulatory Penalties for Non-Reporting
Failure to report UST releases can result in significant penalties:
- Administrative Penalties: $10,000-$50,000+ per day of violation
- Criminal Liability: Intentional non-reporting can result in criminal charges
- Enhanced Cleanup Costs: Delayed response often increases remediation expenses
- Loss of Insurance Coverage: Late reporting may void policy protections
Remember: When in doubt, report. It's always better to report a suspected release that turns out to be minor than to fail to report an actual release. State agencies would rather investigate false alarms than discover unreported contamination.
Need help with UST compliance or remediation? Learn about cleanup costs or find qualified environmental professionals in our directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly must I report a suspected UST leak?
Most states require immediate notification (within 24 hours) of suspected releases. Some states require reporting within hours of discovery. Check your state's specific requirements, but err on the side of early reporting to avoid penalties.
What information do I need when reporting a UST leak?
You'll need facility details (address, owner info, UST registration numbers), description of the suspected release (location, product type, estimated volume), discovery circumstances, immediate actions taken, and contact information for follow-up.
What should I do immediately after discovering a potential UST leak?
Ensure safety first - evacuate if necessary and eliminate ignition sources. Stop using the affected tank immediately, prevent further product loss, notify emergency responders if needed, document the incident, and contact your state environmental agency and insurance carrier.