### 535 Environmental Protection Agency § 281.11



### PART 281—APPROVAL OF STATE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAMS

Subpart A—Purpose, General

Requirements and Scope

Sec. 281.10 Purpose. 281.11 General requirements. 281.12 Scope and definitions.

Subpart B—Components of a Program Application

281.20 Program application. 281.21 Description of state program. 281.22 Procedures for adequate enforcement. 281.23 Schedule for interim approval. 281.24 Memorandum of agreement. 281.25 Attorney General’s statement.

Subpart C—Criteria for No-Less-Stringent

281.30 New UST system design, construction, installation, and notification. 281.31 Upgrading existing UST systems. 281.32 General operating requirements.
281.33 Release detection. 281.34 Release reporting, investigation, and
confirmation.281.35 Release response and corrective action.281.36 Out-of-service UST systems and closure.281.37 Financial responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum. 281.38 Financial responsibility for USTscontaining hazardous substances. [Reserved] 281.39 Lender liability.

Subpart D—Adequate Enforcement of Compliance

281.40 Requirements for compliance monitoring program and authority.281.41 Requirements for enforcement authority.281.42 Requirements for public participation. 281.43 Sharing of information.

Subpart E—Approval Procedures

281.50 Approval procedures for state programs.281.51 Amendment required at end of interim period. 281.52 Revision of approved state programs.

Subpart F—Withdrawal of Approval of State Programs

281.60 Criteria for withdrawal of approval of
state programs. 281.61 Procedures for withdrawal of approval of state programs.

A UTHORITY : 42 U.S.C. 6912, 6991 (c), (d), (e), (g).

S OURCE : 53 FR 37241, Sept. 23, 1988, unless
otherwise noted.



### Subpart A—Purpose, General Requirements and Scope

§ 281.10 Purpose.

(a) This subpart specifies the requirements that state programs must meet for approval by the Administrator under section 9004 of RCRA, and theprocedures EPA will follow in approving, revising and withdrawing approval of state programs.

(b) State submissions for program approval must be in accordance with the procedures set out in this part.

(c) A state may apply for approval under this subpart at any time after the promulgation of release detection, prevention, and correction regulations
under section 9003 of RCRA.

(d) Any state program approved by the Administrator under this part shall
at all times be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this part.

§ 281.11 General requirements.

(a) State program elements. The following substantive elements of a state program must be addressed in a state application for approval:

(1) Requirements for all existing and new underground storage tanks:

(i) New UST systems (design, construction, installation, and notification);

(ii) Upgrading of existing UST systems;

(iii) General operating requirements; (iv) Release detection; (v) Release reporting, investigation, and confirmation;

(vi) Out-of-service USTs and closure; (vii) Release response and corrective action; and

(viii) Financial responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum.

(2) Provisions for adequate enforcement of compliance with the above program elements.

(b) Final approval. The state must demonstrate that its requirements under each state program element for existing and new UST systems are no


### 536 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–05 Edition) § 281.12

less stringent than the corresponding federal requirements as set forth insubpart C of this part, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.
The state must also demonstrate thatit has a program that provides adequate enforcement of compliance with these requirements.

(c) Interim approval. (1) The Administrator may approve state programs with requirements less stringent than the federal requirements for a period of 1 to 3 years from September 23, 1988. Such interim approval may be grantedonly if state regulatory and/or legislative change is required in order for the state program to be no less stringent than the federal requirements and standards under part 280 for one ormore of the following program elements: Release detection at existingUST systems; release reporting and investigation; and out-of-service or closed UST systems.

(2) A state program may receive interim approval if it:

(i) Has requirements for three elements:

(A) Release Detection; (B) Release Reporting, Investigation, and Confirmation; and

(C) Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure; and

(ii) Has requirements that are no lessstringent than the corresponding federal requirements for five elements:

(A) New UST System Design, Construction, Installation and Notification;

(B) Upgrading Existing UST Systems; (C) General Operating Requirements; (D) Release Response and Corrective Action; and

(E) Financial Responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum; and

(iii) Provides for adequate enforcement of compliance with these requirements.

(3) A state with a program that has received interim approval must receive final approval of an amended program containing program elements that areno less stringent than the corresponding federal program elements under subpart C in accordance with the following schedule:

(i) If only state regulatory action is required, the state must submit an amended program to EPA for approval before September 23, 1989.

(ii) If only state legislative action is required, the state must submit an amended program to EPA for approval before September 23, 1990.

(iii) If both state legislative and regulatory action are required, the state must submit an amended program to EPA for approval before September 23,

1991.

