[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 225 (Wednesday, November 22, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67560-67565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-19749]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-8245-2]


Secondary Containment Grant Guidelines for States; Solid Waste 
Disposal Act, Subtitle I, as Amended by Title XV, Subtitle B of the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: By this notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 
Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) is advising the public that 
on November 15, 2006 EPA issued the secondary containment grant 
guidelines and made the guidelines available on EPA's Web site at: 
http://www.epa.gov/oust/fedlaws/epact_05.htm#Final. In 
this notice, EPA is publishing the secondary containment grant 
guidelines in their entirety. EPA developed the secondary containment 
grant guidelines as required by section 9003(i)(1) of Subtitle I of the 
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by section 1530 of the Energy 
Policy Act of 2005.

DATES: On November 15, 2006, EPA issued and posted the secondary 
containment grant guidelines on EPA's Web site. EPA is notifying the 
public via this notice that the secondary containment grant guidelines 
are available as of November 22, 2006.

ADDRESSES: EPA posted the secondary containment grant guidelines on our 
Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/oust/fedlaws/epact_05.htm#Final. You may also obtain paper copies from the National 
Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP), EPA's 
publications distribution warehouse. You may request copies from NSCEP 
by calling 1-800-490-9198; writing to U.S. EPA/NSCEP, Box 42419, 
Cincinnati, OH 45242-0419; or faxing your request to NSCEP at 301-604-
3408. Ask for: Grant Guidelines To States For Implementing The 
Secondary Containment Provision Of The Energy Policy Act Of 2005 (EPA 
510-R-06-001, November 2006).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Miller, EPA's Office of 
Underground Storage Tanks, at [email protected] or (703) 603-7165.



[[Page 67561]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 
2005. Title XV, Subtitle B of this act, entitled the Underground 
Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2005, contains amendments to Subtitle I 
of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. This is the first federal legislative 
change for the underground storage tank (UST) program since its 
inception over 20 years ago. The UST provisions of the law 
significantly affect federal and state UST programs; require major 
changes to the programs; and are aimed at further reducing UST releases 
to our environment. Among other things, the UST provisions of the 
Energy Policy Act require that states receiving funding under Subtitle 
I comply with certain requirements contained in the law. OUST worked, 
and is continuing to work, with its partners to develop grant 
guidelines that EPA regional tank programs will incorporate into 
states' grant agreements. The guidelines will provide states that 
receive UST funds with specific requirements, based on the UST 
provisions of the Energy Policy Act, for their state UST programs.
    Section 9003(i) of Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as 
amended by section 1530 of the Energy Policy Act, requires EPA to 
require states that receive Subtitle I funding to impose measures to 
protect groundwater from contamination by USTs through use of either 
secondary containment or evidence of financial responsibility and 
certification. As a result of that requirement, EPA worked with states, 
tribes, other federal agencies, tank owners and operators, UST 
equipment industry, and other stakeholders to develop draft secondary 
containment grant guidelines. In May 2006, EPA released a draft of the 
secondary containment grant guidelines. EPA considered comments and, 
subsequently on November 15, 2006, issued the secondary containment 
grant guidelines. EPA will incorporate these guidelines into grant 
agreements between EPA and states. States receiving funds from EPA for 
their UST programs must comply with the UST provisions of the Energy 
Policy Act and will be subject to action by EPA under 40 CFR 31.43 if 
they fail to comply with the guidelines. (Please note that EPA intends 
to issue the financial responsibility and certification grant 
guidelines in the next few months.)
    Statutory and Executive Order Reviews: Under Executive Order 12866 
(58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this action is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' and is therefore not subject to OMB review. Because 
this grant action is not subject to notice and comment requirements 
under the Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute, it is not 
subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. Section 601) or 
Sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1999 (UMRA) 
(Pub. L. 104-4). In addition, this action does not significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments. Although this action does create new 
binding legal requirements, such requirements do not substantially and 
directly affect Tribes under Executive Order 13175 (63 FR 67249, 
November 9, 2000). Although this grant action does not have significant 
Federalism implications under Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, 
August 10, 1999), EPA consulted with states in the development of these 
grant guidelines. This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, 
``Actions Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001), because it 
is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. 
This action does not involve technical standards; thus, the 
requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and 
Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not apply. This action 
does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The 
Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally provides that 
before certain actions may take effect, the agency promulgating the 
action must submit a report, which includes a copy of the action, to 
each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United 
States. Since this final action will contain legally binding 
requirements, it is subject to the Congressional Review Act, and EPA 
will submit a report to Congress containing this final action prior to 
the publication of this action in the Federal Register.

