Underground Storage Tank
FLOOD GUIDE
United States
p4 jP=% Environmental Protection
M % Agency

-------
August 2020
Underground Storage Tank
Flood Guide
Disclaimer
EPA wrote this guide to provide information for underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators
in the event of a threatened or actual flood. This guide does not replace existing federal or state laws or
regulations, nor does this impose legally binding requirements. The word should as used in this guide, is
intended solely to recommend or suggest and does not connote a requirement.
For regulatory requirements regarding UST systems, refer to 40 CFR Part 280 and corresponding state
regulations.
Pictured on Cover: Vehicles nearly submerged by flood waters at a gas station in Rushford,
MN on August 19, 2007. Credit: National Weather Service

-------
August 2020
Contents
Disclaimer	ii
About This Guide	1
Types of Flooding	2
Effects Of Flooding On UST Systems	2
Planning Before A Flood	4
UST Flood Checklist	7
Responding To An UST Emergency	11
Financial Assistance	12
Aboveground Storage Tanks At UST Facilities	14
Useful Resources And Links	18
Photo Gallery	21

-------
August 2020
About This Guide
Flooding is a common natural disaster that affects communities across the United States. When flooding
occurs, an UST system is susceptible to damage that may lead to a release of its contents into the
environment.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this guide as a resource for UST owners
and operators in the event of a threatened or actual flood. This guide may help UST owners and
operators prepare and respond to the catastrophic effects and environmental harm that may occur as a
result of flooded UST systems, and help return an UST system to service as soon as possible. State,
local, and tribal UST program implementers may also find this guide useful.
This guide consolidates federal, state, non-governmental, and UST industry resources. However, many
communities develop their own strategies and resources to reduce the effects of flooding on their
citizens, businesses, and environment.
Although this guide mainly addresses USTs affected by flooding, some elements of the checklists may
apply to other natural disasters and USTs systems.
1

-------
August 2020
Types of Flooding
Coastal flooding occurs when higher than average tides engulf
the adjacent land.
Storm surge is also a coastal flood that occurs when tides force
water onshore.
River (fluvial) flooding occurs when a river's capacity is
overwhelmed and its water overflows onto surrounding banks.
Groundwater flooding occurs when the ground becomes
saturated with water and sub-surface water rises to the surface or
into structures.
Flash flooding occurs when excessive amounts of water cause a
rise in water in a short period of time due to:
•	An overwhelmed sewer system
•	Heavy or extended rain
•	Rapid snowmelt
•	Dam or levee failure
•	A sudden release of water
Effects Of Flooding On UST Systems
Factors such as location, water flow, and extent of flooding influence how a flood impacts an UST
system. Taking actions before, during, and after flooding events may decrease damage to the UST
system and help protect human health and the environment when a flood occurs.
Buoyancy
An UST surrounded by floodwaters or saturated soil is subjected to buoyant forces that could push the
tank upward, offsetting the restraints of backfill, pavement, or hold-down straps. Once displaced, the
tank could rupture or disconnect from connected piping, vent lines, and other components, releasing
product into the environment.
Erosion And Scour
Floodwater can erode the soil and backfill material or scour the soil that surrounds an UST system. Loss
of the surrounding soil and scour may expose the UST system to damage, for example buckling and
detached piping, that could lead to a release of product into the environment. Additionally, scouring may
compromise the integrity of the concrete pad on top of the UST, causing the tank to buckle, collapse, or
float.
Learn the difference
between a flood watch
and a flood warning from
the National Weather
Service
Flooded gas station after
Hurricane Florence. Credit: EPA
2

-------
August 2020
Product Displacement
Floodwater or debris entering through UST openings can push product up and out of the UST into the
environment.
Electrical System Damage And Corrosion
Extended contact with floodwaters can damage and corrode UST systems equipment including piping,
automatic tank gauging systems, electrical panel boxes, shutoff switches, submersible turbine pumps,
dispensers, motors, and cathodic protection.
Inability To Locate The UST
Areas affected by a flood are often left covered with debris and mud, making it extremely difficult to
locate the UST.
3

