Small carriers may have a break because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will concentrate its enforcement first on large companies, because the sheer volume of what they store and pump constitutes the biggest risk. This may give smaller companies and government bodies a six-month breather. However, EPA is not officially extending its deadline, and state officials may zealously enforce federal and state laws and regulations. California s own EPA, for instance, says it will enforce the rules because not to would be unfair to those who have spent time and money complying. ATA advises anyone who s not had underground storage tanks USTs approved by state or local officials to find out what laws govern their facilities and act accordingly.
Some states prohibit fuel carriers from delivering to unapproved tanks.
Some require placement of red tags on filler caps of such tanks, while others require stickers in the windows of a gas station s building. This makes it difficult for drivers, especially delivering at night. Carriers need to find out what each state s regulations are, said Cliff Harrison, president of National Tank Truck Carriers. Protect yourself and your customer. In early December, NTTC sent its members a list of state agencies and contacts and urged members to call them.