Grant Guidelines to States for Implementing the Secondary Containment 
Provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Underground Storage 
Tanks; November 2006.

Contents

Overview of the Secondary Containment Grant Guidelines

Why Is EPA Issuing These Guidelines?
What Is in These Guidelines?
When Do These Guidelines Take Effect?

Requirements for Secondary Containment

What Underground Tanks, Piping, and Motor Fuel Dispenser Systems Do 
These Guidelines Apply To?
What Definitions Are Used in These Guidelines?
How Does a State Implement These Guidelines?
What Are the Minimum Secondary Containment Requirements?
When Is Secondary Containment Required?
When Is Under-Dispenser Containment Required?
Where Must the 1,000 Feet Be Measured From?
How May States Determine When an Underground Tank, Piping, or Motor 
Fuel Dispenser System Is Not Within 1,000 Feet of an Existing 
Community Water System or Existing Potable Drinking Water Well?
How Will States Know That Secondary Containment and Under-Dispenser 
Containment are Installed Where Required?
What Enforcement Authority Must States Have for Secondary 
Containment?
How Will States Demonstrate Compliance With These Guidelines?
How Will EPA Enforce States' Compliance With the Requirements in 
These Guidelines?

For More Information About the Secondary Containment Grant Guidelines

Background About the Energy Policy Act of 2005

Overview of the Secondary Containment Grant Guidelines

Why Is EPA Issuing These Guidelines?

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation 
with states, developed these grant guidelines to implement the 
secondary containment provision in Section 9003(i)(1) of the Solid 
Waste Disposal Act (SWDA), enacted by the Underground Storage Tank 
Compliance Act, part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 signed by 
President Bush on August 8, 2005.
    Section 1530 of the Energy Policy Act amends Section 9003 in 
Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act by adding requirements for 
additional measures to protect groundwater from contamination. State 
underground storage tank (UST) programs that receive funding under 
Subtitle I must meet, at a minimum, one of the following:
    1. Tank and Piping Secondary Containment--Each new or replaced 
underground tank, or piping connected to any such new or replaced tank, 
that is within 1,000 feet of any existing community water system or any 
existing potable drinking water well must be secondarily contained and 
monitored for leaks. In the case of a replacement of an existing 
underground tank or existing piping connected to the underground tank, 
the secondary containment and monitoring shall apply only to the 
specific underground tank or piping being replaced, not to other 
underground tanks and connected pipes

[[Page 67562]]

comprising such system. In addition, each new motor fuel dispenser 
system installed within 1,000 feet of any existing community water 
system or any existing potable drinking water well must have under-
dispenser containment. These requirements do not apply to repairs meant 
to restore an underground tank, pipe, or dispenser to operating 
condition. or,
    2. Evidence of Financial Responsibility and Certification--A person 
that manufactures an underground tank or piping for an underground 
storage tank system or installs an underground storage tank system must 
maintain evidence of financial responsibility under Section 9003(d) of 
Subtitle I in order to provide for the costs of corrective actions 
directly related to releases caused by improper manufacture or 
installation unless the person can demonstrate themselves to be already 
covered as an owner or operator of an underground storage tank under 
Section 9003 of Subtitle I. In addition, underground storage tank 
installers must: be certified or licensed; have the installation 
certified or approved; install the underground storage tank system 
compliant with a code of practice and in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions; or use another method determined to be no 
less protective of human health and the environment.
    EPA's Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) is issuing these 
grant guidelines to establish the minimum requirements a state 
receiving Subtitle I funding (hereafter referred to as ``state'') must 
meet in order to comply with the secondary containment requirements in 
the Energy Policy Act.

What Is in These Guidelines?

    These guidelines describe the minimum requirements for secondary 
containment that a state's underground storage tank program must 
contain in order for a state to comply with statutory requirements for 
Subtitle I funding. These guidelines include definitions, requirements, 
and examples for states choosing to implement the secondary containment 
provision.

