The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has authorized the state Department of Health to administer the program regulating underground storage tanks containing petroleum and hazardous substances starting Monday. State to oversee
tank storage program
Star-Bulletin staff
"The EPA has determined Hawaii's application meets all requirements for achieving state delegation," said Wayne Nastri, the EPA's regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest.
The state's authorized program will act in lieu of the federal underground storage tank program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Although the EPA will retain its authority to inspect and bring enforcement actions, the EPA now will enforce the provisions of the state's program rather than federal requirements.
Moreover, the EPA will provide technical support and conduct an annual review of the state's program.
There are about 1,100 operating underground storage tank facilities in Hawaii with about 400 facilities inspected annually.
Each facility should expect to undergo an inspection at least once every three years to ensure compliance with state underground storage tank regulations.
State of Hawaii
Hawaii Department of Health
Environmental Protection Agency
