Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) must be inspected at least once a month to comply with regulatory requirements, as well as Postal Service™ policy (see Administrative Support Manual, Chapter 69, “Environmental Management and Compliance”).
The monthly inspection requirement applies to ASTs of any size that contain hazardous materials, such as:
n New and used oil.
n Gasoline, including diesel fuel.
n New and used antifreeze.
n Windshield washer fluid.
n Diesel exhaust fluid.
n Heating oil.
These inspections help prevent the release of oil or other hazardous materials into the environment. Under this policy, the site installation head, or their designee, must:
n Conduct and document a visual inspection of each AST on a monthly basis.
n Ensure each AST has a label that identifies the contents and volume.
n Address any issues identified during the inspection.
n Promptly address spills and respond with appropriate actions.
For specific information about managing ASTs (including inspection forms), use the following resources:
n Environmental Compliance Bulletin: Aboveground Storage Tank Management at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/ecb-ast.pdf.
n Environmental Compliance Bulletin: Heating Oil Tank Management at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/ecb-tank-heatingoil.pdf.
n A brief video available for credit in HERO that provides basic instruction on how to inspect ASTs at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/videos/aboveground-storage-tank-inspections.htm.
Some sites that store larger volumes of oil may have a dedicated Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. Sites with SPCC Plans must use the inspection form in the site-specific SPCC Plan.
For general information about environmental compliance, review the Environmental Affairs website at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental.htm or consult your designated environmental contact at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/contact.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Environmental Affairs, 7-28-22
