Introduction
An owner/operator of a regulated petroleum storage tank facility is responsible for assessing and remediating a petroleum release upon discovery. Typically, a Recognized Environmental Professional is contracted to assist an owner/operator to respond to petroleum releases. OPS utilizes a formal method of risk evaluation based on the American Society of Testing and Materials Standard E 1739-95. This approach to risk evaluation allows for multiple closure criteria, or tiers, to be applied to a petroleum release.
OPS has the following remediation goals:
- Reduce the environmental and public impact of petroleum releases.
- Ensure releases are reported by owners/operators of regulated tank systems.
- Ensure timely and appropriate cleanup of leaking petroleum storage tank systems.
- Provide technical guidance on release response regulations, tools, and new research.
The release response section of the guidance addresses the topics of release discovery, initial abatement, characterization, corrective actions and closure criteria. OPS will issue a No Further Action letter once it has been demonstrated that the petroleum release is considered to be a low risk to human health and the environment. Petroleum release information will be archived in the OPS database and will indicate the appropriate closure criteria. A petroleum release investigation may be reopened if exposure conditions change.
You can contact the Remediation Section with questions by calling (303) 318-8547 or emailing us at cdle_remediation@state.co.us.
Additional Resources
Standard Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) Applied at Petroleum Release Sites