New PADEP UST regs proposed

Environmental NEWS - Fall 2006

Change is the only constant in life and the Pennsylvania UST Program and Land Recycling Program is no exception. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is currently in the process of modifying the PA UST shortlist of parameters to better represent actual site conditions.

The changes being proposed include the addition of mineral insulating oil as a new fuel type, MTBE to the diesel fuel category (fuel oil #2), and 1, 3, 4 and 1, 3, 5 trimethyl benzenes to leaded gasoline, unleaded gasoline, and the new fuel type mineral insulating oil categories. The proposed changes are anticipated for early 2007.

What does all this mean to an UST owner and environmental consultant? The phase of a project will guide the next step, but in any situation, the project should be discussed with PADEP to identify options.

Characterization (little or no data): Follow the new guidance.
Remediation (sufficient data for characterization): Update your sampling plan to include the new compounds prior to attainment sampling. Potentially modify remediation techniques to attack new compounds of concern.
Attainment Sampling (remediation complete): Contact PADEP and negotiate a best approach to effectively demonstrate attainment to close the site.

For more details and the proposed PA UST Shortlist, please visit www.lancasterlabs.com