The General Assembly finds and declares that the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous liquids in underground
storage tanks is emerging as a major cause of groundwater contamination in the State; that the State's groundwater resources
are vital to the population and economy of the State; that millions of gallons of gasoline and other hazardous substances
are stored in underground storage tanks; that leaks of stored substances are occurring in a significant number of these tanks
due to corrosion, structural defect and improper installation; that leaks are often difficult to detect early because of insufficient
product inventory or other control systems; and that it is necessary to provide for more stringent control of the installation,
operation, retrofitting and abandonment of underground storage tanks to prevent leaks, and where leaks should occur, detect
them at the earliest possible stage and thus minimize further degradation of groundwater.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7402. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section,
except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) "Abandoned storage system" means a storage system which:
a. Is not intended to be returned to service;
b. Has been out of service for over 3 years; or
c. Has been rendered permanently unfit for use.
(2) "Ancillary equipment" means any device including, but not limited to, such devices as piping, fittings, flanges, valves
and pumps, that are used to distribute, meter or control the flow of petroleum or hazardous substances from an underground
storage tank.
(3) "Department" means the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
(4) "Existing tank" means a tank for which installation began prior to July 12, 1985.
(5) "Facility" means any location or part thereof containing 1 or more underground storage tanks.
(6) "Fund" means the Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund.
(7) "Heating fuels" means a type of fuel oil that is 1 of 8 technical grades. These grades are: No. 1, No. 2, No. 4-light,
No. 4-heavy, No. 5-light, No. 5-heavy, No. 6 residual and substitutes such as kerosene or diesel when used for heating purposes.
(8) "New tank" or "facility" means a tank or facility for which the installation began on or after July 12, 1985.
(9) "Operator" means any person in control of, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of the underground storage
tank system.
(10) "Out of service" means a storage system which:
a. Is not in use; that is, which does not have regulated substances added to or withdrawn from the storage system; and
b. Is intended to be placed in service.
(11) "Owner" means:
a. In the case of an underground storage tank in use on November 8, 1984, or brought into use after that date, any person
who owns an underground storage tank used for the storage, use or dispensing of regulated substances; and
b. In the case of any underground storage tank in use before November 8, 1984, but no longer in service on November 8, 1984,
any person who owned such tank immediately before the discontinuation of its use.
(12) "Person" means any individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, federal agency, corporation (including a government
corporation), partnership, association, state, municipality, commission, political subdivision of a state or any interstate
body. "Person" also includes a consortium, a joint venture, a commercial entity and the United States government.
(13) "Regulated substance" means:
a. Any substance defined in § 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
(42 U.S.C. § 9601(14)); but not including any substances regulated as a hazardous waste under subtitle C of the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act of 1976 as amended [42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.];
b. Petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, which is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure
(60 Fahrenheit and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute).
(14) "Release" means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing into groundwater, surface
water or soils.
(15) "Removal" means the process of removing and disposing of an underground storage tank system, through the use of prescribed
techniques for the purging of residues and vapors and removal of the vessel from the ground.
(16) "Responsible party" means any person who:
a. Owns or has a legal or equitable interest in a facility or an underground storage tank;
b. Operates or otherwise controls activities at a facility;
c. At the time of storage of regulated substances in an underground storage tank, operated or otherwise controlled activities
at the facility or underground storage tank, or owned or held a legal or equitable interest therein;
d. Arranged for or agreed to the placement of an underground storage tank system by contract, agreement or otherwise;
e. Caused or contributed to a release from an underground storage tank system; or
f. Caused a release as a result of transfer of a regulated substance to or from an underground storage tank system.
(17) "Retrofit" means modification or correction of an underground storage tank system to meet standards contained in regulations
promulgated under this chapter through such means as replacement of valves, fill pipes, vents and liquid level monitoring
systems, and the installation of overfill protection, transfer spill protection, leak detection and cathodic protection devices;
but the term does not include the process of relining an underground tank through application of such materials as epoxy resins,
nor does the term include the process of conducting a tightness test to establish the integrity of the tank.
(18) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control or a duly authorized
designee.
(19) "State" means the State of Delaware.