-------
August 2020
Planning Before A Flood
Understand The Risk
In order to help improve a UST's resilience during a flood, it is important to know the potential for a
flood, and its possible impacts on the UST facility and surrounding sites. There are a variety of methods
for reducing a flood's impact. However, the most effective methods take into consideration the specifics
of the site and its location. UST owners and operators may do the following to help them better
understand and assess the threat of flooding:
•	Several federal websites offer flood maps:
>	FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (MSC) website provides information on flood
hazards in the community.
>	EPA's EnviroAtlas website provides information on flood hazards in your community.
>	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coastal Flood Exposure
Mapper provides information on coastal flooding and hazards for the East Coast, West
Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and islands in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
>	NOAA's Inundation Dashboard provides real-time and historic coastal flooding
information at water level stations.
•	Collect previous flooding data on how past flooding events threatened or impacted the UST
facility.
•	Complete a sensitive receptor survey of potential sites that may be affected if a release occurs.
•	Determine the potential sources of flooding that could impact the UST facility, such as swollen
rivers or streams, flash floods, levee or dam failure, spring thaw, coastal or urban locales.
Installation Practices To Help Reduce Flooding Impact
Owners and operators may consider using the measures below prior to installing a UST.
•	Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) P-348, Protecting Building Utility Systems
From Flood Damage (2017) illustrates design and construction of new utility systems and
structures in flood-prone areas. It also addresses evaluating structures undergoing substantial
improvement and includes information on handling installation of tanks in high groundwater
areas. FEMA's building code resources provides guidance on the hazard-resistant provisions in
the building codes.
•	Owners and operators may consider installing shut-off valves below the flood elevation level on
fuel lines and tank vents.
•	Owners and operators may consider extending the vent pipe above flood levels to help prevent
floodwaters from entering the vent line and tank.
4

-------
August 2020
Offset UST Buoyancy - the following methods may prevent the UST from floating:
'p Add a restraining force by increasing the burial depth or the amount of pavement on top
of the tank, or both. The burial depth should not exceed the manufacturer's
recommendation.
>	Anchor the tank to a reinforced concrete pad with
non-corrosive hold-down straps.
>	Install deadman anchors with straps attached,
outside the tank diameter alongside the tank.
Develop a contingency plan that includes, but is not
limited to:
>	A facility diagram identifying all UST locations
and active remediation systems
>	Emergency contact information and notification
procedures
>	Checklist and inventory of items needed to
maintain a minimum level of service after a flood
>	A list of UST contractors and testers
>	A list of funding resources for facility restoration
>	UST flood preparation and facility restoration
checklists
Useful Resources And Links section of this guide to access
real-time interactive information on emerging flood
threats
FEMA's Readu Business
Hurricane Toolkit
provides information on
taking action to protect
employees, protect
customers, and help
ensure business continuity
for hurricanes and
tropical st011ns.
5

-------
August 2020
Examples Of Offsetting Buoyancy When Installing An UST
Area subject
to flooding
Buoyant forces
A reinforced bottom hold-down pad
provides a firm bed for the tank and
adds resistance to flotation. Credit:
EPA
The extra weight of the backfill and
pavement over the tank may be
enough to keep the tank from
floating. Credit: EPA
UST with hold down straps on a
concrete pad. Credit: EPA
UST deadmen installation. Credit:
ZCL Composites
Read more information on properly anchoring an UST in:
•	National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 30 Flammable Combustible Liquids Code
•	Petroleum Equipment Institute's (PEI) Recommended Practice 100
•	American Petroleum Institute's (API) Recommended Practice 1615
•	Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P-348
•	FEMA's Compilation of Flood Resistant Provisions contain excerpts from 2018
international building codes
Refer to the tank manufacturer's instructions for details on bottom hold-down pad construction,
installing tank straps, and deadman construction.
6