When Do These Guidelines Take Effect?

    States receiving Subtitle I funding must implement either the 
secondary containment requirements described in these guidelines or the 
financial responsibility and installer certification requirements 
(described in separate guidelines) by February 8, 2007.

Requirements for Secondary Containment

What Underground Tanks, Piping, and Motor Fuel Dispenser Systems Do 
These Guidelines Apply To?

    These guidelines apply to new or replaced underground tanks and 
piping regulated under Subtitle I except those excluded by regulation 
at 40 CFR 280.10(b) and those deferred by regulation at 40 CFR 
280.10(c). New or replaced underground tanks and piping used for 
emergency power generation [deferred from release detection by 
280.10(d)] must meet these guidelines. These guidelines also apply to 
new motor fuel dispenser systems connected to underground storage tank 
systems covered by these guidelines.

What Definitions Are Used in These Guidelines?

    The following are definitions for purposes of these guidelines.
    Community Water System (CWS)--A public water system which serves at 
least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly 
serves at least 25 year-round residents.
    This definition is taken from the federal drinking water 
regulations at 40 CFR 141.2 (7-1-02 Edition).
    Existing--For purposes of these guidelines, existing means that an 
underground tank, piping, motor fuel dispensing system, facility, 
community water system, or potable drinking water well is in place when 
a new installation or replacement of an underground tank, piping, or 
motor fuel dispensing system begins.
    Installation of a New Motor Fuel Dispenser System--The installation 
of a new motor fuel dispenser and the equipment necessary to connect 
the dispenser to the underground storage tank system. It does not mean 
the installation of a motor fuel dispenser installed separately from 
the equipment needed to connect the dispenser to the underground 
storage tank system. For purposes of these guidelines, the equipment 
necessary to connect the motor fuel dispenser to the underground 
storage tank system may include check valves, shear valves, unburied 
risers or flexible connectors, or other transitional components that 
are beneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the underground 
piping.
    Motor Fuel--Petroleum or a petroleum-based substance that is motor 
gasoline, aviation gasoline, No. 1 or No. 2 diesel fuel, or any grade 
of gasohol and is typically used in the operation of a motor engine.\1\
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    \1\ This definition applies to blended petroleum motor fuels 
such as biodiesel and ethanol blends that contain more than a de 
minimis amount of petroleum or petroleum-based substance.
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    Piping--For purposes of these guidelines, piping is the hollow 
cylinder or the tubular conduit constructed of non-earthen materials 
that routinely contains and conveys regulated substances from the 
underground tank(s) to the dispenser(s) or other end-use equipment. 
Such piping includes any elbows, couplings, unions, valves, or other 
in-line fixtures that contain and convey regulated substances from the 
underground tank(s) to the dispenser(s). This definition does not 
include vent, vapor recovery, or fill lines.
    Potable Drinking Water Well--Any hole (dug, driven, drilled, or 
bored) that extends into the earth until it meets groundwater which:
     Supplies water for a non-community public water system, or
     Otherwise supplies water for household use (consisting of 
drinking, bathing, and cooking, or other similar uses).
    Such wells may provide water to entities such as a single-family 
residence, group of residences, businesses, schools, parks, 
campgrounds, and other permanent or seasonal communities.
    Public Water System (PWS)--A system for the provision to the public 
of water for human consumption through pipes or, after August 5, 1998, 
other constructed conveyances, if such system has at least 15 service 
connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals 
daily at least 60 days out of the year. Such term includes: any 
collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities under 
control of the operator of such system and used primarily in connection 
with such system; and, any collection or pretreatment storage 
facilities not under such control which are used primarily in 
connection with such system. Such term does not include any ``special 
irrigation district.'' A public water system is either a ``community 
water system'' or a ``non-community water system.''
    This definition is taken from the federal drinking water 
regulations at 40 CFR 141.2 (7-1-02 Edition).
    Replace--This term applies to underground tanks and piping.

