Owners and operators of
regulated underground
storage tanks (USTs) on tribal
lands must comply with the
federal UST regulation.
This compliance assistance
brochure highlights
tips to help you manage your
spill buckets.
Note: This document is a
resource to promote
compliance and does not
replace the federal UST
regulation.
This brochure is one in a
series of EPA compliance
assistance brochures
designed to help owners and
operators in Indian country
comply with the federal UST
regulation.
Other brochures focus on
implementation, compatibility,
overfill protection,
recordkeeping and
notification, financial
responsibility, insurance, tank
release detection, and piping
release detection.
www.epa.gov/ust/publications-related-
underqround-storaqe-tanks
''"''Mawi
Inspect
oEPA
Office of Underground Storage Tanks
www.epa.aov/ust
May 2017
EPA-510-F-17-004
Compliance Assistance In
Indian Country

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SPILL PREVENTION
Spill prevention is required for every
underground storage tank (UST) that is filled
with more than 25 gallons of product at one
time. Spill prevention devices (for example,
spill buckets) attached to your UST can help
prevent releases into the environment.
Spill bucket
Repeated small releases can cause big
environmental problems. Spill buckets can
be a common source of spills. Improper
maintenance of your spill bucket may
contribute to significant soil and groundwater
contamination.
What can you do to prevent
spills from spill buckets?
Remove debris arid liquid in spill buckets
Spill buckets are designed to temporarily
contain small product spills released
during delivery and are not for long-term
storage of product. Accumulated
debris or liquid reduces containment
capacity and ability to prevent spills.
.. 7
Keep your spill buckets
clean and dry. Empty
spill buckets immediately
and properly dispose of
the contents.
¦: .ik.
Liquid in spill bucket
Replace damaged gaskets and seals
Damaged seals and gaskets can result in
non-tight spill buckets. This can allow a
release into the environment.
Damaged seal in poor condition
Inspect your spill
bucket every 30
days as part of your
walkthrough
inspection.
Inspect all seals-
including around the
fill riser-forany
cracks, damage, or
holes. Replace or
repair, as needed.
Repair or replace damaged spill buckets
Damaged, cracked, or corroded spill
buckets are not liquid-tight and will not
contain the spilled product.
Deformed spill bucket wall
|
Most spill buckets are
not designed to last as
long as an UST.
Inspect for damage,
corrosion, and
deformation.
Every three years,
test your spill bucket
and, if necessary,
repair or replace to
make sure it works
Damaged spill bucket
^properly.
V
REMEMBER
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Test your spill bucket at least every three
years for tightness or use a double-walled
spill bucket with interstitial monitoring.
For double-walled spill buckets, check for a
leak in the interstitial area.
A damaged, missing, or
poorly fitting spill bucket
lid may allow water and
debris to collect in the
spill bucket and enter
into the tank.
Broken spill bucket lid
~
Inspect spill buckets before and
immediately after product delivery.
Remove spilled product immediately.
~ Keep spill buckets clean and free of
liquids and debris.
-	Inspect spill buckets after it rains, or after
snow melts
-	Dispose of liquid properly
I I Repair or replace damaged or cracked spill
buckets and lids immediately.
I ] Inspect and replace damaged seals and
gaskets immediately.
I I Inspect and replace damaged spill bucket
drain valves immediately.
I ] Look for and remove any obstructions in
the fill pipe.
If you are not sure about the tightness of
your spill buckets, have a qualified
service technician test them for leaks.
For additional information on requirements for managing
your spill bucket, see EPA's Must For USTs or order a
free copy by calling (800) 490-9198.

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