-------
August 2020
UST Flood Checklist
Using this checklist may help address an UST in the event of a flood. Owners and operators must follow
requirements established by their UST implementing agency for:
•	Emergency response
•	Restarting an UST system
•	UST system removal and release cleanup
•	Waste disposal
•	UST system component testing
•	UST system installation
Before The Flood
~	Conduct an inspection of the entire facility to determine areas susceptible to flooding and the
potential consequences if a flood happens.
~	Assess the extent and duration of predicted flooding.
~	Turn off power to all UST system including STPs, pumps, and dispensers.
o Keep the release detection system on as long as power is available.
~	Take product inventory and water level readings of all tanks.
~	Reduce the chance of a tank rise.
o Place heavy objects, for example dumpster, sandbags, or large containers full of sand or
rock, over the tank.
o Fill the tank with fuel to decrease buoyancy by weighing down the tank so it will not
float out of the ground.
o If the predicted flood extent and duration is excessive, owners and operators may want to
instead consider minimizing the amount of fuel to lessen the likelihood of a release into
the environment.
o Do not fill tanks with water due to additional costs for disposing contaminated water and
possible corrosion to the tank system.
~	Make sure fill caps are operable and secure.
~	Place sand bags on top of the spill catch basin and tank top sump lids to minimize the amount of
water entering each tank
~	Make sure the seal on spill bucket plungers are operational to keep water out of the tank.
~	If possible, have an UST technician drain all product lines back into each tank.
~	Close flow restrictors and manually trip shear valves on pressurized piping to prevent product
releases from dispenser lines.
~	Temporarily cap off vent pipes to prevent water from entering the tank and displacing product.
~	Protect fuel pump and controls to prevent damage from flooding.
o Secure dispensers with plastic, tarps or plywood.
o If time allows, consider removing dispensers, and storing them safely.
o Remember to also protect aboveground components from floating debris or floodwater.
7

-------
August 2020
~	Check the remediation system, if applicable.
o Shut off power to the remediation system.
o Disconnect all wiring and piping to remediation trailers and remove portable equipment
trailers from the flood hazard area,
o Cap and secure remediation wells to prevent floodwaters from entering,
o Store remediation equipment away from the flood hazard area,
o If possible, close all control valves to isolate the remediation system.
After The Flood
Take the following actions after the water recedes and local officials allow re-entry. Remember that
every situation is different and site-specific issues will dictate the proper course of action.
Before bringing an UST system back into service:
~	Make sure the power is off.
~	Remove all debris and water from the concrete pad.
~	Inspect the concrete pad for any indication of tank movement or shifting.
o If the pad has been damaged, have a contractor evaluate the entire UST system to
determine its suitability to receive product.
~	Inspect UST system components, such as secondary and under-dispenser containment and sumps
for leaks.
o Have a technician check the connections and verify that all dry secondary containment
areas are still dry.
o Ensure that the isolation boot under the dispenser is working properly. Loose or defective
boots may allow water seepage into the piping secondary containment.
~	Measure the product and water levels in each tank.
o If there is a discrepancy in pre and post flood levels, follow the UST implementing
agency requirements for release notification and response.
~	Remove any debris from each tank.
~	Remove any water from the tank according to implementing agency requirements.
8

