Storage Tank Management

Overseeing fuel, oil, and chemical tanks to protect people and the environment—minimizing tank use, ensuring proper installation and regulatory compliance.

Storage Tank Management Documents on SharePoint

Access the Storage Tank Management Program Manual and all supplemental forms and procedures to stay informed and compliant.

Storage Tank Management Coming Soon.

EHS provides flexible training—online, in-person, or hands-on—and can customize courses to fit your team’s needs.

Jason Haney

Your EHS contact for Storage Tank Management

[email protected]

814-865-6391

The Storage Tank Management Program is responsible for oversight of aboveground and underground tanks that are used for the storage of fuels, oils, and chemicals. The program provides requirements for these tanks to protect both the people that use them and the environment. The goals of the Storage Tank Management Program are to minimize the number of tanks and the volume of material stored, develop alternatives to storage tanks where feasible, ensure good installations, meet regulatory requirements, and remove tanks that put the University at risk of causing environmental damage.

White Storage Tanks with flammable product outside a building.

Program Applicability

This program applies to University employees who design, install, or manage storage tanks at Penn State facilities.

A storage tank includes any mobile or fixed unit with a capacity of 55 gallons or more that stores petroleum products, oils, chemicals, or similar substances.

Exclusions

This program does not apply to drums.

Program Requirements

General Requirements for Departments:

Obtain EHS approval before requesting a storage tank.
Submit all storage tank designs to EHS for approval before installation.
Include all storage tanks in a facility spill plan, as required by regulation.
Develop spill plans in coordination with EHS.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

Provide a spill kit, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit at each tank location.
Identify personnel who require training and ensure they complete required training.
Report all spills, leaks, and releases to EHS immediately.
Inspect storage tanks according to the facility spill plan.

Employee Responsibilities:

Respond immediately to spills, leaks, and releases according to spill response procedures.

Training Requirements

Departments must provide annual spill‑plan training to all personnel responsible for storage tanks.

Inspection Requirements

Departments must inspect storage tanks monthly.

Program Review Requirements

Departments must review spill plans annually and submit updates to EHS.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Departments must:

Maintain inspection and training records for three years.
Keep the current PADEP registration certificate on site for regulated storage tanks.
Maintain maintenance records for the life of the tank.
Retain tank removal records permanently.