Storage Tanks

 This page includes information about both Aboveground and Underground Storage Tanks.  DEQ's storage tank program is responsible for reviewing and issuing permit to install and operate both aboveground and underground storage tanks.  It is also responsible for performing inspections, compliance monitoring and enforcement of regulations.

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Aboveground Storage Tanks

An Aboveground Storage Tank or ‘AST’ means any tank or combination of tanks that is used to contain regulated substances and is not an underground storage tank. An AST system is any aboveground storage tank, connected piping, ancillary equipment, and spill containment system. Leak detections for ASTs must be performed by a certified tank installer.

AST Permitting

Prior to installation of any AST system, the owner or operator shall apply for and obtain an AST Permit to Install from DEQ. The AST Permit to Install application fee is five hundred dollars ($500.00) per tank payable to the CNMI Treasurer at the time of application submission. AST permits must be submitted with the AST design and operation plan. AST applications are then reviewed and are approved only when the AST application package is in full compliance of the AST regulations.

The AST permitting process shall not exceed 30 days. AST system locations are restricted as required by the Groundwater Management Zone (GMZ). For detailed information on these restrictions, please access the GMZ located in the Safe Drinking Water pages. AST Permit to Operate shall be obtained from DEQ prior to commencing the operation of a newly installed AST system. The AST Permit to Operate is one hundred dollars ($100.00) per tank. An AST Permit to Operate must be renewed every five (5) years from the date of issuance.

AST Regulations

AST Regulations are intended to address potential sources of pollution that may result from AST systems. To ensure the prevention and early detection of any release of a regulated substance, new and existing AST systems are required to meet acceptable design and installation criteria. A copy of the AST regulation is found at the end of this page. In addition to the regulations, US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has rules for hazardous substances. Access the EPA Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure.

Underground Storage Tanks

An Underground Storage Tank or 'UST' means a tank or any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10% or more of its combined volume underground (or beneath ground surface). USTs store petroleum such as diesel or gas and or other regulated substances. UST Diagrams and Drawings. DEQ routinely conducts UST inspection of facilities that operate in the CNMI. We also provide assistance to the USEPA inspectors with follow up site inspection for compliance with their enforcement actions in the CNMI. The US EPA and DEQ conduct follow up site inspection on a semi annual schedule during USEPA’s program review or evaluation of the UST Program. Also, USEPA conduct their inspection and issues enforcement action or citation to facilities that are non-compliance and/or violates the federal UST Regulation.

UST Permitting

Prior to installation of any UST, the owner or operator shall apply for and obtain a UST Permit to Install from DEQ. The UST Permit to Install application fee is five hundred dollars ($500.00) per tank. US EPA Region 9 also reviews all UST permit applications. UST Permit to Operate shall be obtained from DEQ prior to the commencement of a newly installed tank system.

Each year, the owner or operator must submit a renewal application form.  The fee is one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per tank.

UST Regulations

The UST Regulation was established to control and enforce permitting, installation, compliance, use and monitoring of all Underground Storage Tanks (UST) containing regulated substances and prohibit the storage of hazardous substances or wastes in UST systems.

Violations the AST or UST Regulations

Any person who violates or refuses to comply with any provision of the above AST or UST regulations shall be subject to civil penalty not to exceed one thousand ($1,000.00) per tank per day per violation.

 

The following documents are available regarding this topic:

Aboveground Storage Tank Regulation

Underground Storage Tank Regulation

SPCC - Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Requirements

Aboveground Storage Tank Permit to Install Form

Aboveground Storage Tank Permit to Operate Form

Underground Storage Tank Permit to Install Form

UST NOTIFICATION FORM v2008

RENEWAL Application, UST Permit to Operate

AST Monthly Recordkeeping Log - sample