-------
August 2020
~	Make sure that the remaining product is suitable for use.
o The owner or operator should consider not using the product if there is greater than 2" of
water on the bottom of the tank,
o A tank with ethanol blended gasoline should not have any water on the bottom (and the
product is not usable if water has caused phase separation or fuel degradation from its
quality specification).
o In emergency situations, a diesel tank or a non-ethanol gasoline tank may be used with up
to 2" of water on the bottom of the tank1,
o Remove any unusable product from each UST in accordance with the UST implementing
agency requirements.
Bringing an UST system back into service.
~	Return power and have a technician inspect for proper operation.
o Check all UST system electrical equipment for proper operation,
o Ensure that leak detection equipment is operational as soon as practically possible;
however, certain leak detection methods may not be viable,
o Contact the UST implementing agency if the leak detection system is not working
properly or found to be inoperable.
~	Inspect vent lines for movement and cracking.
o Ensure that the vent is working properly.
~	If installed, test the cathodic protection system for proper operation.
~	Clean and empty all spill buckets, under dispenser containment, and containment sumps.
o Test and replace all damaged or inoperable spill buckets and sumps.
~	Clean and lubricate shear valves before resetting them.
~	Be alert for unusual operating conditions such as slow dispensing of fuel, frequent alarms,
customer complaints, or equipment shutdowns.
o If product loss has occurred, immediately notify implementing agency requirements for
release notification and response.
What If An On-Site Remediation System Is Affected By A Flood?
~	Have a qualified electrician or technician check the motors and controls for damage and presence
of moisture or silt and verify proper operation.
~	Notify the implementing agency of any damage that occurred.
~	Return power to the remediation system.
~	Reconnect the remediation system to the power and piping system.
~	Have a qualified professional clear water and silt that may have collected and disinfect system
components.
o Replace system components that cannot be effectively cleaned and disinfected.
~	Check the piping system valves for proper operation.
1 However, during normal operating conditions, some management practices advise a regular check of the tank to
ensure that the water layer is less than 1" on the bottom of the tank. Minimizing water in tank bottoms will help
minimize fuel quality problems or corrosion risks due to microbial growth.
9

-------
August 2020
~	Inspect monitoring wells for damage.
o Check for water and silt entering monitoring, extraction, or injection wells.
~	Reassess the site characterization to determine if the extent of contamination has changed.
What If An UST Floated Out Of Its Excavation?
~	Turn off any power in the vicinity of the UST system, and immediately call the electric company
if any power lines are down in the area.
~	Notify the appropriate authorities according to applicable policies, if there is any evidence of
spilled product.
~	Notify the local fire department.
~	Rope off the area and keep people away from the affected area.
~	If it is safe to do so, remove all contents of the tank.
~	Perform initial leak mitigation and release reporting, if necessary.
~	Obtain a contractor to dismantle any piping and dispensers and remove the piping and tank
properly.
10

-------
August 2020
Responding To An UST Emergency
UST owners and operators are expected to be the first responders to handle most UST emergencies.
They are primarily responsible for initial response and cleanup of UST system releases. Because initial
response actions to an UST emergency is critical, it is important that initial responders understand the
risks and are properly trained on the procedures to take in order to assess a situation and safely and
efficiently respond to an UST emergency.
In the event of an emergency, owners and operators may use the following information to help them
perform actions to recover and effectively restart their facilities.
•	Some UST facilities maintain site specific contingency plans that provide internal and external
notifications and actions to take when responding to different types of emergencies. Facility
personnel should obtain and follow procedures in that plan.
•	If applicable, notify the on-call emergency response contractor to provide on-call and immediate
emergency response services.
•	Owners and operators may also contact their local fire department.
•	In Indian country, notify local and tribal officials as the first responders. EPA is available for
further assistance.
•	State and local emergency management agencies plan initial response actions for emergencies
within their jurisdiction. They may not perform actual incident response, but do attempt to
identify potential hazards, find available resources, and write emergency response plans.
However, they are not available in every locality. FEMA provides contact information for
emergency agencies and offices.
•	The federal government generally becomes involved when local and state resources are
exhausted, or when incidents occur in Indian country.
11