(d) States with programs approvedunder this part are authorized to administer the state program in lieu ofthe federal program and will have primary enforcement responsibility withrespect to the requirements of the approved program. EPA retains authority to take enforcement action in approved states as necessary and will notify the designated lead state agency of any
such intended action.

§ 281.12 Scope and definitions.

(a) Scope. (1) The Administrator may approve either partial or completestate programs. A ‘‘partial’’ state program regulates either solely UST systems containing petroleum or solely UST systems containing hazardoussubstances. If a ‘‘partial’’ state program is approved, EPA will administer the remaining part of the program. A ‘‘complete’’ state program regulatesboth petroleum and hazardous substance tanks.

(2) EPA will administer the UST program on Indian lands, except whereCongress has clearly expressed an intention to grant a state authority toregulate petroleum and hazardous substance USTs on Indian lands. In either case, this decision will not impair astate’s ability to obtain program approval for petroleum and/or hazardous
substances on non-Indian lands in accordance with this part.

(3) Nothing in this subpart precludes
a state from:

(i) Adopting or enforcing requirements that are more stringent or more extensive than those required under this part; or

(ii) Operating a program with agreater scope of coverage than that required under this part. Where an approved state program has a greater


### 537 Environmental Protection Agency § 281.23

scope of coverage than required by federal law, the additional coverage is not part of the federally-approved program.

(b) Definitions. (1) The definitions in part 280 apply to all subparts of this
part.

(2) For the purpose of this part, the

term interim approval means the approval received by a state program that meets the requirements in §281.11(c) (1) and (2) for the time period defined in §281.11(c)(3).

(3) For the purposes of this part the

term final approval means the approval received by a state program that meets the requirements in §281.11(b).



### Subpart B—Components of a Program Application

§ 281.20 Program application.

Any state that seeks to administer a program under this part must submit an application containing the following
parts:

(a) A transmittal letter from theGovernor of the state requesting program approval;

(b) A description in accordance with§281.21 of the state program and operating procedures;

(c) A demonstration of the state’sprocedures to ensure adequate enforcement;

(d) A schedule for obtaining needed authorities under interim approval, where applicable;

(e) A Memorandum of Agreement outlining roles and responsibilities of EPA and the implementing agency;

(f) An Attorney General’s statement in accordance with §281.25 certifying to applicable state authorities; and

(g) Copies of all applicable state statutes and regulations.

NOTE : EPA has designed an optional application form that is available for use by state applicants.

§ 281.21 Description of state program.

A state seeking to administer a program under this part must submit a description of the program it proposes to
administer under state law in lieu of the federal program. The description of a state’s existing or planned program
must include:

(a) The scope of the state program: (1) Whether the state program regulates UST systems containing petroleum or hazardous substances, or both;

(2) Whether the state is applying for interim or final approval;

(3) Whether the state program is more stringent or broader in scope than the federal program, and in what ways; and

(4) Whether the state has any existing authority over Indian lands or has existing agreements with Indian tribesrelevant to the regulation of underground storage tanks.

(b) The organization and structure ofthe state and local agencies with responsibility for administering the program. The jurisdiction and responsibilities of all state and local implementing agencies must be delineated,appropriate procedures for coordination set forth, and one state agencydesignated as a ‘‘lead agency’’ to facilitate communications between EPA and
the state.

(c) Staff resources to carry out andenforce the required state program elements, both existing and planned, including the number of employees, agency where employees are located, general duties of the employees, and current limits or restrictions on hiring
or utilization of staff.

(d) An existing state funding mechanism to meet the estimated costs of administering and enforcing the requiredstate program elements, and any restrictions or limitations upon this funding.

§ 281.22 Procedures for adequate enforcement.

A state must submit a description ofits compliance monitoring and enforcement procedures, including related state administrative or judicial review procedures.

§ 281.23 Schedule for interim approval.

For a state program that must modify its statutory or regulatory requirements for release detection, release reporting and investigation, and out-ofservice or closed UST systems in order to be no less stringent than the federal requirements, the plan must include a schedule for making such changes and for submitting an amendment to the


### 538 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–05 Edition) § 281.24

state application in accordance with §281.51.

§ 281.24 Memorandum of agreement.

EPA and the approved state will negotiate a Memorandum of Agreement(MOA) containing proposed areas of coordination and shared responsibilitiesbetween the state and EPA and separate EPA and state roles and responsibilities in areas including, but not limited to: Implementation of partialstate programs; enforcement; compliance monitoring; EPA oversight; and sharing and reporting of information. At the time of approval, the MOA mustbe signed by the Regional Administrator and the appropriate official of the state lead agency.

