Is Your Underground Storage Tank Out of Compliance? 6 Warning Signs to Know

If you operate a fueling site with underground storage tanks (USTs), you probably assume that everything’s working fine—until it isn’t. Many compliance issues start small and silent, growing into major violations that trigger fines, equipment failures, or even shutdowns.

At Adelphi Environmental, we help fuel site operators catch problems before regulators do. Here are six red flags that your UST system may be out of compliance—and what you can do about it.

1. You Don’t Know the Date of Your Last Cathodic Protection Test

If you can't quickly confirm the last time your cathodic protection system was tested, you may already be out of compliance. EPA rules require:

• Every 3 years for galvanic systems

• Annually + 60-day checks for impressed current systems

What to Do:

Schedule testing with a certified technician and maintain documentation on site. Adelphi keeps clients’ test schedules on file and reminds them when it’s time to renew.

2. Your Spill Buckets Show Signs of Cracking or Water

Cracked, corroded, or water-filled spill buckets are among the top violations found during state inspections. Even minor damage can allow fuel to escape into the environment.

What to Do:

Inspect monthly. Replace or reseal damaged buckets immediately to avoid contamination and fines.

3. You’ve Noticed Slow-Flowing Pumps or Fuel Dispenser Errors

Performance issues at the pump could be more than mechanical—they may indicate water in the tank or sensor errors caused by sludge buildup.

What to Do:

Have your fuel polished and tanks cleaned. Water removal and filtration improve performance and ensure leak detection systems work properly.

4. You Don’t Have Proper Documentation on File

In a regulatory audit, what’s written down matters more than what you think you did. Missing or incomplete logs can trigger violations—even if the work was done.

What to Do:

Use a testing partner (like Adelphi) that provides digital reports with photos and timestamps after every service.

5. Your Leak Detection Alarms Keep Triggering

Frequent false alarms or system resets may indicate that your leak detection equipment is malfunctioning or miscalibrated.

What to Do:

Have sensors inspected and recalibrated. If your system is outdated, it may need to be replaced to meet current code.

6. You’re Unsure What Regulations Apply to You

State and federal UST regulations change frequently. If you haven’t reviewed your system’s requirements in the last 12 months, there’s a good chance you’re behind.

What to Do:

Partner with a company that monitors regulatory updates and performs site-specific compliance audits.

Stop Guessing. Start Fixing.

You don’t need to be an environmental compliance expert—that’s what we’re here for. Adelphi Environmental works with fuel site owners and managers to spot issues early, pass inspections, and avoid costly surprises.

Schedule a free compliance review and get clear on what’s working—and what needs to be addressed—before regulators step in.

Book Your Free Consultation