-------
August 2020
Financial Assistance
The availability of funds sometimes determine the priority of
efforts UST owners and operators can take for flood recovery and
bringing an UST system back into operation. Funds may be
provided for prompt immediate actions that must be taken to
protect health, safety, and the environment. Funds may also be
available for longer term cleanup and site recovery.
• State financial assurance programs may provide loans and
grants to eligible owners and operators for corrective
actions, where applicable. You can find more information
on UST state financial assurance funds on EPA's website.
Owners and operators
should contact their
financial responsibility or
insurance provider to file
a notice or claim and
determine minimum
requirements necessary for
continuing coverage.
Failure to do so could
jeopardize coverage in the
event of a subsequent
release.
•	State trust funds may reimburse responsible parties or
third parties for corrective actions related to UST releases
if certain prerequisites for coverage are met.
•	In an emergency, states may use Leaking Underground
Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund money to conduct
emergency responses, site assessments, or corrective actions. In non-emergency situations, states
may use LUST Trust Fund money to conduct site assessments or corrective actions where the
responsible party is unknown, unwilling, or unable to respond.
Other Types Of Financial Assistance Available To UST Owners And
Operators
Various sources, including non-profits, private, local, state, and federal may provide financial assistance
for business recovery.
•	USA.gov is the federal government's official online guide to government resources and services.
For information on receiving emergency individual financial assistance after a disaster visit
Disaster Financial Assistance.
•	Visit benefits.gov to learn about applying for disaster relief benefits.
•	FEMA's Public Assistance Program support communities' recovery from major disasters by
providing grant assistance. Local governments, states, tribes, territories and certain private
nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
•	Di sast eras si stance. gov is a joint data-sharing effort between federal, tribal, state, local, and
private sector partners. At this site, UST owners and operators can:
>	Find disaster assistance that meets personal needs.
>	Learn about more than 70 forms of assistance from 17 federal agencies.
>	Apply for disaster assistance online.
>	Find a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
>	Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for homeowners, renters, and
businesses.
12

-------
August 2020
•	Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low interest loans for businesses if their insurance
and funding from the FEMA doesn't fully cover the needed disaster assistance. Learn more
about the disaster business loan application process here.
•	During some disasters, states may also request that FEMA assign and fund EPA to provide direct
assistance with oil and hazardous materials cleanup. This is accomplished under the Oil and
Hazardous Materials Response section, that is, Emergency Support Function 10 [ESF-10] of the
National Response Framework.
> UST facility owners do not request ESF-10 assistance directly from FEMA or EPA. Only
a state can request assistance under this mechanism, and FEMA may require a state to
contribute a percentage of the ESF-10 costs. More information can be found on the
National Response Framework and ESF-10.
13

-------
August 2020
Aboveground Storage Tanks At UST Facilities
Owners and operators may have concerns about flooding effects on an aboveground storage tank (AST)
located at an UST facility. An AST is extremely vulnerable to damage and a potential threat to human
health and the environment when exposed to a flood. Below are some of the ways ASTs are affected by
flooding and selected practices on how to manage them if a flood is threatened or occurs.
Tank Flotation And Displacement
Floodwater pressure can dislodge anchor bolts and lift the tank off
its foundation and disconnect the hoses and piping that are
attached to the tank. An AST lifted off its foundation may float to
a different location. A lifted tank can block the flow of water if it
becomes lodged to another object, resulting in damming of the
water. A floating AST may also cause damage by crashing into
objects in its path.
Loss Of Product
Moving floodwaters may push the contents out of the AST and its
openings into the environment. Product loss may also occur when
the tank lifts and disconnects from attached hoses or piping, or
when the AST floats along a water pathway.
System And Structural Damage
The following damages may occur as a result of flooding:
•	AST shell buckling or collapsing from moving floodwater.
•	Soil erosion and scour beneath the tank's concrete slab, undermining its ability to adequately
support the tank.
•	Prolonged contact with floodwater increasing the risk of corroding the AST bottom and shell
joints.
•	Damaged AST containment reducing its ability to contain spilled product.
•	Contact with floodwaters affecting electrical and system component connections, for example
release detection, cathodic protection, switches, meters, motors, alarm systems, lightning
protection and grounding.
Reducing And Managing Risks
Owners and operators of ASTs must follow all applicable regulations when installing and designing
aboveground storage tanks in flood-prone areas. Several design and installation codes and recommended
practices are available, and some are listed below.
According to the National
Institute for Storage Tank
Management (NISTM),
flood depths of a half a
meter (1.5 ft.) will float
most large diameter
storage tanks when they
are empty.
NISTM's presentation on
hazard management of
ASTs, including floods,
can be found here.
14