(20) "Underground storage tank" means a containment vessel, including underground pipes connected thereto, which is used to
contain an accumulation of regulated substances, and the volume of which, including the volume of the underground pipes connected
thereto, is 10 per centum or more beneath the surface of the ground. Such term does not include any:
a. Septic tank;
b. Pipeline facility (including gathering lines) regulated under:
1. The Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. § 1671 et seq.);
2. The Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 U.S.C. § 2001 et seq.); or
3. Any intrastate agreement comparable to those acts set forth in subparagraphs 1. and 2. of this paragraph;
c. Surface impoundment, pit, pound, lagoon;
d. Storm water wastewater collection system;
e. Flow-through process tank;
f. Liquid trap or associated gathering lines directly related to oil or gas production and gathering operations; or
g. Storage tank situated in an underground area (such as basement, cellar, mineworking drift, shaft or tunnel) if the storage
tank is situated upon or above the surface of the floor.
(21) "Underground storage tank system" means an underground storage tank and its associated ancillary equipment and containment
system, if any.
(22) "Used-oil" means a petroleum-based synthetic oil used as an engine lubricant, engine oil, motor oil or lubricating oil
for use in an internal combustion engine, or a lubricant for motor vehicle transmissions, gears or axles which through use,
storage or handling has become unsuitable for its original purpose due to the presence of impurities or loss of original properties.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 1; 68 Del. Laws, c. 363, §§ 1-4; 69 Del. Laws, c. 330, §§ 1, 2.;
§ 7403. Referenced standards.
The Department shall use the recommendations and standard procedures of the following organizations in developing the regulations
required by this chapter:
(1) National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.);
(2) American Petroleum Institute (A.P.I.);
(3) National Association of Corrosion Engineers (N.A.C.E.);
(4) Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.); and
(5) American Society for Testing and Materials (A.S.T.M.).
Underground storage tanks installed after the enactment of this chapter shall be in accordance with the appropriate standards
cited herein and the regulations promulgated by the Department.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7404. Exemptions.
The following classes of tanks are exempt from this chapter with the exception of the application of §§ 7406 and 7409 of this
title:
(1) Agricultural and residential tanks of 1,100 gallons or less used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes; and
(2) Tanks containing heating fuels of 1,100 gallons or less which are used for consumptive purposes on the premises where
stored.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 2; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 2.;
§ 7405. Registration by owner.
(a) Underground storage tank owners shall register the following on forms provided by the Department:
(1) Within 60 days after July 12, 1985, all new underground storage facilities used for storing regulated substances, at least
10 days prior to installation. Notice shall specify the date of installation, location, type of construction, size of tanks
to be installed and the type of substance to be stored.
(2) All existing underground storage facilities, used for storing regulated substances, within 180 days of July 12, 1985;
provided, however, that existing heating fuel tanks of greater than 1,100 gallon capacity shall be registered within 180 days
of July 20, 1988. Notice shall specify, to the extent known, the location, size, type of construction and age of tanks, and
the type of substance stored.
(3) All abandoned or nonoperational underground storage tanks taken out of service after January 1, 1974. All underground
storage tanks covered by this paragraph must be registered within 9 months of July 12, 1985 (unless the owner knows the tank
was subsequently removed from the ground); provided, however, that abandoned or nonoperational heating fuel tanks of greater
than 1,100 gallons capacity shall be registered within 180 days of July 20, 1988. Notice shall specify, to the extent known,
the date taken out of operation, the location, size, type of construction and age of tank, and type of substance stored, and
quantity of regulated substances left stored in such tank on the date taken out of operation.
(b) Within 30 days of July 12, 1985, the Department shall prescribe the form of the notice and the information to be included
in the notification under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) of this section.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, §§ 3, 4.;
§ 7406. Release of substances prohibited; correction of substance release; Department intervention.
(a) No person shall knowingly allow a release from an underground storage tank to continue without taking immediate steps
to report the release to the Department.
(b) Responsible parties shall take measures for the prompt control, containment, removal of the released substance to the
satisfaction of the Department.
(c) The Department may assume control of any release situation when it is determined that responsible parties are not responding
promptly. However, all liability will remain with the responsible party.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7407. Release detection, prevention and correction regulations.
