Information for Owners & Operators

Helpful Documents for Owners & Operators

A list of helpful documents, including the Corrective Action Policy Manual, Inventory Control instructions and worksheets, storage tank maintenance and reporting checklists, and other important information may be found on the download page.

Reporting Requirements for Underground Storage Tank Releases

BER's Storage Tank Section is responsible for responding to releases from underground storage tanks and the associated piping. As part of the response, field staff make an evaluation of the release and determine what remedial action is necessary to protect public health and the environment. BER is receiving federal funding through the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund, which is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Trust Fund is financed by a tax on motor fuels of 1/10 of one cent per gallon and provides BER with funding for staff, as well as funding for actual clean-up of sites where no responsible party can be found.

Kansas Administrative Regulations 28 - 48 Parts 1 and 2 (Article 48) requires the reporting of spills to BER. Reporting requirements under Article 48 are totally independent of the "Community Right to Know" program and reportable quantities associated with those requirements. Many owners of buried tank systems are not aware of the requirements under Article 48 or do not realize that leakage from buried tanks or associated lines is reportable spillage. There are numerous service stations located throughout the state, many of which operate buried tank systems. A system such as this may store large quantities of fuel, which can be accidentally released. A release of this type can cause contamination of soil and groundwater resulting in odor or product in basements, sewers, or water wells. If you observe or receive information regarding a reportable incident, this information should be referred to BER. Reportable incidents include: 1) any loss from a buried tank system or 2) discovery of product of fuel odors in groundwater, sewers, or the basement of a structure.

BER responds to both new releases and existing problems that result from leakage from buried tanks or associated piping. KDHE has six district offices located throughout the state as well as a central office in Topeka. The staff responsible for this program is quite limited at this time so extensive field surveys of service stations are not possible. BER must rely on the responsible parties, local agencies, and private citizens to ensure that petroleum releases are reported. Problems resulting from leaks of this type seem to compound over time so early reporting and proper clean up of these sites are very important.

BER would appreciate any assistance that you can provide with reporting or oversight of buried tank release incidents. For additional information or to report a problem, you should call Stephanie Pfannenstiel at 785-296-6768 or the appropriate district office for your area.