-------
August 2020
Selected AST Design And Installation Codes
NFPA 30 provides safeguards to reduce hazards associated with the storage, handling and
use of flammable and combustible liquids.
API 650 includes the minimum requirements for ASTs with internal pressures not
exceeding the weight of the roof plates. Applies only to tanks whose entire bottom is
uniformly supported and tanks in non-refrigerated service that have a maximum design
temperature of 93°C (200°F) or less.
API 653 covers the inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of steel aboveground
storage tanks.
PEIRP200 provides reference to preferred practices and procedures for the installation of
ASTs at service stations, marinas and other fueling sites.
Federal Emergency Management Agency's P-348, Protecting Building Utility Systems From
Flood Damage (2017) illustrates design and construction of new utility systems and
structures in flood-prone areas.
FEMA's Compilation of Flood Resistant Provisions contain excerpts from 2018
international building codes.
The National Institute for Storage Tank Management (NISTM) suggests the following practices to
reduce flood impacts.
•	Make sure that the AST is anchored properly.
•	Consult an AST engineering professional to determine a recommended product depth that
increases shell stability to prevent buckling, and, stabilize the tank to prevent tank flotation.
•	If tank is empty and clean, leave the shell manholes open.
•	Drain diked areas.
Illustration showing product
depth for an AST.
Illustration showing where to open the shell manhole.
15

-------
August 2020
EPA's Flood (Hurricane) Preparedness. Recommended Best Practices fact sheet provides information on
preparing an AST before a flood, and how to return it back to service after a flood. The checklist below
includes information from NFPA 30 and the best practices fact sheet section.
Preparing An AST Before A Flood
~	Use a dependable water supply to fill empty or partially filled tanks.
o If filling with water is impractical or hazardous because of the contents, use other
means to protect tanks against movement or collapse.
~	Close valves associated with piping and dispensing.
~	Anchor tanks and all piping to prevent uplift or floatation.
~	Use stiffener rings to prevent buckling from storm surge and wind loads.
~	To the greatest extent possible, remove or secure all possible projectile hazards from the
facility grounds.
~	Ensure all storm drains and dewatering intakes are clear and free of debris.
~	Shut off the power to the fuel system.
~	Record the product level in each tank to account for loss or water entry.
~	Conduct a detailed risk assessment of the facility and evaluate the impact of mitigation
strategies; include these assessments in the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure
Plan, Facility Response Plan, Risk Management Plan or other pollution prevention plan, as
applicable.
~	Develop a detailed timeline for preparing tanks in advance of an event.
Consider taking these additional steps:
~	Extend tank vent lines and other openings that are not liquid-tight above the flood stage
water level.
~	Move product out of the flood location; sell product from those stock tanks which are
accessible by truck.
~	Seal thief hatches with locks and sandbags.
~	Place a check valve at exit points on vent lines so flow can only go inward.
16

-------
August 2020
Keep All Facility Plans Current
Certain facilities are required to develop Spill Prevention, Control, and
Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans2. SPCC plans describe equipment,
workforce, training, and countermeasures to prevent, control, and
respond to a discharge of oil.
Although each SPCC Plan is unique to the facility3, certain elements
that must be described in every plan include:
•	Operating procedures to prevent oil discharges and spills;
•	Control measures, such as secondary containment, installed to
prevent oil spills from entering navigable waters or adjoining
shorelines; and,
•	Countermeasures to contain, clean up, and mitigate oil spill
impacted navigable waters or adjoining shorelines.
Review Facility Diagrams and Checklists
•	Ensure that facility diagrams include all fixed ASTs and their
contents and locations. This will help determine if an AST has
floated after a flood event.
•	Review facility inspection checklists and resolve deficiencies
to decrease the likelihood of an oil discharge from the AST.
The SPCC rule inspection requirements are designed to detect
leaks, spills, or identify issues to prevent a discharge of oil.
EPA's Office of Emergency Management provides information
on those requirements.
Know What Is Stored
Keep a log of what is stored in each tank at the facility. Make sure that
safety data sheets (SDS) and records are on file and kept in an easily
accessible location. It is pertinent that response officials know what
was stored in the AST in case of a release or threat of a release into the
environment.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) provides a
chemical database for occupational chemical information. It compiles
information from several government agencies and organizations and
includes information on:
•	Chemical identification and physical properties
•	Exposure limits
•	Sampling information, and additional resources.
Under the authority of
the Clean Water Act, the
Oil Pollution Prevention
regulations at 40 CFR
part 112 specifies
requirements for
prevention of oil
discharges from reaching
navigable waters or
adjoining shorelines.
EPA's oil spill prevention
program includes the
Spill Prevention, Control,
and Countermeasure
(SPCC) and the Facility
Response Plan (FRP)
rules.
The SPCC rule helps
facilities prevent a
discharge of oil into
navigable waters or
adjoining shorelines.
The FRP rule requires
certain facilities to
submit a response plan
and prepare to respond to
a worst-case oil discharge
or threat of a discharge.
Learn more about the
requirements for ASTs and
oil pollution prevention
here.
17