§ 281.25 Attorney General’s statement.

(a) A state must submit a writtendemonstration from the Attorney General that the laws and regulations of the state provide adequate authority to carry out the program described under §281.21 and to meet other requirements of this part. This statement may be signed by independent legal counsel for the state rather than the Attorney General, provided that such counsel has full authority to independently represent the state Agency in court onall matters pertaining to the state program. This statement must include citations to the specific statutes, administrative regulations, and where appropriate, judicial decisions that demonstrate adequate authority to regulate and enforce requirements for USTsystems. State statutes and regulations cited by the state Attorney General must be fully effective when the program is approved.

(b) If a state currently has authorityover underground storage tank activities on Indian Lands, the statement must contain an appropriate analysis of the state’s authority.



### Subpart C—Criteria for No-LessStringent

§ 281.30 New UST system design, construction, installation, and notification.

In order to be considered no lessstringent than the corresponding federal requirements for new UST system design, construction, installation, andnotification, the state must have requirements that ensure all new underground storage tanks, and the attached piping in contact with the ground and used to convey the regulated substancestored in the tank, conform to the following:

(a) Be designed, constructed, and installed in a manner that will prevent releases for their operating life due tomanufacturing defects, structural failure, or corrosion.

NOTE : Codes of practice developed by nationally-recognized organizations and national independent testing laboratories maybe used to demonstrate that the state program requirements are no less stringent in
this area.

(b) Be provided with equipment to prevent spills and tank overfills when new tanks are installed or existing tanks are upgraded, unless the tank does not receive more than 25 gallons

at one time.

(c) All UST system owners and operators must notify the implementing state agency of the existence of anynew UST system using a form designated by the state agency.

§ 281.31 Upgrading existing UST systems.

In order to be considered no lessstringent than the corresponding federal upgrading requirements, the state must have requirements that ensure existing UST systems will be replaced or upgraded before December 22, 1998, to prevent releases for their operatinglife due to corrosion, and spills or overfills.

§ 281.32 General operating requirements.

In order to be considered no lessstringent than the corresponding federal general operating requirements, the state must have requirements thatensure all new and existing UST systems conform to the following:

(a) Prevent spills and overfills by ensuring that the space in the tank is
sufficient to receive the volume to betransferred and that the transfer operation is monitored constantly;

(b) Where equipped with cathodic protection, be operated and maintained by a person with sufficient training


### 539 Environmental Protection Agency § 281.33

and experience in preventing corrosion,
and in a manner that ensures that no releases occur during the operating life of the UST system;

NOTE : Codes of practice developed by nationally-recognized organizations and national independent testing laboratories maybe used to demonstrate the state program requirements are no less stringent.

(c) Be made of or lined with materials that are compatible with the substance stored;

(d) At the time of upgrade or repair, be structurally sound and upgraded or repaired in a manner that will prevent
releases due to structural failure or corrosion during their operating lives;

(e) Have records of monitoring, testing, repairs, and closure maintained
that are sufficient to demonstrate recent facility compliance status, except that records demonstrating compliancewith repair and upgrading requirements must be maintained for the remaining operating life of the facility. These records must be made readilyavailable when requested by the implementing agency.

§ 281.33 Release detection.

In order to be considered no lessstringent than the corresponding federal requirements for release detection, the state must have requirements that at a minimum ensure all UST systems are provided with release detection that conforms to the following:

(a) General methods. Release detection requirements for owners and operatorsmust consist of a method, or combination of methods, that is:

(1) Capable of detecting a release ofthe regulated substance from any portion of the UST system that routinelycontains regulated substances—as effectively as any of the methods allowed
under the federal technical standards—for as long as the UST system is in operation. In comparing methods, the implementing agency shall consider the
size of release that the method can detect and the speed and reliability with
which the release can be detected.

(2) Designed, installed, calibrated,operated and maintained so that releases will be detected in accordance with the capabilities of the method.

(b) Phase-in of requirements. Releasedetection requirements must, at a minimum, be scheduled to be applied at all UST systems:

(1) Immediately when a new UST system is installed:

(2) On an orderly schedule that completes a phase-in of release detection atall existing UST systems (or their closure) before December 21, 1993, exceptthat release detection for the piping attached to any existing UST that conveys a regulated substance under greater than atmospheric pressure must be phased-in before December 22,

1990.