(a) The Department, after notice and opportunity for public comment, and within 12 months after July 12, 1985, shall promulgate
release detection, prevention and correction regulations applicable to underground storage tanks, as may be necessary to protect
human health and the environment.
(b) In promulgating regulations under this section, the Department shall take into consideration factors which affect tank
integrity, including, but not limited to, tank location, type and age, soil conditions, hydrogeology, compatibility of the
stored substances and the materials of which the tank is constructed, current industry recommended practices, national consensus
codes and the impact of the regulations on the regulated community. The Department shall distinguish in such standards between
requirements appropriate for new tanks, for tanks in existence on the date of promulgation of the standards and for abandoned
tanks. The Department shall require permits for certain classes of tanks or for tanks located in certain environmentally sensitive
areas where such a permit system would lead to better management of groundwater resources.
(c) The Department's regulations shall, at a minimum, include the following provisions:
(1) A requirement that a product inventory or other such control system, adequate to identify releases from underground storage
tanks, be maintained;
(2) Procedures to follow when inventory or other such control system records indicate an abnormal loss or gain which is not
explainable by spillage, temperature verifications, or other known causes;
(3) A requirement that appropriate corrective action be taken in response to a release from an underground storage tank as
may be necessary to protect human health and the environment;
(4) A requirement to maintain records documenting actions taken in accordance with paragraphs (1)-(3) of this subsection;
(5) A requirement for an enforcement program; and
(6) A requirement for standards that will ensure against any future release from an underground storage tank being closed
or otherwise taken out of operation.
(d) All underground storage tank system fill lines shall be clearly marked to indicate the size of the tank and the type of
regulated substances stored, within 180 days of July 20, 1987; as provided in regulations established under this chapter.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 5.;
§ 7408. Inspection and monitoring.
(a) For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of any regulation or enforcing this chapter, any owner
or operator of any underground storage tank used for storing regulated substances shall, upon the request of any duly designated
officer or employee of the State, furnish information relating to such tanks or contents and permit such person at all reasonable
times and in accordance with § 6024 of this title, to have access to, and to copy all records relating to such tanks and to
conduct such monitoring as such officer deems necessary. For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of
any regulation or enforcing this chapter, such officer, employee or representative is authorized:
(1) To enter at reasonable times an establishment or other place where an underground storage tank is located;
(2) To inspect and obtain samples from any person of such regulated substances and to conduct monitoring of the tanks, contents
or surrounding soils. Each such inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness.
(b) In submitting data under this chapter, a person required to provide such data may:
(1) Designate the data which such owner or operator believes is entitled to protection under this section; and
(2) Submit such designated data separately from other data submitted under this chapter.
(c) Any such records, reports or information obtained shall be entitled to protection under § 1905 of Title 18 of the United
States Code.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7409. Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund.
(a) The Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund is hereby established as a nonlapsing revolving fund to
be used by the Department for the investigation and remediation of petroleum underground storage tank release. All expenses,
costs and judgments recovered pursuant to this section, and all moneys received as reimbursement in accordance with applicable
provisions of federal law, shall be and hereby are appropriated to the Fund. Interest earned on the Fund shall be credited
to the Fund. No moneys shall be credited to the balance in the Fund until they have been received by the Fund. The Fund
shall be established in the accounts of the State Treasurer and any funds remaining in such Fund at the end of the fiscal
year shall not revert to the General Fund but shall remain in the Fund.
The Fund shall be administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control consistent with the provisions
of Subtitle I of the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act (P.L. 98-616, § 9001 et seq.) [42 U.S.C. § 6991 et seq.]. The Fund
shall be maintained in a separate account. An accounting of moneys received and disbursed shall be kept, and furnished upon
request to the Governor or the General Assembly.
(b) Disbursements from the Fund may be made only in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department and for the
following purposes:
(1) Costs incurred in investigation and assessment of a site otherwise eligible hereunder.
(2) Costs associated with restoration or replacement of potable water supplies.
(3) Costs incurred in taking corrective action for any release of petroleum into the environment from an underground storage
tank which are in excess of the minimum financial responsibility requirement imposed up to $1,000,000 per occurrence per facility.