[[Page 67563]]

    Underground tank--Replace means to remove an existing underground 
tank and install a new underground tank.\2\
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    \2\ A new underground tank is a tank that meets the new tank 
standards in 40 CFR 280.20, whether or not the tank was ever used 
before.
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    Piping--Replace means to remove and put back in an amount of piping 
connected to a single underground tank defined by the state to be a 
replacement. States may determine the amount of piping connected to a 
single underground tank that triggers replacement by piping length, 
percent of piping replaced, percent of piping replacement cost, or some 
combination of these. At a minimum, states must consider a piping 
replacement to have occurred when 100 percent of the piping, excluding 
connectors (such as flexible connectors), connected to a single 
underground tank is removed and put back in. States are encouraged to 
consider variations in underground storage tank system layout, such as 
those having extensive piping runs, when determining piping replacement 
criteria.
    Secondary Containment--A release prevention and release detection 
system for an underground tank and/or piping. The release prevention 
part of secondary containment is an underground tank and/or piping 
having an inner and outer barrier. Between these two barriers is a 
space for monitoring. The release detection part of secondary 
containment is a method of monitoring the space between the inner and 
outer barriers for a leak or release of regulated substances from the 
underground tank and/or piping (called interstitial monitoring). 
Interstitial monitoring must meet the release detection requirements in 
40 CFR 280.43(g).
    Under-Dispenser Containment (UDC)--Containment underneath a 
dispenser that will prevent leaks from the dispenser from reaching soil 
or groundwater. Such containment must:
     Be liquid-tight on its sides, bottom, and at any 
penetrations;
     Be compatible with the substance conveyed by the piping; 
and
     Allow for visual inspection and access to the components 
in the containment system and/or be monitored.
    Underground Storage Tank (UST)--This term has the same meaning 
given to it in Section 9001 of Subtitle I, except that such term does 
not include tank combinations or more than a single underground pipe 
connected to a tank.
    Underground Tank--This term has the same meaning as underground 
storage tank except that such term does not include underground piping.

How Does a State Implement These Guidelines?

    A state implements these guidelines by:
     Requiring secondary containment and interstitial 
monitoring for all new or replaced underground tanks and piping unless 
a state determines \3\ that the new or replaced underground tank and 
piping are not within 1,000 feet of any existing community water system 
or any existing potable drinking water well; and
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    \3\ See the section titled How May States Determine When An 
Underground Tank, Piping, Or Motor Fuel Dispenser System Is Not 
Within 1,000 Feet Of An Existing Community Water System Or Existing 
Potable Drinking Water Well? of these guidelines for further 
information.
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     Requiring under-dispenser containment for all new motor 
fuel dispenser systems unless a state determines that the new motor 
fuel dispenser system is not within 1,000 feet of any existing 
community water system or any existing potable drinking water well.
    The state must meet these requirements by February 8, 2007.
    A state may choose to develop more stringent requirements than 
described in these guidelines. For example, a state may choose to 
require secondary containment for all new installations and 
replacements, independent of whether the installation is within 1,000 
feet of any existing community water system or any existing potable 
drinking water well. Likewise, a state may choose to develop more 
stringent definitions.

What Are the Minimum Secondary Containment Requirements?

    Consistent with current EPA regulations for hazardous substance 
tanks and piping [see 40 CFR 280.42(b)(1)], these guidelines require 
that, at a minimum, secondary containment systems be designed, 
constructed, and installed to:
     Contain regulated substances released from the tank system 
until they are detected and removed,
     Prevent the release of regulated substances to the 
environment at any time during the operational life of the underground 
storage tank system, and
     Be checked for evidence of a release at least every 30 
days.
    In addition, interstitial monitoring must meet the requirements of 
40 CFR 280.43(g).
    Section 1530 of the Energy Policy Act does not include under-
dispenser containment as part of the secondary containment requirements 
for new or replaced underground tanks and piping. Instead, under-
dispenser containment is required when installing a new motor fuel 
dispenser system. However, in cases where secondary containment of 
piping is required, under-dispenser containment may be necessary for 
secondary containment of the piping near the dispenser. Likewise, 
containment above the underground tank may be necessary for secondary 
containment of the piping near the underground tank.

When Is Secondary Containment Required?