(c) Requirements for petroleum tanks. All petroleum tanks must be sampled, tested, or checked for releases at least monthly, except that:

(1) New or upgraded tanks (that is,tanks and piping protected from releases due to corrosion and equipped with both spill and overfill prevention devices) may temporarily use monthly inventory control (or its equivalent) in combination with tightness testing (or its equivalent) conducted every 5 years for the first 10 years after the tank isinstalled or upgraded or until December 22, 1998, whichever is later; and

(2) Existing tanks unprotected from
releases due to corrosion or without spill and overfill prevention devices may use monthly inventory control (orits equivalent) in combination with annual tightness testing (or its equivalent) until December 22, 1998.

(d) Requirements for petroleum piping. All underground piping attached to the tank that routinely conveys petroleum must conform to the following:

(1) If the petroleum is conveyedunder greater than atmospheric pressure:

(i) The piping must be equipped with
release detection that detects a releasewithin an hour by restricting or shutting off flow or sounding an alarm; and

(ii) The piping must have monthly monitoring applied or annual tightness
tests conducted.

(2) If suction lines are used: (i) Tightness tests must be conducted at least once every 3 years, unless a monthly method of detection is applied to this piping; or

(ii) The piping is designed to allow the contents of the pipe to drain back into the storage tank if the suction is released and is also designed to allow


### 540 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–05 Edition) § 281.34

an inspector to immediately determine the integrity of the piping system.

(e) Requirements for hazardous substance UST systems. All UST systems storing hazardous substances must meet the following:

(1) All existing hazardous substance UST systems must comply with all therequirements for petroleum UST systems in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section and after December 22, 1998, they must comply with the following paragraph (e)(2) of this section.

(2) All new hazardous substance USTsystems must use interstitial monitoring within secondary containment
of the tanks and the attached underground piping that conveys the regulated substance stored in the tank, unless the owner and operator can demonstrate to the state (or the state otherwise determines) that another method will detect a release of the regulatedsubstance as effectively as other methods allowed under the state program for petroleum UST systems and that effective corrective action technology
is available for the hazardous substance being stored that can be used toprotect human health and the environment.

§ 281.34 Release reporting, investigation, and confirmation.

In order to be considered no lessstringent than the corresponding federal requirements for release reporting, investigation, and confirmation, thestate must have requirements that ensure all owners and operators conform with the following:

(a) Promptly investigate all suspected releases, including:

(1) When unusual operating conditions, release detection signals and environmental conditions at the site suggest a release of regulated substances may have occurred; and

(2) When required by the implementing agency to determine the source of a release having an impact in the surrounding area; and

(b) Promptly report all confirmed underground releases and any spills and
overfills that are not contained and cleaned up.

(c) Ensure that all owners and operators contain and clean up unreported spills and overfills in a manner that will protect human health and the environment.

§ 281.35 Release response and corrective action.

In order to be considered no lessstringent than the corresponding federal requirements for release response and corrective action, the state must have requirements that ensure:

(a) All releases from UST systems are promptly assessed and further releases are stopped;

(b) Actions are taken to identify, contain and mitigate any immediate health and safety threats that areposed by a release (such activities include investigation and initiation of free product removal, if present);

(c) All releases from UST systems are investigated to determine if there are impacts on soil and ground water, and any nearby surface waters. The extent of soil and ground water contamination must be delineated when a potential
threat to human health and the environment exists.

(d) All releases from UST systems are cleaned up through soil and ground water remediation and any other steps, as necessary to protect human health and the environment;

(e) Adequate information is made
available to the state to demonstrate
that corrective actions are taken in accordance with the requirements ofparagraphs (a) through (d) of this section. This information must be submitted in a timely manner that demonstrates its technical adequacy toprotect human health and the environment; and

(f) In accordance with §280.67, the state must notify the affected public of all confirmed releases requiring a plan for soil and ground water remediation, and upon request provide or make
available information to inform the interested public of the nature of the release and the corrective measures planned or taken.

§ 281.36 Out-of-service UST systems and closure.

In order to be considered no lessstringent than the corresponding federal requirements for temporarily closed UST systems and permanent


### 541 Environmental Protection Agency § 281.39

closure, the state must have requirements that ensure UST systems conform with the following:

(a) Removal from service. All new and existing UST systems temporarily
closed must:

(1) Continue to comply with generaloperating requirements, release reporting and investigation, and release response and corrective action;

(2) Continue to comply with release detection requirements if regulated substances are stored in the tank;

(3) Be closed off to outside access;
and

(4) Be permanently closed if the UST system has not been protected from
corrosion and has not been used in oneyear, unless the state approves an extension after the owner and operator
conducts a site assessment.

