UST Regulatory Compliance & EPA Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 40 CFR Part 280, what is the maximum allowable threshold for a UST system to be exempt from federal regulations based on tank capacity?
- 100 gallons
- 110 gallons (Correct answer)
- 500 gallons
- 1,000 gallons
Correct answer: 110 gallons
UST systems with a capacity of 110 gallons or less are exempt from the federal UST regulations under 40 CFR Part 280.
Question 2: Which EPA regulation specifically governs secondary containment requirements for new UST installations after October 13, 2015?
- 40 CFR Part 264
- 40 CFR Part 280.20 (Correct answer)
- 40 CFR Part 112
- 40 CFR Part 279
Correct answer: 40 CFR Part 280.20
40 CFR Part 280.20 sets design and construction standards for new UST systems, including secondary containment requirements effective after October 13, 2015.
Question 3: What is the EPA's required response time for owners/operators to begin an investigation after a suspected release is confirmed?
- 24 hours (Correct answer)
- 48 hours
- 72 hours
- 7 days
Correct answer: 24 hours
Upon confirmation of a release, owners/operators must begin corrective action and notify the implementing agency within 24 hours.
Question 4: A UST system containing a mixture of petroleum and hazardous substances is regulated under which primary federal framework?
- RCRA Subtitle C only
- RCRA Subtitle I only (Correct answer)
- Both RCRA Subtitle C and Subtitle I
- CERCLA exclusively
Correct answer: RCRA Subtitle I only
UST systems are regulated primarily under RCRA Subtitle I, regardless of whether they contain petroleum, hazardous substances, or a mixture.
Question 5: Under EPA's 2015 UST rule, operators of UST systems must complete Class C operator training within how many days of assuming duties?
- 15 days
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 60 days
- 90 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Class C operators must be trained within 30 days of assuming their UST-related duties according to the 2015 federal UST regulation update.
Question 6: Which document must be maintained on-site or immediately accessible for each UST system under 40 CFR Part 280?
- Annual inspection report from EPA
- Release detection records for the most recent 3 years (Correct answer)
- Soil sample results from initial installation
- Insurance policy declarations page
Correct answer: Release detection records for the most recent 3 years
Owners/operators must keep release detection records for the most recent 3 years and make them available for inspection.
Question 7: Under the 2015 EPA UST regulation, what new requirement was added for all walkways and sumps associated with UST systems?
- They must be painted with corrosion-resistant coating
- They must include flow-back valves
- They must be tested for tightness every 3 years
- They must be inspected for liquid accumulation every 30 days (Correct answer)
Correct answer: They must be inspected for liquid accumulation every 30 days
The 2015 rule requires that containment sumps and spill prevention equipment be inspected every 30 days for liquid accumulation and integrity.
UST Regulatory Compliance & EPA Standards 2
Under 40 CFR Part 280, what is the maximum allowable threshold for a UST system to be exempt from federal regulations based on tank capacity?