What regulatory agency sets national standards for UST systems?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the regulatory agency responsible for setting national standards for underground storage tank (UST) systems. This agency has established regulations aimed at protecting human health and the environment from potential hazards posed by USTs, which are commonly used to store petroleum and hazardous substances. The EPA's regulations include requirements for design, installation, operation, maintenance, and closure of UST systems, ensuring that they are managed properly to prevent leaks and spills that could contaminate soil and groundwater.

By enforcing such standards, the EPA plays a crucial role in environmental protection and public health. The agency provides guidance and oversight to state and local governments, which often adopt and implement EPA standards to create more specific regulations tailored to their local contexts. Through this comprehensive regulatory framework, the EPA helps to prevent environmental damage caused by improperly managed UST systems.