(b) Permanent closure of UST systems. All tanks and piping must be cleaned and permanently closed in a manner that eliminates the potentialfor safety hazards and any future releases. The owner or operator must notify the state of permanent UST system closures. The site must also be assessed to determine if there are any present or were past releases, and if so, release response and corrective action requirements must be complied with.

(c) All UST systems taken out of
service before the effective date of the federal regulations must permanently close in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section when directed by the implementing agency.

§ 281.37 Financial responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum.

(a) In order to be considered no lessstringent than the federal requirements for financial responsibility for UST systems containing petroleum,the state requirements for financial responsibility for petroleum UST systems must ensure that:

(1) Owners and operators have $1 million per occurrence for corrective action and third-party claims in a timely manner to protect human health and the environment;

(2) Owners and operators not engaged in petroleum production, refining, andmarketing and who handle a throughput of 10,000 gallons of petroleum permonth or less have $500,000 per occurrence for corrective action and thirdparty claims in a timely manner toprotect human health and the environment;

(3) Owners and operators of 1 to 100 petroleum USTs must have an annual aggregate of $1 million; and

(4) Owners and operators of 101 or more petroleum USTs must have an annual aggregate of $2 million.

(b) Phase-in of requirements. Financial responsibility requirements for petroleum UST systems must, at a minimum, be scheduled to be applied at all UST systems on an orderly schedulethat completes a phase-in of the financial responsibility requirements withinthe time allowed in the Federal regulations under 40 CFR 280.91.

(c) States may allow the use of a wide variety of financial assurance mechanisms to meet this requirement.
Each financial mechanism must meet the following criteria in order to be noless stringent than the federal requirements. The mechanism must: Be valid and enforceable; be issued by a provider that is qualified or licensed in the state; not permit cancellation withoutallowing the state to draw funds; ensure that funds will only and directly
be used for corrective action and third party liability costs; and require thatthe provider notify the owner or operator of any circumstances that would impair or suspend coverage.

(d) States must require owners and operators to maintain records that demonstrate compliance with the state financial responsibility requirements, and these records must be made readilyavailable when requested by the implementing agency.

[53 FR 43382, Oct. 26, 1988; 53 FR 51274, Dec.21, 1988; 54 FR 38788, Sept. 20, 1989, as amended at 55 FR 46025, Oct. 31, 1990]

§ 281.38 Financial responsibility forUSTs containing hazardous substances. [Reserved]

§ 281.39 Lender liability.

(a) A state program that contains a security interest exemption will be considered to be no less stringent than, and as broad in scope as, the federalprogram provided that the state’s exemption:


### 542 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–05 Edition) § 281.40

(1) Mirrors the security interest exemption provided for in 40 CFR part 280, subpart I; or

(2) Achieves the same effect as provided by the following key criteria:

(i) A holder, meaning a person whomaintains indicia of ownership primarily to protect a security interest ina petroleum UST or UST system or facility or property on which a petroleum UST or UST system is located,who does not participate in the management of the UST or UST system as defined under §280.210 of this chapter, and who does not engage in petroleum production, refining, and marketing as defined under §280.200(b) of this chapter

is not:

(A) An ‘‘owner’’ of a petroleum UST or UST system or facility or propertyon which a petroleum UST or UST system is located for purposes of compliance with the requirements of 40 CFR part 280; or

(B) An ‘‘operator’’ of a petroleum UST or UST system for purposes of compliance with the requirements of 40 CFR part 280, provided the holder is
not in control of or does not have responsibility for the daily operation of the UST or UST system.

(ii) [Reserved] (b) [Reserved]

[60 FR 46715, Sept. 7, 1995]



### Subpart D—Adequate Enforcement of Compliance

§ 281.40 Requirements for compliance monitoring program and authority.
(a) Any authorized representative ofthe state engaged in compliance inspections, monitoring, and testingmust have authority to obtain by request any information from an owner or operator with respect to the USTsystem(s) that is necessary to determine compliance with the regulations.

(b) Any authorized representative ofthe state must have authority to require an owner or operator to conduct monitoring or testing.

(c) Authorized representatives must have the authority to enter any site orpremises subject to UST system regulations or in which records relevant to the operation of the UST system(s) are kept, and to copy these records, obtain samples of regulated substances, and inspect or conduct the monitoring or testing of UST system(s).

(d) State programs must have procedures for receipt, evaluation, retention,and investigation of records and reports required of owners or operators and must provide for enforcement of
failure to submit these records and reports.