(4) Costs incurred in compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by release of petroleum into
the environment from an underground storage tank, up to $1,000,000 per occurrence per facility.
(5) Costs incurred in taking immediate corrective action to contain or mitigate the effects of any release of petroleum into
the environment from an underground storage tank if such action is necessary, in the judgment of the Department, to protect
human health and the environment.
(6) Costs associated with maintenance and monitoring of contamination sites.
(7) Costs incurred in inspection and supervision of cleanup activities.
(8) The "cost share" of corrective action with respect to any release of petroleum into the environment from underground storage
tanks undertaken under a cooperative agreement with the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency,
as determined by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, § 9003(h)(7)(B) of P.L. 98-616 (as
amended in 1986 by P.L. 99-662) [42 U.S.C. § 6991b(h)(7)(B)].
(c) Disbursements from the Fund may not be made for any purpose not identified in subsection (b) of this section including,
but not limited to:
(1) Costs incurred in the Department's administration of the underground storage tank program.
(2) Costs incurred by the State to recover from any party costs charged to the Fund.
Such expenses will be funded by the tank registration fee established pursuant to § 7418 of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 3.;
§ 7410. Financial responsibility.
(a) The Department shall adopt regulations for maintaining evidence of financial responsibility for taking corrective action
by all owners and operators, in an amount of not less than $100,000 per occurrence, and for compensating third parties for
bodily injury and property damages by all owners and operators in an amount of not less than $300,000 per occurrence in cases
of releases arising from operating an underground storage tank. Financial responsibility may be established in accordance
with regulations promulgated by the Department by any one or any combination of the following: Insurance, guarantee, surety
bond, letter of credit or qualification as a self-insurer in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Insurance Commissioner.
(b) Any claim arising out of conduct for which evidence of financial responsibility must be provided under this section may
be asserted directly against the person guaranteeing or providing evidence of financial responsibility. In such a case, the
person against whom the claim is made shall be entitled to invoke all rights and defenses which would have been available
to the owner or operator had such action been brought directly against the owner or operator.
(c) This section shall not limit any other state or federal statutory, contractual or common-law liability of the guarantor
for bad faith in negotiating or in failing to negotiate the settlement of any claim. This section does not diminish the liability
of any person under § 107 or § 111 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 [42
U.S.C. § 9607 or § 9611], or other applicable law.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 5.;
§ 7411. Enforcement.
(a) Whenever, on the basis of any information, the Secretary determines that any person is in violation of any requirement
of this chapter, or any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder, the Secretary shall give notice to the violator of said
violator's failure to comply with such requirement. If such violation extends beyond the 30th day after the Secretary's notification,
the Department may issue an order requiring compliance within a specified time period.
(b) If such violator fails to take corrective action within the time specified in the order, he or she shall be liable for
a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day of continued noncompliance and the Secretary may suspend or revoke any
permit issued to the violator.
(c) Any order or any suspension or revocation of a permit shall become final unless, not later than 30 days after the order
or notice of the suspension or revocation is served, the person or persons named therein request a public hearing. Upon such
request, the Secretary shall conduct a public hearing in accordance with § 6006 of this title. In connection with any proceeding
under this subsection, the Secretary may issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production
of relevant papers, books and documents and may promulgate rules for discovery procedures.
(d) Any order issued under this section shall state with reasonable specificity the nature of the violation and specify a
time for compliance and assess a penalty, if any, which the Secretary determines is reasonable, taking into account the seriousness
of the violation and any good faith efforts to comply with the applicable requirements.
(e) In lieu of the compliance order procedure in subsection (a) of this section, any person who violates a provision of this
chapter, any rule or regulation, or any order of the Secretary shall be liable for a civil penalty of not less than $1,000,
nor more than $25,000 for each day of violation. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction over offenses under this chapter.
(f) If the violation consists solely of a failure to register an underground storage tank or submit other notifications as
required, the Secretary may elect to bring a civil action in the Justice of the Peace Court for a penalty not to exceed $1,000.
Each day of violation shall be considered as a separate violation.
(g) Any expenses or civil penalties collected by the Department under this action shall be credited to the administration
fund established under § 7418(d) of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, §§ 6, 7; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;
§ 7412. Appeals.
