Can USTs Go into “Temporary” Closure?
UST owners and operators can comply with the Federal regulations by upgrading, replacing, or properly closing (either permanently or temporarily) their USTs. During the time in which an UST system is temporarily closed, it is permissible to upgrade, replace, or permanently close it. If the period of temporary closure of a UST system extends past December 22, 1998, the UST must be upgraded or replaced before it can be legally operated. EPAs regulations allow a UST system to remain in temporary closure for a maximum of 12 months unless the owner or operator completes a site assessment and obtains an extension from the responsible UST implementing agency; States and EPA are not obligated to grant such extensions. EPAs position is that UST systems, that have not been granted an extension by the implementing agency, should not remain in temporary closure beyond December 22, 1999, even if the USTs were placed into temporary closure after December 22, 1998.