(e)(1) State programs must have inspection procedures to determine, independent of information supplied by regulated persons, compliance with program requirements, and must provide for enforcement of failure to comply with the program requirements. Statesmust maintain a program for systematic inspections of facilities subject toregulations in a manner designed to determine compliance or non-compliance,to verify accuracy of information submitted by owners or operators of regulated USTs, and to verify adequacy of methods used by owners or operators in developing that information.

(2) When inspections are conducted, samples taken, or other information gathered, these procedures must be conducted in a manner (for example,using proper ‘‘chain of custody’’ procedures) that will produce evidence admissible in an enforcement proceeding,

or in court.

(f) Public effort in reporting violations must be encouraged and the state enforcement agency(ies) must makeavailable information on reporting procedures. State programs must maintain a program for investigating information obtained from the public about suspected violations of UST program requirements.

(g) The state program must maintain the data collected through inspections
and evaluation of records in such a manner that the implementing agency can monitor over time the compliance status of the regulated community. Any compilation, index, or inventory
of such facilities and activities shall be made available to EPA upon request.

§ 281.41 Requirements for enforcement authority.

(a) Any state agency administering a program must have the authority to implement the following remedies for


### 543 Environmental Protection Agency § 281.43

violations of state program requirements:

(1) To restrain immediately and effectively any person by order or by suitin state court from engaging in any unauthorized activity that is endangering or causing damage to public health or the environment;

(2) To sue in courts of competent jurisdiction to enjoin any threatened or continuing violation of any program requirement;

(3) To assess or sue to recover in court civil penalties as follows:

(i) Civil penalties for failure to notify or for submitting false informationpursuant to tank notification requirements must be capable of being assessed up to $5,000 or more per violation.

(ii) Civil penalties for failure to comply with any state requirements orstandards for existing or new tank systems must be capable of being assessed for each instance of violation, up to $5,000 or more for each tank for eachday of violation. If the violation is continuous, civil penalties shall be capable of being assessed up to $5,000 or more for each day of violation.

(b) The burden of proof and degree of knowledge or intent required under state law for establishing violations under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, must be no greater than the burden of proof or degree of knowledge or intent that EPA must provide when it brings
an action under Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

(c) A civil penalty assessed, sought,or agreed upon by the state enforcement agency(ies) under paragraph(a)(3) of this section must be appropriate to the violation.

§ 281.42 Requirements for public participation.

Any state administering a program must provide for public participation in the state enforcement process by providing any one of the following three options:

(a) Authority that allows intervention analogous to Federal Rule 24(a)(2), and assurance by the appropriate stateenforcement agency that it will not oppose intervention under the state analogue to Rule 24(a)(2) on the ground that the applicant’s interest is adequately represented by the State.

(b) Authority that allows intervention as of right in any civil action to obtain the remedies specified in §281.41 by any citizen having an interest that is or may be adversely affected; or

(c) Assurance by the appropriate state agency that:

(1) It will provide notice and opportunity for public comment on all proposed settlements of civil enforcementactions (except where immediate action is necessary to adequately protect human health and the environment);

(2) It will investigate and provide responses to citizen complaints about violations; and

(3) It will not oppose citizen intervention when permissive intervention is allowed by statute, rule, or regulation.

§ 281.43 Sharing of information.

(a) States with approved programs must furnish EPA, upon request, any

information in state files obtained or

used in the administration of the state program. This information includes:

(1) Any information submitted to the state under a claim of confidentiality.

The state must submit that claim to EPA when providing such information. Any information obtained from a stateand subject to a claim of confidentiality will be treated in accordance with federal regulations in 40 CFR part 2; and

(2) Any information that is submitted to the state without a claim of confidentiality. EPA may make this information available to the public

without further notice.

(b) EPA must furnish to states with approved programs, upon request, any

information in EPA files that the state needs to administer its approved state program. Such information includes:

(1) Any information that is submitted to EPA without a claim of confidentiality; and

(2) Any information submitted to EPA under a claim of confidentiality, subject to the conditions in 40 CFR part 2.


### 544 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–05 Edition) § 281.50



### Subpart E—Approval Procedures

§ 281.50 Approval procedures for state

programs.(a) The following procedures are required for all applications, regardlessof whether the application is for a partial or complete program, as defined in §281.12, or for interim or final approval in accordance with §281.11.

(b) Before submitting an applicationto EPA for approval of a state program, the state must provide an opportunity for public notice and comment in the development of its underground storage tank program.

