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Aboveground Storage Tanks

Audit Reports

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    Aboveground Storage Tanks
Sep
15
2022
Report Number:
22-078-R22
Report Type:
Audit Reports
Category: Service Performance, Human Resources

Aboveground Storage Tanks

Background

An aboveground storage tank (AST) is a storage tank placed above the surface of the ground. Any stationary tank system that is not covered with earth or other material or any tank located entirely within a structure that can be visually inspected, such as a building or basement, is generally considered an AST. U.S. Postal Service facilities use ASTs to store fluid products and waste such as motor oil, gasoline and diesel fuel, heating oil, and antifreeze to operate and maintain sites, vehicles, and equipment. Postal Service facilities with ASTs must establish a routine maintenance and inspection program to monitor the condition of the AST and avoid releases into the environment.

What We Did

Our objective was to assess the Postal Service’s effectiveness at managing ASTs by reviewing ASTs active as of January 2022.

Report Recommendations

# Recommendation Status Value Initial Management Response USPS Proposed Resolution OIG Response Final Resolution
1

Develop and implement aboveground storage tank oversight procedures, to include roles and responsibilities, to ensure monthly inspections are performed as required.

Closed $0 Agree
2

Conduct inspections within 30 days of report issuance for the 39 aboveground storage tanks and remediate issues identified by the audit team and any additional items identified in subsequent inspections.

Closed $0 Agree
3

Establish a process to ensure Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures plans are prepared as required and reiterate guidance to facility management to sign and upload plans into the Environmental Tool Kit.

Closed $0 Agree
4

Establish a process to review and track Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures plans in the Environmental Tool Kit to ensure they are signed, uploaded, and up-to-date.

Closed $0 Agree
5

Develop and implement oversight procedures to ensure facilities responsible for maintaining aboveground storage tanks complete the annual Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures training as required.

Closed $0 Agree
6

Develop and implement a training requirement for facilities that have aboveground storage tanks with capacities below 1,320 gallons. At minimum, the training should identify roles and responsibilities, inspection requirements, and provide guidance for updating the Environmental Tool Kit.

Closed $0 Agree
7

Implement a process to verify all required supporting documentation is within the Environmental Tool Kit for Environmental Compliance Review findings to confirm the facility took the appropriate corrective action.

Closed $0 Agree