In working on brownfield redevelopment projects, I find that addressing old underground storage tanks (USTs) or hazardous waste (RCRA) units can be one of the trickiest issues to address.

Why are these two issues tricky? Because they complicate the clean up process under Ohio’s Voluntary Action Program (VAP). 

Due to the flexibility under the VAP and the fact it provides for more cost effective clean up options than other regulatory  programs, the VAP program is a common way to address environmental liabilities at brownfield sites.  In addition, Ohio’s premier brownfield grant program- Clean Ohio– requires the grantee to complete a VAP clean up as part of the grant agreement. 

How do USTs and RCRA issues complicate the VAP and Clean Ohio process?

  • Areas where USTs or RCRA units are located are ineligible for a VAP clean up until they are certified closed by the proper regulator
  • Clean Ohio grant programs will not pay for clean up of USTs regulated by the State Fire Marshal Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulation (BUSTR)
  • Clean Ohio grant programs significantly restrict the ability to uses funds to pay for hazardous waste unit (RCRA) closures

Understanding a Projects UST and RCRA Risks

Due to these limitations, property developers and companies need to front load in their analysis of a site’s redevelopment potential the property’s BUSTR and RCRA issues.  It is essential that a full blown examination of any outstanding UST and RCRA closure be performed as part of the Phase I/Phase II environmental assessment process. 

Key questions relatives to USTs include:

  1. Are there BUSTR regulated USTs remaining on site?
  2. Were BUSTR regulated USTs that were removed from the site properly closed in accordance with applicable regulations (i.e. did BUSTR issue a "No Further Action" letter)?
  3. If "No Further Action" (NFAs) letters do not exist for tanks removed, what does BUSTR consider is needed to properly issue such a certification?
  4. What will the costs be associated with receiving a NFA for each tank?
  5. How will the process to obtain an NFA impact the timing of your redevelopment project?

Key question for RCRA units on-site can include:

  1. What is the closure status of the RCRA unit?
  2. What is the size of the unit?
  3. What type of sampling is needed to determine the clean up requirements for the unit?
  4. What will Ohio EPA require in terms of clean up for that unit?

USTs and RCRA issue do not impose a total barrier to development.  However, it is absolutely essential that in industrial property transactions and brownfield redevelopment projects that you gain a thorough understanding of the outstanding RCRA and UST obligations.

(Photo: Missouri Department of Natural Resources)