Michigan UST Regulations 2026: EGLE Part 213 & LARA Guide
Complete compliance guide for Michigan underground storage tank owners and environmental professionals
As of 2026, owners and operators of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) in Michigan must navigate a detailed regulatory landscape enforced by two primary state agencies. Michigan's UST program is jointly managed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Fire Services and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
Regulatory Authority Structure
- LARA Bureau of Fire Services (BFS): Oversees technical aspects including UST registration, permitting, installation, and operational compliance under Part 211 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA)
- EGLE: Manages the corrective action process for leaking UST (LUST) sites under Part 213 of NREPA, including oversight of site assessment and cleanup
Key Compliance Requirements
To remain in compliance, all UST owners must fulfill several critical obligations:
- Register tanks with LARA and keep registration updated
- Implement and maintain required spill, overfill, and corrosion protection measures
- Ensure all staff are properly trained according to operator training requirements
- Maintain detailed records of inspections, testing, and leak detection monitoring
- Secure and annually prove financial responsibility to cover potential cleanup costs
Leak Detection and Reporting Rules
Continuous leak detection is critical, with specific monitoring requirements:
Tank Monitoring
- Frequency: Must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days
- Methods: Automatic tank gauging (ATG) or interstitial monitoring are common
- New Requirements: Tanks installed after April 11, 2016, must use interstitial monitoring
Piping Monitoring
- Pressurized Piping: Requires monthly monitoring or annual tightness test, plus an automatic line leak detector
- Suction Piping: Requires a tightness test every three years or monthly monitoring
Annual Testing
All automatic leak detection equipment must have its proper operation tested annually.
Upon suspicion or confirmation of a leak, owners must report it immediately to EGLE and follow established corrective action procedures.
Financial Responsibility Requirements
UST owners must demonstrate financial responsibility to pay for cleanup and third-party damages:
- Per-Occurrence Coverage: Typically $1 million per occurrence
- Aggregate Coverage: $1 million for owners of 1-100 tanks; $2 million for 101+ tanks
- Mechanisms: Insurance, self-insurance, surety bonds, or other approved mechanisms
Michigan MUSTA Cleanup Fund
The Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority (MUSTA) manages a cleanup fund that serves as an approved financial responsibility mechanism:
- Coverage: Reimburses owners for eligible corrective action costs up to $1 million per occurrence
- Deductible Structure:
- $2,000 for owners of 7 or fewer USTs
- $10,000 for owners of 8 or more USTs
- Serves as an approved financial responsibility mechanism for most owners
2026 Outlook and Recent Changes
The regulatory framework for 2026 remains consistent with prior years, as no major legislative changes were passed in the 2024-2025 period. The most significant recent development is administrative:
- Online Portal: LARA has moved most submissions—including registrations, plan reviews, and release notifications—to its online customer portal
- Streamlined documentation process for better efficiency
Practical Tips for UST Owners
- Calibrate Your Calendar: Schedule and track all required monthly, annual, and triennial testing and inspection deadlines to avoid compliance lapses.
- Know Your Portal: Familiarize yourself with the LARA online portal for all official submissions to ensure timely and correct filing.
- Document Everything: Maintain meticulous records of leak detection results, maintenance, inspections, and financial responsibility. These are the first items requested during an inspection.
- Train Your Team: Ensure all facility operators are trained and certified. Proper training prevents releases and ensures correct response if one occurs.
- Understand Part 213: Familiarize yourself with EGLE's corrective action requirements under Part 213 for handling any potential releases.
For official information and the latest updates, visit the LARA UST Program website or check Michigan UST sites in our database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates underground storage tanks in Michigan?
Michigan's UST program is jointly managed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Fire Services, which oversees technical aspects under Part 211, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), which manages corrective action under Part 213.
How does Michigan's MUSTA cleanup fund work?
The Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority (MUSTA) manages a cleanup fund that reimburses owners for eligible corrective action costs up to $1 million per occurrence. Deductibles are $2,000 for owners of 7 or fewer USTs and $10,000 for owners of 8 or more USTs.
What are the leak detection monitoring requirements in Michigan?
Tanks must be monitored at least every 30 days using methods like ATG or interstitial monitoring. Tanks installed after April 11, 2016, must use interstitial monitoring. All automatic leak detection equipment must be tested annually for proper operation.