• register your aboveground and underground storage tanks (ASTs and USTs) with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). This includes USTs containing motor fuel, new or used oils, new or used transmission fluids, new or used hydraulic fluids, etc. USTs larger than 110 gallons and ASTs larger than 550 in capacity must be registered
  
• ensure that your tanks are in compliance with leak detection requirements
  
• ensure that your tanks meet the secondary containment requirements depending on the date of installation of the tanks
  
• upgrade all tanks to meet spill overfill and corrosion protection requirements
  
• maintain records for 3 years
  
• make sure you are able to demonstrate financial responsibility; it is also prudent to obtain 3rd party liability insurance
  
• manage liquids collected in secondary containment structures appropriately

• label tanks appropriately as to their contant

• remove, close, or upgrade any regulated storage tank without first notifying the proper contact
  
• leave the secondary containment drain valve open

Leaking tank systems may cause fires or explosions that threaten human safety or contaminate nearby ground water systems. Because of these dangers, state and federal laws and regulations for UST systems were enacted.

For more information concerning the proper handling of storage tanks, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Solid and Hazardous Waste (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/shw/default.htm) or the Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management (http://floridacenter.org). This information is offered only as guidance. Specific requirements may vary with individual processes and/or businesses.