Underground Storage Tanks

The Underground Storage Tanks Section is responsible for the regulation of underground storage tank systems used for the storage of regulated substances, primarily petroleum products. Staff in the section work with the owners of sites on the detection, prevention and correction of releases of products from underground tanks.

The section also reviews whether owners and operators can meet financial responsibility requirements to ensure they are able to clean up releases of product. New tank systems must meet minimum design and construction standards and older tank systems must be upgraded to meet these new standards. Investigation and remediation of contamination are based on Iowa’s risk-based corrective action rules and model. All regulated tank systems must be registered with the department.

Back to top

Contact Information

These lists can change frequently as sites come into compliance. If there is a question concerning a site or tank, please contact us.

Back to top

UST Release Reporting

Iowa law requires owners and operators of UST systems to report a confirmed or suspected release of "regulated substances," which includes petroleum, to the DNR within 24 hours, or within 6 hours if a hazardous condition exists, at the 24 Hour Environmental Emergency Reporting Hotline at 515-725-8694. See the UST Forms page for applicable forms and the Release Reporting Guidance for more information. 

Releases of petroleum from non-regulated sources such as heating oil tanks, aboveground storage tanks, and farm and residential tanks must also be reported to DNR within 6 hours if a hazardous condition exists.  
 

Back to top

Delivery Prohibition & Temporary Closure

Delivery of fuel is prohibited if an underground storage tank does not have the annual tank tag for the current year attached to the fill port or if the tank has been red tagged for other compliance issues prohibiting fuel delivery. 

Back to top

Regulations

Iowa Code

Jurisdiction for the Underground Storage Tank Section is given in Iowa Code Chapter 455B, subchapter IV, part 8. 

Iowa Administrative Code

The Underground Storage Tank Section rules are located in the following chapters of Iowa Administrative Code:

  • Chapter 120 - Land farming of Petroleum Contaminated Soil
  • Chapter 133 - Rules for Determining Cleanup Actions and Responsible Parties
  • Chapter 134 - Underground Storage Tank Certification Programs: Chapter 134 is divided into Parts (Certification of Groundwater Professionals), B (Certification of UST Compliance Inspectors), and C (Licensing of UST Professionals)
  • Chapter 135 - Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks
  • Chapter 136 - Financial Responsibility for Underground Storage Tanks
Back to top