(a) Any person whose interest is substantially affected by any action of the Secretary may appeal to the Environmental Appeals
Board in accordance with § 6008 of this title.
(b) Any person or party to an appeal before the Board who is substantially affected by a decision of the Board may appeal
to the Superior Court in accordance with § 6009 of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7413. Variances.
Variances and temporary emergency variances may be granted by the Secretary from any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter
in accordance with §§ 6011 and 6012 of this title except that no variance or temporary emergency variance shall be granted
which would be inconsistent with the no less stringent requirements of § 9004 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
of 1976, Pub. L. 94-580 as amended by Pub. L. 98-616 [42 U.S.C. § 6991c] (or regulations promulgated thereunder).
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 330, § 3.;
§ 7414. Leaking Underground Storage Tank Committee.
There is hereby established a Leaking Underground Storage Tank Committee which shall be composed of, but not limited to, the
Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget,
the Director of the Delaware Geological Survey, the State Fire Marshal, a member of the Delaware Petroleum Council, a member
of the Pennsylvania/Delaware Service Station Dealers Association, an installer of underground storage tanks, a representative
of the insurance industry, the Insurance Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, a representative of the agricultural
community, a representative of the chemical industry, a representative from an environmental interest group, 2 state Senators
who shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and 2 state Representatives who shall be appointed by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Governor shall designate the Chairperson. The whole Committee shall guide development
of the regulations and other requirements of this chapter.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 75 Del. Laws, c. 88, § 16(1).;
§ 7415. Implementation and reporting requirements.
The Department, in conjunction with the Delaware Geological Survey, shall conduct a study to demonstrate the feasibility of
a comprehensive inventory of underground storage tanks to include new, existing and abandoned tanks. It shall be conducted
within an area of the State to be designated by the Department and the Committee. The Delaware Geological Survey shall investigate
the feasibility of utilizing aerial photographs and other new or advanced techniques for locating abandoned tanks. The Department
shall report to the General Assembly within 6 months of the date of adoption of implementation and reporting requirements.
The report shall include a critique of the management experience gained which will serve as a basis for identifying staff
and automated data processing needs for a comprehensive inventory.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7416. Groundwater risk assessment.
(a) Because groundwater protection and management is an underlying issue related to leaking underground storage tanks, information
on the risks to groundwater resources will be needed to facilitate implementation of the regulations.
(b) The Delaware Geological Survey shall, under the auspices and direction of the Committee, and in cooperation with the Department,
examine the need for prioritizing possible leak risks. The Survey may assist the Committee by identifying areas where existing
or abandoned leaking underground storage tanks would pose the most significant risk.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7417. Rehabilitation; participation in reimbursement plan.
The General Assembly finds and declares that in order to provide for rehabilitation of as many contaminated sites as possible,
as soon as possible, voluntary rehabilitation of contaminated sites should be encouraged; provided that such rehabilitation
is conducted in a manner and to a level of completion which will protect the public health, safety and welfare. To accomplish
this purpose, any person conducting site rehabilitation under this chapter, either through his or her own personnel or by
contract, shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Fund in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department for
the costs defined in § 7409 of this title provided such person notifies the Department of such contamination within 18 months
after July 16, 1987, and begins all remediation work within 1 year after notification. Persons already engaged in site rehabilitation
as of July 16, 1987, shall be entitled to reimbursements of all expenses incurred on or after July 16, 1987, provided the
person is otherwise eligible for participation in accordance with this section, and reimbursement expenses are limited to
those defined in § 7409 of this title. Participation in the reimbursement plan is subject to the following conditions:
(1) The first $2,500 in costs as described in § 7409(b)(1)-(7) of this title are not to be reimbursed by the Fund.
(2) The facility owner shall not be the federal government or any agency or subdivision thereof.
(3) Contamination results from normal aging and/or corrosion and is not the result of intentional damage, or improper handling
or installation.
(4) Contamination results from a release from an underground tank containing petroleum.
(5) Reimbursement for site rehabilitation either through a person's own personnel or through responsible response action contractors
or subcontractors shall not be considered a state contract or subject to state bid requirements.
