STI Testifies at TN UST Hearing on E15 Storage

 On January 20, 2011, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Underground Storage Tanks, held a public hearing on a proposed underground storage tank system regulation for storage and use of ethanol fuel blends greater than 10%, including new E15 blends.  The regulation would require such tank systems to have secondary containment.  Over 80% of the UST’s in Tennessee are single wall systems. STI testified and submitted comments that steel tanks are compatible and can safely store E15, whether as single wall or double wall tanks. Coincidently, last week, TN Gov Bill Haslam ordered a 45 day moratorium on new state regulations.  The Division will not move forward with the proposed rule until the new regulatory process is approved.