Over 500,000

Releases From Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) Cleaned Up

Thank you to our state, territorial, tribal, and industry partners. Reaching this milestone was possible
because of your dedication and commitment, and we look forward to continuing to work together.

Over 500,000 cleanups completed means almost
90% of UST releases have been cleaned up.

90% c

Wm





500,000

UST ClMiwyps

*As of September 30, 2021

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1988

* 2021

62,000 cleanups remain in the backlog, and despite prevention
efforts, about 5,000 new releases are reported each year.

Since 1988, EPA and our partners have worked to clean up
over 500,000 releases from USTs across the country.

Environmental Justice Implications

Even though UST releases exist in thousands of U.S. communities, many
of those releases are in economically distressed communities and burdens
are disproportionately distributed to these communities.

Minority

Below
Poverty
Line

Linguistically
Isolated

Less Than
High School
Education

15.6%



U.S. Population

Population Within
1/4 Mile of All
Releases

Protecting Public Health
and the Environment

EPA and our partners are committed to preventing and
cleaning up UST releases equitably in U.S. communities.

Cleaning up these releases
helps keep communities safe
from harmful contaminants in
their soil and drinking water.



December 20211 www.epa.gov/ust

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