(6) Site rehabilitation shall be completed in accordance with criteria established by the Department.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorized any payments for the repair or replacement of any tank or equipment.
(8) Procedural rules of this section shall have been met.
(9) The release did not result from any gross negligence, including, but not limited to, the following:
a. Willful intent to conceal existence of a serious discharge;
b. Falsified inventory or reconciliation records;
c. Intentional damage to a petroleum storage system;
d. Willful failure to perform the inventory and reconciliation of records required pursuant to regulations promulgated under
this chapter;
e. Failure to meet retrofitting requirements contained in the regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter;
f. Willful failure to make monthly monitoring system checks required pursuant to regulations promulgated under this chapter;
g. Violation of the Department's regulations.
66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 4; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;
§ 7418. Tank registration fee.
(a) All owners/operators of underground storage tanks shall pay to the Department an annual per tank registration fee of $50
on or before February 1 of each calendar year. Registration fees not received by the Department by February 1 shall be subject
to a late charge of $30. Payment shall be made in accordance with regulations established by the Department.
(b) Underground storage tanks owned or operated by the State, or counties or municipalities or agencies or subdivisions thereof,
shall be exempt from payment of the registration fee defined in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Underground storage tanks owned or operated by the volunteer fire companies and ambulance companies within this State
shall be exempt from payment of the registration fee defined in subsection (a) of this section.
(d) The tank registration fee established in subsection (a) of this section shall be used solely for the purpose of administering
the Department's programs implementing this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(e) The tank registration fee shall be credited to a dedicated administration fund established in the accounts of the Treasurer.
Any money remaining in such fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund, but shall remain in the
dedicated administration fund. The fund shall be maintained in a separate account and shall be administered by the Department.
An accounting of moneys received and disbursed shall be kept, and furnished upon request to the Governor or the General Assembly.
66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 6; 66 Del. Laws, c. 310, § 1.;
§ 7419. Recovery of expenditures.
The Department shall seek recovery of moneys expended from the fund for corrective action under this chapter where the owner
or operator has violated substantive regulations pertaining to underground storage tanks which have been promulgated by the
Department or has engaged in grossly negligent conduct.
The General Assembly finds and declares that the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous liquids in underground
storage tanks is emerging as a major cause of groundwater contamination in the State; that the State's groundwater resources
are vital to the population and economy of the State; that millions of gallons of gasoline and other hazardous substances
are stored in underground storage tanks; that leaks of stored substances are occurring in a significant number of these tanks
due to corrosion, structural defect and improper installation; that leaks are often difficult to detect early because of insufficient
product inventory or other control systems; and that it is necessary to provide for more stringent control of the installation,
operation, retrofitting and abandonment of underground storage tanks to prevent leaks, and where leaks should occur, detect
them at the earliest possible stage and thus minimize further degradation of groundwater.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7402. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section,
except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) "Abandoned storage system" means a storage system which:
a. Is not intended to be returned to service;
b. Has been out of service for over 3 years; or
c. Has been rendered permanently unfit for use.
(2) "Ancillary equipment" means any device including, but not limited to, such devices as piping, fittings, flanges, valves
and pumps, that are used to distribute, meter or control the flow of petroleum or hazardous substances from an underground
storage tank.
(3) "Department" means the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
(4) "Existing tank" means a tank for which installation began prior to July 12, 1985.
(5) "Facility" means any location or part thereof containing 1 or more underground storage tanks.
(6) "Fund" means the Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund.
(7) "Heating fuels" means a type of fuel oil that is 1 of 8 technical grades. These grades are: No. 1, No. 2, No. 4-light,
No. 4-heavy, No. 5-light, No. 5-heavy, No. 6 residual and substitutes such as kerosene or diesel when used for heating purposes.
(8) "New tank" or "facility" means a tank or facility for which the installation began on or after July 12, 1985.
(9) "Operator" means any person in control of, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of the underground storage
tank system.
(10) "Out of service" means a storage system which:
a. Is not in use; that is, which does not have regulated substances added to or withdrawn from the storage system; and
b. Is intended to be placed in service.
