Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) must be inspected at least once a month to comply with regulatory requirements and 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 liquid hazardous materials such as:
n New and used oil.
n Gasoline, including diesel fuel.
n New and used antifreeze.
n Windshield washer fluid (if flammable).
n Wash soap (if corrosive).
n Diesel exhaust fluid.
n Heating oil.
These inspections help prevent the release of oil or other hazardous materials into the environment. The site installation head, their designee, or maintenance capable sites must:
n Conduct and document a monthly visual inspection of each AST. Use the AST Inspection Form at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_docs/forms/monthlytankinspection.doc, eMARS, or the Safety and Health Management Tool (SHMT) to document completion of the inspection and associated corrective maintenance activities.
n Ensure each AST has a label that identifies contents and volume.
n Address any issues identified during the inspection.
n Promptly address spills and respond with appropriate actions.
Sites that store oil volumes greater than 1,320 gallons have a dedicated Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan. Sites with SPCC plans must use the inspection log in the site-specific SPCC plan.
For specific information about managing ASTs (including inspection forms), use the following resources:
n Environmental Compliance Bulletin: Aboveground Storage Tank Management (blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/ecb-ast.pdf).
n Maintenance Management Order: Aboveground Storage Tanks (blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/mmo-002-23.pdf).
n A brief video available for credit in HERO provides basic instruction on how to inspect ASTs titled “Aboveground Storage Tank Inspections.”
For more information about environmental compliance, review the Environmental Affairs website at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental.htm or consult your designated USPS Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 3-21-24
