Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) must be inspected at least once per month and those inspections documented, to comply with regulatory and Postal Service™ requirements. The monthly inspection requirement applies to ASTs of any size that contain the following liquid hazardous materials:
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 (DEF), or
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 do the following:
n Conduct and document a monthly visual inspection of each AST. To document completion of the inspection and associated corrective maintenance activities, use the AST Monthly Inspection Form at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_docs/forms/monthlytankinspection.doc or forms located in eMARS or the Safety and Health Management Tool (SHMT).
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.
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 their site-specific SPCC plan.
For more information about managing ASTs (including inspection forms):
n Review the Aboveground Storage Tank Management Environmental Compliance Bulletin/Standard Work Instruction at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/ecb-ast.pdf.
n Watch the brief video titled “FY26 USPS Aboveground Storage Tank Inspections,” which is available for credit in MyHR and provides basic instructions on how to inspect ASTs.
n Consult your USPS® Environmental Specialist; see blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and
Corporate Sustainability, 2-19-26
