The DEQ Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program will be changing its compliance process starting October 1. This new process will be replacing the current "one size fits all" compliance process that typically gave owners 6 months or more to resolve deficiencies. Starting October 1, DEQ's response will depend upon the severity of the issues discovered during a UST inspection.
These changes will result in shorter timelines to correct issues before cases are elevated to more formal enforcement actions, such as fines or delivery prohibition.
As a reminder, UST owners and operators are required by regulation to comply with UST regulatory requirements at all times. Do not wait for your inspection to know your compliance status.
Before these changes go into effect, DEQ is hosting a webinar at 10 a.m. on September 25 to explain the new UST Compliance Process. You can register for the webinar here.
DEQ has also provided a fact sheet to help explain the changes in more detail. You can also view this list of compliance actions to keep in mind.
Have questions? Contact your DEQ inspector or email tank@deq.virginia.gov.