    Secondary containment, including interstitial monitoring, is 
required for all new or replaced underground tanks and piping unless a 
state determines that the installation is not within 1,000 feet of any 
existing community water system or any existing potable drinking water 
well. If an existing underground tank is replaced, the secondary 
containment and interstitial monitoring requirements apply only to the 
replaced underground tank. Likewise, if existing piping is replaced, 
the secondary containment and interstitial monitoring requirements 
apply only to the replaced piping. States are not required to apply the 
requirements in these guidelines to repairs meant to restore an 
underground tank, piping, or dispenser to operating condition. Solely 
for purposes of determining when secondary containment is required by 
these guidelines, a repair is any activity that does not meet the 
definition of replace.
    Manifolded Underground Tanks: States are not required to apply the 
secondary containment requirements to underground tanks that are not 
new or replaced in a manifolded underground tank system.
    Multiple Piping Runs Connected To A Single Underground Tank: For 
underground tanks with multiple piping runs, states are not required to 
apply the secondary containment requirements to those piping runs that 
are not new or replaced.
    Suction Piping And Manifold Piping: States are not required to 
apply the secondary containment requirements to suction piping that 
meets the requirements at 40 CFR 280.41(b)(2)(i)-(v) or to piping that 
manifolds two or more underground tanks together.
    New Dispensers And Connected Piping At An Existing Underground 
Storage Tank Facility: If a new motor fuel dispenser system is 
installed at an existing underground storage tank facility and new 
piping is added to the underground storage tank system to connect the 
new dispenser to the existing system, then the new dispenser must have 
under-dispenser containment and the new piping must meet the

[[Page 67564]]

requirements described in these guidelines. States are not required to 
apply the requirements in these guidelines to the existing piping to 
which the new piping is connected.
    New Underground Storage Tank Facilities: If a new underground 
storage tank facility will be installed that is not within 1,000 feet 
of any existing community water system or any existing potable drinking 
water well and the owner will install a potable drinking water well at 
the new facility that is within 1,000 feet of the underground tanks, 
piping, or motor fuel dispenser systems as part of the new underground 
storage tank facility installation, then secondary containment and 
under-dispenser containment are required, regardless of whether the 
well is installed before or after the underground tanks, piping, and 
motor fuel dispenser systems are installed.
    Although not required by these guidelines, states may want to 
consider the following when developing secondary containment and under-
dispenser containment requirements for new and replaced underground 
tanks and piping and new motor fuel dispenser systems:
     Designated source water protection areas,
     Water sources such as natural springs and surface waters, 
and
     Planned locations for new community water systems and new 
potable drinking water wells.
    EPA encourages state underground storage tank programs to work with 
state agencies responsible for drinking water programs and state well 
permitting authorities to protect source water and other sensitive 
areas.

When Is Under-Dispenser Containment Required?

    All new motor fuel dispenser systems must have under-dispenser 
containment unless a state determines that the new dispenser is not 
located within 1,000 feet of any existing community water system or any 
existing potable drinking water well. A motor fuel dispenser system is 
considered new when:
     A dispenser is installed at a location where there 
previously was no dispenser (new underground storage tank system or new 
dispenser location at an existing underground storage tank system), or
     An existing dispenser is removed and replaced with another 
dispenser and the equipment used to connect the dispenser to the 
underground storage tank system is replaced. This equipment may include 
unburied flexible connectors or risers or other transitional components 
that are beneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the piping.

Where Must the 1,000 Feet Be Measured From?

    To determine if a new or replaced underground tank or piping or new 
motor fuel dispenser system is within 1,000 feet of any existing 
community water system or any existing potable drinking water well, at 
a minimum the distance must be measured from the closest part of the 
new or replaced underground tank or piping or new motor fuel dispenser 
system to:
     The closest part of the nearest existing community water 
system, including such components as:

--The location of the wellhead(s) for groundwater and/or the location 
of the intake point(s) for surface water;
--Water lines, processing tanks, and water storage tanks; and
--Water distribution/service lines under the control of the community 
water system operator.

     The wellhead of the nearest existing potable drinking 
water well.

How May States Determine When an Underground Tank, Piping, or Motor 
Fuel Dispenser System Is Not Within 1,000 Feet of an Existing Community 
Water System or Existing Potable Drinking Water Well?

