FAQ  Are aboveground storage tanks a way to avoid regulation?
            In a word, no. But some underground storage tank (UST) owners or 
            operators think they can avoid environmental and safety requirements 
            by changing to aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). However, ASTs are 
            subject to many federal regulations in addition to state and local 
            regulations. 
            
            SPCC requirements
            Most ASTs need to meet U.S. EPA’s Spill, Prevention, Control, and 
            Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements (40 CFR part 112). The SPCC rule 
            applies to owners or operators of facilities that drill, produce, 
            gather, store, use, process, refine, transfer, distribute, or 
            consume oil and oil products. SPCC requires procedural and 
            contingency plans, as well as various technical requirements, such 
            as corrosion protection. For more information on SPCC requirements 
            call EPA’s Hotline at 800-424-9346. 

            Fire considerations
            ASTs can increase the risk of fire and hazards resulting from damage 
            caused by vehicles or vandals. AST owners should install AST systems 
            that have adequate safeguards against fire, overfills, and damage. 
            At a minimum, most ASTs need to meet state and local fire codes, 
            which usually have some mix of construction, installation, operation 
            and maintenance requirements that are intended to prevent fires and 
            other hazards that can come from mismanaged or substandard ASTs. For 
            more information, check with your local authority having 
            jurisdiction, such as your local fire marshal. 

            Safety
            Some ASTs may need to meet additional state or local regulatory 
            requirements that safeguard human health and the environment from 
            potential threats posed by ASTs. You should check with your state 
            agency in charge of oil pollution control activities for information 
            on state and local requirements.