The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is conducting inspections of facilities with registered aboveground storage tanks (AST). There are over 1,400 facilities in New Hampshire with registered ASTs, many of which are in the automotive industry.
Who is required to register their aboveground storage tanks?
Under New Hampshire law, businesses must register their ASTs with NHDES if they have a single tank with a capacity exceeding 660 gallons or multiple tanks with a combined capacity exceeding 1,320 gallons of motor fuels, heating oils, lubricating oils, insulating oils, used oils, other petroleum products and petroleum-contaminated liquids.
How will I know if I will be inspected?
If you have registered ASTs, it’s not a question if you will be inspected, but when. A certified AST inspector from NHDES will contact the designated contact person you provided when you registered your tanks to arrange the inspection. You can look up your listed contact person on OneStop, New Hampshire’s central, searchable online database for environmental data, documents, permits and reports.
If you need assistance accessing or updating your OneStop contact information, please reach out to your NHADA Loss Prevention Representative.
When a facility inspector contacts you, respond promptly to arrange the inspection appointment. They will work to accommodate your schedule. Your NHADA Loss Prevention Representative can also be present during the inspection, so please contact us as well.
What can I expect during an inspection?
The inspection will begin by ensuring all your paperwork and safety practices are in place. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Do you have a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan? Is the plan up to date?
- Have your registered AST alarms been tested annually by a certified AST inspector?
- Have your testing documents been uploaded to OneStop?
- Are monthly inspections of ASTs being performed and documented internally?
After reviewing your paperwork, the inspector will conduct a physical inspection of your registered ASTs, focusing on labeling, condition, proximity to drains and other factors. The scope of the inspection will focus on all petroleum products and storage.
How should I prepare for an AST inspection?
The thought of an inspection from any government entity can create anxiety, but with proper preparation, this process can be smooth. NHADA is here to assist you.
If you have registered or unregistered ASTs, contact your NHADA Loss Prevention Representative for help preparing your facility for inspection. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me via email at paustin@nhada.com or by phone at (603) 224-2369.