(11) "Owner" means:
a. In the case of an underground storage tank in use on November 8, 1984, or brought into use after that date, any person
who owns an underground storage tank used for the storage, use or dispensing of regulated substances; and
b. In the case of any underground storage tank in use before November 8, 1984, but no longer in service on November 8, 1984,
any person who owned such tank immediately before the discontinuation of its use.
(12) "Person" means any individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, federal agency, corporation (including a government
corporation), partnership, association, state, municipality, commission, political subdivision of a state or any interstate
body. "Person" also includes a consortium, a joint venture, a commercial entity and the United States government.
(13) "Regulated substance" means:
a. Any substance defined in § 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
(42 U.S.C. § 9601(14)); but not including any substances regulated as a hazardous waste under subtitle C of the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act of 1976 as amended [42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.];
b. Petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, which is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure
(60 Fahrenheit and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute).
(14) "Release" means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing into groundwater, surface
water or soils.
(15) "Removal" means the process of removing and disposing of an underground storage tank system, through the use of prescribed
techniques for the purging of residues and vapors and removal of the vessel from the ground.
(16) "Responsible party" means any person who:
a. Owns or has a legal or equitable interest in a facility or an underground storage tank;
b. Operates or otherwise controls activities at a facility;
c. At the time of storage of regulated substances in an underground storage tank, operated or otherwise controlled activities
at the facility or underground storage tank, or owned or held a legal or equitable interest therein;
d. Arranged for or agreed to the placement of an underground storage tank system by contract, agreement or otherwise;
e. Caused or contributed to a release from an underground storage tank system; or
f. Caused a release as a result of transfer of a regulated substance to or from an underground storage tank system.
(17) "Retrofit" means modification or correction of an underground storage tank system to meet standards contained in regulations
promulgated under this chapter through such means as replacement of valves, fill pipes, vents and liquid level monitoring
systems, and the installation of overfill protection, transfer spill protection, leak detection and cathodic protection devices;
but the term does not include the process of relining an underground tank through application of such materials as epoxy resins,
nor does the term include the process of conducting a tightness test to establish the integrity of the tank.
(18) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control or a duly authorized
designee.
(19) "State" means the State of Delaware.
(20) "Underground storage tank" means a containment vessel, including underground pipes connected thereto, which is used to
contain an accumulation of regulated substances, and the volume of which, including the volume of the underground pipes connected
thereto, is 10 per centum or more beneath the surface of the ground. Such term does not include any:
a. Septic tank;
b. Pipeline facility (including gathering lines) regulated under:
1. The Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. § 1671 et seq.);
2. The Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 U.S.C. § 2001 et seq.); or
3. Any intrastate agreement comparable to those acts set forth in subparagraphs 1. and 2. of this paragraph;
c. Surface impoundment, pit, pound, lagoon;
d. Storm water wastewater collection system;
e. Flow-through process tank;
f. Liquid trap or associated gathering lines directly related to oil or gas production and gathering operations; or
g. Storage tank situated in an underground area (such as basement, cellar, mineworking drift, shaft or tunnel) if the storage
tank is situated upon or above the surface of the floor.
(21) "Underground storage tank system" means an underground storage tank and its associated ancillary equipment and containment
system, if any.
(22) "Used-oil" means a petroleum-based synthetic oil used as an engine lubricant, engine oil, motor oil or lubricating oil
for use in an internal combustion engine, or a lubricant for motor vehicle transmissions, gears or axles which through use,
storage or handling has become unsuitable for its original purpose due to the presence of impurities or loss of original properties.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 1; 68 Del. Laws, c. 363, §§ 1-4; 69 Del. Laws, c. 330, §§ 1, 2.;
§ 7403. Referenced standards.
The Department shall use the recommendations and standard procedures of the following organizations in developing the regulations
required by this chapter:
(1) National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.);
(2) American Petroleum Institute (A.P.I.);
(3) National Association of Corrosion Engineers (N.A.C.E.);
(4) Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.); and
(5) American Society for Testing and Materials (A.S.T.M.).
Underground storage tanks installed after the enactment of this chapter shall be in accordance with the appropriate standards
cited herein and the regulations promulgated by the Department.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7404. Exemptions.