-------
August 2020
Useful Resources And Links
If there is a threat of a flood, the following websites
developed by federal agencies provide specific locational
real-time flood information.
>	U.S. Geological Survey's Flood Information
website provides information on hourly flood
conditions.
>	NOAA's - Hydrologic Conditions and Forecasts
web page provides information on hydrologic
conditions and forecasts.
>	National Weather Service Interactive Flood Map
provides information on state-wide flooding and
how residents can protect their lives and property.
>	Department of Homeland Security's Readv.gov
provides information on flooding, how to get
emergency alerts, and where to evacuate.
Additional information to prepare for and respond to a
flood, may be found on these websites developed by EPA,
other federal agencies, states, and industry.
>	EPA's Office of Emergency Management web
page provides information on EPA response to oil
spills, chemical, biological, radiological releases,
and large-scale national emergencies.
>	EPA's Planning for Natural Disaster Debris
guidance is designed to help communities create
disaster debris management plans before a disaster
occurs and is intended to increase preparedness
and resiliency.
>	EPA's Area Contingency Planning web page
If there is a confirmed
release, visible free
product, or a substantial
threat of a release, owners
and operators must
immediately contain the
leak and notify
appropriate local and
state authorities. If the
release may reach or has
reached surface water or
shoreline, contact the
National Response Center
(NRC) at 800-424-8802.
The NRC is not a
response agency. It serves
as ait emergency call
center that fields initial
reports and forwards that
information to
appropriate federal or
state agencies for
response.
provides guidance on facility_contingency plans to
address incidents by helping identify and coordinate activities of the different
government agencies and private organizations involved in a response.
>	EPA's Tribal Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordination document
summarizes the national and regional response organizations that prepare for and respond
to oil, chemical, radiological, and biological emergencies. It also covers tribal roles in an
emergency response.
>	EPA's UST Contacts web page provides links to regional, state, tribal, and other UST
program contacts and web pages.
2	A general overview of the SPCC rule can be found here.
3	Detailed guidance on SPCC plan can be found at here.
18

-------
August 2020
>	EPA's Natural Disasters and Underground Storage Tanks web page provides resources to
help UST owners and operators prepare for, prevent, or lessen effects and environmental
harm from natural disasters.
>	EPA's Power Resilience Guide for Water and Wastewater Utilities provides water and
wastewater utilities with information on increasing their resilience to power outages and
includes tips on fuel supply planning.
>	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Natural Disasters and Awareness provides
information on preparing for a flood, safety during a flood, and protecting health after
returning from a flood.
>	Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Hurricane Preparedness and Response
web page provides information on hurricane warnings, hazards, and precautions that
workers and employers should take after a hurricane has occurred. The response and
recovery page features a link to OSHAjs Hurricane eMatrix. which features information
on hazard exposures and risk assessments for hurricane response and recovery work.
>	Download FEMA's App.
Screenshot of FEMA's app
>	Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's (CSB) video and safety alert titled
"2020 Hurricane Season: Guidance for Chemical Plants During Extreme Weather
Events," highlights recent actions by the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) to
produce guidance meant to help hazardous chemical facilities better prepare for extreme
weather events.
>	The CSB 's Assessment of and Planning for Natural Hazards, provides information on
assessing, addressing, and emergency planning.
>	National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Emergency Planning Resources
web page provides resources to help convenience retailers develop or enhance their
disaster planning procedures.
@FEMA
+ Prepare
+ Disaster Resources
> Share Disaster Photos
En Espahol
How To Help
A Look Back at 30 Years of
Mitigation Helping
Communities Rebuild
Stronger
This yoat marks the 30-year
Share alerts via text, email and social media.
Learn emergency safety tips for over 20 types of
disasters, including earthquakes, fires, hurricanes,
tornadoes and more.
Locate open emergency shelters in your area and
find disaster recovery centers where you can talk
to FEMA in person.
Receive real-time alerts from the National Weather
Service for up to five locations nationwide.
19