    States must have a system in place for determining when new or 
replaced underground tanks or piping or new motor fuel dispenser 
systems are not within 1,000 feet of any existing community water 
system or any existing potable drinking water well. There are various 
options states may use for making this determination. The following are 
some examples for meeting this requirement.
     States may determine, or establish criteria for 
determining, when new or replaced underground tanks or piping or new 
motor fuel dispenser systems are not within 1,000 feet.
     States may designate another entity to determine whether 
new or replaced underground tanks or piping or new motor fuel dispenser 
systems are not within 1,000 feet.
     States may require that owners or operators demonstrate to 
the satisfaction of the state that their new or replaced underground 
tanks or piping or new motor fuel dispenser systems are not within 
1,000 feet.

How Will States Know That Secondary Containment and Under-Dispenser 
Containment Are Installed Where Required?

    States must have a system in place so they will know that secondary 
containment and under-dispenser containment are installed where 
required by these guidelines. Such a system could be registration, 
notification, record keeping, or another mechanism developed by the 
state.

What Enforcement Authority Must States Have for Secondary Containment?

    At a minimum, states must have comparable enforcement authorities 
for their secondary containment requirements as they have for current 
underground storage tank requirements.

How Will States Demonstrate Compliance With These Guidelines?

    After February 8, 2007, the effective date of the secondary 
containment requirements, and before receiving future grant funding, 
states must provide one of the following to the appropriate EPA 
Regional office:
     For a state that has met the requirements for secondary 
containment, the state must submit a certification indicating that the 
state meets the requirements in the guidelines.
     For a state that has not yet met the requirements for 
secondary containment, the state must provide a document that describes 
the state's efforts to meet the requirements. This document must 
include:

--A description of the state's activities to date to meet the 
requirements in the guidelines;
--A description of the state's planned activities to meet the 
requirements; and
--The date by which the state expects to meet the requirements.

    EPA may verify state certifications of compliance through site 
visits, record reviews, or audits as authorized by 40 CFR Part 31.

How Will EPA Enforce States' Compliance With the Requirements in These 
Guidelines?

    As a matter of law, each state that receives funding under Subtitle 
I, which would include a Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) 
Cooperative Agreement, must comply with certain underground storage 
tank requirements of Subtitle I. EPA anticipates State and Tribal 
Assistance Grants (STAG) funds will be available under the 2007 
Appropriations Act for certain purposes authorized by the Energy Policy 
Act, and EPA will condition STAG grants with compliance with these 
guidelines. Absent a compelling reason to the contrary, EPA expects to 
address noncompliance with these STAG grant conditions by utilizing 
EPA's grant

[[Page 67565]]

enforcement authorities under 40 CFR Part 31.43, as necessary and 
appropriate.

For More Information About the Secondary Containment Grant Guidelines 
Visit the EPA Office of Underground Storage Tanks Web site at http://www.epa.gov/oust or call 703-603-9900.

Background About The Energy Policy Act Of 2005

    On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 
2005. Title XV, Subtitle B of this act (entitled the Underground 
Storage Tank Compliance Act) contains amendments to Subtitle I of the 
Solid Waste Disposal Act--the original legislation that created the 
underground storage tank (UST) program. These amendments significantly 
affect federal and state underground storage tank programs, will 
require major changes to the programs, and are aimed at reducing 
underground storage tank releases to our environment.
    The amendments focus on preventing releases. Among other things, 
they expand eligible uses of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank 
(LUST) Trust Fund and include provisions regarding inspections, 
operator training, delivery prohibition, secondary containment and 
financial responsibility, and cleanup of releases that contain 
oxygenated fuel additives.
    Some of these provisions require implementation by August 2006; 
others will require implementation in subsequent years. To implement 
the new law, EPA and states will work closely with tribes, other 
federal agencies, tank owners and operators, and other stakeholders to 
bring about the mandated changes affecting underground storage tank 
facilities.
    To see the full text of this new legislation and for more 
information about EPA's work to implement the underground storage tank 
provisions of the law, see: http://www.epa.gov/oust/fedlaws/nrg05_01.htm.

    Dated: November 15, 2006.
Susan Parker Bodine,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
 [FR Doc. E6-19749 Filed 11-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P