Under federal law, all underground storage tanks, including those located on tribal lands, must comply with stricter regulations by December 22, 1998. A random EPA survey found two-thirds of tanks out of compliance. The new standards, originally published in 1988, require spill, overfill and corrosion protection. Systems that do not meet the new standards must be upgraded, closed or replaced. Covered facilities include gasoline stations, truck and bus fleet refueling facilities owned by tribes or operated on tribal trust lands.
Tribes are eligible to apply for state funds earmarked for removal of underground storage tanks.
Bill Targets Tribal Environmental Authority. The Bill further requires that DNR notify the public by publishing a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the area that would be affected, as well as in the official state newspaper. The Office of the Inspector General has identified several IHS-related projects in its annual work plan. One OIG study, expected to be issued in fiscal year 1998, will analyze the potential cost savings and economic impact of a legislative proposal to require hospitals to provide services to the Contract Health Services Program at Medicare-like prices. A second study, also due to be issued in fiscal year 1998, will assess the effect of Indian self-governance on IHS' ability to provide needed health care services to Indian people.