-------
August 2020
>	American Petroleum Institute (API) Oil and Natural Gas Industry Preparedness
Handbook - highlights information exchange between levels of the government and
industry, and how that flow can be managed to facilitate appropriate disaster response.
>	International Code Council (ICC) Disaster Response Alliance provides a national
database of skilled volunteers willing to assist with response and recovery activities,
including post-disaster safety assessments, building damage assessments, inspections and
other code-related functions in the aftermath of a disaster.
• PEI Recommended Practices
>	RP100: Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems
>	RP200: Installation of Aboveground Storage Systems for Motor Vehicle Fueling
>	RP300: Installation and Testing of Vapor Recovery Systems at Vehicle Fueling Sites
>	RP 400: Testing Electrical Continuity of Fuel Dispensing Hanging Hardware
>	RP500: Inspection and Maintenance of Motor Fuel Dispensing Equipment
>	RP 800: Design and Installation of Bulk Storage Plants
>	RP900: Inspection and Maintenance ofUST Systems
>	RP 1000: Marina Fueling Systems
>	RP1200: Testing and Verification of Spill Overfill Leak Detection and Secondary
Containment Equipment at UST Facilities
>	RP 1300 Aviation Fueling Systems
>	RP1400: Design and Installation of Fueling Systems for Emergency Generators.
Stationary Diesel Engines and Oil Burner Systems
>	RP1700: Closure of Underground Storage Tank and Shop-Fabricated Aboveground
Storage Tank Systems
20

-------
August 2020
Photo Gallery
Flooding is a common natural disaster that affects communities across the United States. When flooding
occurs, an UST system is susceptible to damage that may lead to a release of its contents into the
environment. The following photographs illustrate the devastating effects of flooding on UST systems
Aerial vieiv of flooding in Lumber toW NC. Hurricane Matthew - 2016, Credit: North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)
Flooded gas station. Hurricane Matthew, 2016 Credit:
NCDEQ
JC's after the flood. Credit: Google, 1193 OK-6, Elk
City, Oklahoma, View on Goosle Maps
Flash flooding at JC's Corner Store, Elk City, OK. May
23, 2015. Credit: Latia Mtirray
21

-------
August 2020
Examples ofUSTs affected by buoyancy. Hurricane
Katrina, 2008. Credit: EPA
.Coastal Fuels-
Examples ofUSTs affected by buoyancy. Hurricane
Matthew, 2016. Credit: NCDEQ
IRVING
- August 2011.
Blackie's General Store - Soil erosion and scour from Ottaquechee River flooding. Tropical Storm Irene
Credit: New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
22

-------
August 2020
Saltwater corrosion of fiberglass piping. Credit: EPA
mP *
Digging to locate USTs after Hurricane Katrina. Credit: EPA
Aerial view of petroleum displaced
by floodwaters. Hurricane
Matthew - 2016. Credit: NCDEQ
Destroyed dispensers after
Hurricane Maria, 2016. Credit:
EPA
Gas station "debris field" after a
flood. Credit: EPA
A properly functioning shear valve mechanism that closed completely after a tornado leveled a
gas station and blew away the dispenser. Credit: EPA
23

-------
August 2020
Facility with displaced ASTs, product release, and fuel containment - Hurricane Matthew, 2018. Credit: NCDEQ
Flooded gas station with USTs and ASTs. Credit: EPA
420,000-gallon tank floated out of a
containment berm. Credit: NISTM
24

-------
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
5401R
Washington, DC 20460
EPA 510-B-20-001
August 2020

-------