The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has filed the final version of the interpretive rule outlining how it will implement the new Aboveground Storage Tank Program using three risk-based categories for tanks. The rule was filed with the Secretary of State’s Office this week following a 30-day public comment period that concluded with an Oct. 9 public hearing. The DEP took the submitted comments into account before finalizing the rule and made several changes based on the feedback received. This rule, which is intended to provide guidance to tank owners to help them comply with the Dec. 3 spill prevention response plan submittal deadline and the Jan. 1 tank certification deadline, will become effective on Nov. 20. It will expire in June or upon its replacement with a more comprehensive legislative rule. To read the interpretive rule, the comments received on that rule and the agency’s responses to those comments, go to the DEP’s Aboveground Storage Tank web page, which can be accessed from the agency’s home page at www.dep.wv.gov. The Aboveground Storage Tank page is also where to go to read the rough draft of the emergency rule for the program, to register tanks, read answers to frequently asked questions, and find contact information for DEP employees who can help with the registration process and answer questions about the program in general. For more DEP news and information, go to the agency’s website. Also, be sure to connect with the DEP on all social media platforms. Follow @DEPWV on Twitter and find us on YouTube by searching “Environment Matters.” For specific information about the Adopt-A-Highway, West Virginia Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), West Virginia NonPoint Source and Youth Environmental programs, connect on Facebook.