(c) When EPA receives a state program application, EPA will examine the application and notify the state whether its application is complete, inaccordance with the application components required in §281.20. The 180-day statutory review period begins only
after EPA has determined that a complete application has been received.

(d) The state and EPA may by mutual agreement extend the review period.

(e) After receipt of a complete program application, the Administrator will tentatively determine approval or disapproval of the state program. EPAshall issue public notice of the tentative determination in the F EDERAL
R EGISTER ; in enough of the largest newspapers in the state to attract statewide attention; and to persons on the state agency mailing list and anyother persons who the agency has reason to believe are interested. Notice of
the tentative determination must also:

(1) Afford the public 30 days after thenotice to comment on the state’s application and the Administrator’s tentative determination; and

(2) Include a general statement of the areas of concern, if the Administrator indicates the state program may not be approved; and

(3) Note the availability for inspection by the public of the state program application; and

(4) Indicate that a public hearing will be held by EPA no earlier than 30 days
after notice of the tentative determination unless insufficient public interest is expressed, at which time the Regional Administrator may cancel the public hearing. (f) Within 180 days of receipt of a complete state program application,
the Administrator must make a final determination whether to approve the state program after review of all public comments. EPA will give notice of its
determination in the F EDERAL R EG

ISTER and codify the approved state program. The notice must include a
statement of the reasons for this determination and a response to significant
comments received.

§ 281.51 Amendment required at end of interim period.

(a) State programs that meet the requirements of section 281.11(c) (1) and (2) may be approved for 1 to 3 yearsfrom September 23, 1988. States that receive such interim approval must adopt requirements that are no less stringentthan the corresponding federal requirements and standards within the timeframes specified under §281.11(c)(3).

(b) By the end of the specified time period, a state with interim approval
must submit to EPA an amendment toits application that includes all modified and new requirements for any of the elements containing less stringentrequirements. Such amended applications must also include a modified program description, an Attorney General’s statement and a Memorandum of Agreement that incorporate the amended program requirements, and copies of all applicable state statutes and regulations.

(c) Upon receipt of the application amendment, the Administrator shall follow the same review and approval procedures as required in §281.50.

(d) If a state fails to submit anamendment within the specified timeframe, the interim approval of thestate program expires upon the applicable date established under §281.11(c),and the Subtitle I program automatically reverts to EPA.

(e) If a state submits an amendment to the program application within the timeframe specified under §281.11(c)(3) and the amendmant is disapprovedafter the end of the time period, the interim approval of the state program expires immediately upon disapprovaland the Subtitle I program automatically reverts to EPA.


### 545 Environmental Protection Agency § 281.61

(f) If interim approval of the state program expires, EPA must notify the regulated community and the public ofthe re-establishment of the federal program through a notice in the F EDERAL
R EGISTER

.
§ 281.52 Revision of approved state

programs. (a) Either EPA or the approved statemay initiate program revision. Program revision may be necessary whenthe controlling federal or state statutory or regulatory authority is changed or when responsibility for thestate program is shifted to a new agency or agencies. The state must inform EPA of any proposed modifications toits basic statutory or regulatory authority or change in division of responsibility among state agencies. EPA will
determine in each case whether a revision of the approved program is required.

(b) Whenever the Administrator has
reason to believe that circumstanceshave changed with respect to an approved state program or the federalprogram, the Administrator may request, and the state must provide, a revised application as prescribed by EPA.

(c) The Administrator will approve or disapprove program revisions based on the requirements of this part and of subtitle I pursuant to the procedures under this section, or under section
281.50 if EPA has reason to believe theproposed revision will receive significant negative comment from the public.

(1) The Administrator must issue public notice of planned approval or disapproval of a state program revision
in the F EDERAL R EGISTER ; in enough of the largest newspapers in the state to attract statewide attention; and by mailing to persons on the state agency mailing list and to any other persons who the agency has reason to believe are interested. The public notice must summarize the state program revision,indicate whether EPA intends to approve or disapprove the revision, and provide for an opportunity to comment for a period of 30 days.

(2) The Administrator’s decision on the proposed revision becomes effective 60 days after the date of publication in
the F EDERAL R EGISTER in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section, unless significant negative commentopposing the proposed revision is received during the comment period. Ifsignificant negative comment is received, EPA must notify the state andwithin 60 days after the date of publication, publish in the F EDERAL R EG

ISTER either:

(i) A withdrawal of the immediatefinal decision, which will then be treated as a tentative decision in accordance with the applicable procedures of §281.50 (e) and (f); or

(ii) A notice that contains a response to significant negative comments and
affirms either that the immediate final
decision takes effect or reverses the decision.

