WHO YA’ GONNA CALL?

Well, not the Ghostbusters—at least not when it comes to reporting a fuel release.

If you're dealing with petroleum storage tanks regulated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Petroleum Storage Tank Division (OCC PSTD), here’s what the rules say. According to OAC 165:25-2-39(i):

“Owners and operators must contain and immediately clean up any spill or overfill of regulated substances less than twenty-five (25) gallons within twenty-four (24) hours of incident occurrence. If the spill or overfill cannot be cleaned up within twenty-four (24) hours, is more than twenty-five (25) gallons, or causes a sheen on nearby surface water, then owners and operators must report to the PSTD within twenty-four (24) hours and begin corrective action in accordance with Part 5 (Corrective Action Requirements) in Chapter 29 of Commission rules.”

So what qualifies as an OCC PSTD-regulated tank?

• Tanks used in retail marketing with a capacity greater than 110 gallons

• Tanks used for fleet purposes with a capacity greater than 1,100 gallons

Most folks know that tank owners must report a fuel release—but did you know that responsibility also extends to operators, employees, agents, and transporters? If any of them discover substances, conditions, or monitoring results that suggest a release may have occurred, they must report it to PSTD within 24 hours.

Reporting options include:

• Online (link provided above)

• By phone: (405) 521-4683 or 1-888-621-5878

• After hours, weekends, or holidays: PSTD emergency line at (405) 823-0994

For non-OCC PSTD regulated tanks, contact the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality’s 24-Hour Complaints and Spills Reporting Hotline at 1-800-522-0206.

And for surface spills? It’s always wise to notify your local fire department.