(d) Revised state programs that receive approval must be codified in the

F EDERAL R EGISTER

. 

### Subpart F—Withdrawal of Approval of State Programs

§ 281.60 Criteria for withdrawal of approval of state programs.
(a) The Administrator may withdrawprogram approval when the Agency determines that a state no longer hasadequate regulatory or statutory authority or is not administering and enforcing an approved program in accordance with this part. The state must have adequate capability to administerand enforce the state program. In evaluating whether such capability exists, the Agency will consider whether thestate is implementing an adequate enforcement program by evaluating the quality of compliance monitoring and
enforcement actions.

(b) Such withdrawal of approval will occur only after the state fails to take appropriate action within a reasonabletime, not to exceed 120 days after notice from the Administrator that thestate is not administering and enforcing its program in accordance with the requirements of this part.

§ 281.61 Procedures for withdrawal of approval of state programs.
(a) The following procedures apply when a state with an approved programvoluntarily transfers to EPA those program responsibilities required by federal law.


### 546 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–05 Edition) Pt. 282

(1) The state must give EPA notice of the proposed transfer, and submit, at least 90 days before the transfer, a plan for the orderly transfer of all relevant program information necessary for EPA to administer the program.

(2) Within 30 days of receiving thestate’s transfer plan, EPA must evaluate the plan and identify any additional information needed by the federal government for program administration.

(3) At least 30 days before the transfer is to occur, EPA must publish notice of the transfer in the F EDERAL
R EGISTER ; in enough of the largest newspapers in the state to attract statewide attention; and to persons on appropriate state mailing lists.

(b) When EPA begins proceedings todetermine whether to withdraw approval of a state program (either on itsown initiative or in response to a petition from an interested person), withdrawal proceedings must be conducted in accordance with procedures set out in 40 CFR 271.23 (b) and (c), except for §271.23(b)(8)(iii) to the extent that it deviates from requirements under §281.60.



### PART 282—APPROVED UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAMS

Subpart A—General Provisions

Sec. 282.1 Purpose and scope 282.2 Incorporation by reference. 282.3–282.49 [Reserved]

Subpart B—Approved State Programs

282.50 Alabama State-Administered Program. 282.51–282.52 [Reserved]
282.53 Arkansas State-Administered Program. 282.54–282.55 [Reserved]
282.56 —Connecticut State-Administered Program. 282.57–282.59 [Reserved]282.60 Georgia State-Administered Program. 282.61–282.64 [Reserved] 282.65 Iowa State-Administered Program. 282.66 Kansas State-Administered Program. 282.67 [Reserved]
282.68 Louisiana State-Administered Program. 282.69 Maine State-Administered Program. 282.70 [Reserved]

282.71 Massachusetts State-Administered Program. 282.72 [Reserved]

282.73 Minnesota State-Administered Program.282.74 Mississippi State-Administered Program. 282.75–282.77 [Reserved] 282.78 Nevada State-Administered Program. 282.79 New Hampshire. 282.80 [Reserved]

282.81 New Mexico State-Administered Program. 282.82 [Reserved]

282.83 North Carolina State-Administered Program.
282.84 North Dakota State-Administered Program. 282.85 [Reserved]

282.86 Oklahoma State-Administered Program. 282.87–282.88 [Reserved]

282.89 Rhode Island State-Administered Program. 282.90 [Reserved]

282.91 South Dakota State-Administered Program.
282.92 Tennessee State-Administered Program. 282.93 Texas State-Administered Program. 282.94 Utah State-Administered Program.

282.95 Vermont State-Administrered Program.282.96 Virginia State-Administered Program. 282.97 [Reserved] 282.98 West Virginia State-Administered Program. 282.99–282.101 [Reserved]

282.102 Puerto Rico State-Administered Program. 282.103–282.105 [Reserved]

A PPENDIX A TO P ART 282—S TATE R EQUIRE

MENTS I NCORPORATED BY R EFERENCE IN
P ART 282 OF THE CODE OF F EDERAL R EGU

LATIONS

A UTHORITY : 42 U.S.C. 6912, 6991c, 6991d, and

6991e.

S OURCE : 58 FR 58625, Nov. 2, 1993, unless
otherwise noted.



### Subpart A—General Provisions

§ 282.1 Purpose and scope.

This part sets forth the applicablestate underground storage tank programs under section 9004 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6991c and 40 CFR part
281. ‘‘State’’ is defined in 42 U.S.C. 1004(31) as ‘‘any of the several states,