The following classes of tanks are exempt from this chapter with the exception of the application of §§ 7406 and 7409 of this
title:
(1) Agricultural and residential tanks of 1,100 gallons or less used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes; and
(2) Tanks containing heating fuels of 1,100 gallons or less which are used for consumptive purposes on the premises where
stored.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 2; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 2.;
§ 7405. Registration by owner.
(a) Underground storage tank owners shall register the following on forms provided by the Department:
(1) Within 60 days after July 12, 1985, all new underground storage facilities used for storing regulated substances, at least
10 days prior to installation. Notice shall specify the date of installation, location, type of construction, size of tanks
to be installed and the type of substance to be stored.
(2) All existing underground storage facilities, used for storing regulated substances, within 180 days of July 12, 1985;
provided, however, that existing heating fuel tanks of greater than 1,100 gallon capacity shall be registered within 180 days
of July 20, 1988. Notice shall specify, to the extent known, the location, size, type of construction and age of tanks, and
the type of substance stored.
(3) All abandoned or nonoperational underground storage tanks taken out of service after January 1, 1974. All underground
storage tanks covered by this paragraph must be registered within 9 months of July 12, 1985 (unless the owner knows the tank
was subsequently removed from the ground); provided, however, that abandoned or nonoperational heating fuel tanks of greater
than 1,100 gallons capacity shall be registered within 180 days of July 20, 1988. Notice shall specify, to the extent known,
the date taken out of operation, the location, size, type of construction and age of tank, and type of substance stored, and
quantity of regulated substances left stored in such tank on the date taken out of operation.
(b) Within 30 days of July 12, 1985, the Department shall prescribe the form of the notice and the information to be included
in the notification under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) of this section.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, §§ 3, 4.;
§ 7406. Release of substances prohibited; correction of substance release; Department intervention.
(a) No person shall knowingly allow a release from an underground storage tank to continue without taking immediate steps
to report the release to the Department.
(b) Responsible parties shall take measures for the prompt control, containment, removal of the released substance to the
satisfaction of the Department.
(c) The Department may assume control of any release situation when it is determined that responsible parties are not responding
promptly. However, all liability will remain with the responsible party.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7407. Release detection, prevention and correction regulations.
(a) The Department, after notice and opportunity for public comment, and within 12 months after July 12, 1985, shall promulgate
release detection, prevention and correction regulations applicable to underground storage tanks, as may be necessary to protect
human health and the environment.
(b) In promulgating regulations under this section, the Department shall take into consideration factors which affect tank
integrity, including, but not limited to, tank location, type and age, soil conditions, hydrogeology, compatibility of the
stored substances and the materials of which the tank is constructed, current industry recommended practices, national consensus
codes and the impact of the regulations on the regulated community. The Department shall distinguish in such standards between
requirements appropriate for new tanks, for tanks in existence on the date of promulgation of the standards and for abandoned
tanks. The Department shall require permits for certain classes of tanks or for tanks located in certain environmentally sensitive
areas where such a permit system would lead to better management of groundwater resources.
(c) The Department's regulations shall, at a minimum, include the following provisions:
(1) A requirement that a product inventory or other such control system, adequate to identify releases from underground storage
tanks, be maintained;
(2) Procedures to follow when inventory or other such control system records indicate an abnormal loss or gain which is not
explainable by spillage, temperature verifications, or other known causes;
(3) A requirement that appropriate corrective action be taken in response to a release from an underground storage tank as
may be necessary to protect human health and the environment;
(4) A requirement to maintain records documenting actions taken in accordance with paragraphs (1)-(3) of this subsection;
(5) A requirement for an enforcement program; and
(6) A requirement for standards that will ensure against any future release from an underground storage tank being closed
or otherwise taken out of operation.
(d) All underground storage tank system fill lines shall be clearly marked to indicate the size of the tank and the type of
regulated substances stored, within 180 days of July 20, 1987; as provided in regulations established under this chapter.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 5.;
§ 7408. Inspection and monitoring.
(a) For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of any regulation or enforcing this chapter, any owner
or operator of any underground storage tank used for storing regulated substances shall, upon the request of any duly designated
officer or employee of the State, furnish information relating to such tanks or contents and permit such person at all reasonable
times and in accordance with § 6024 of this title, to have access to, and to copy all records relating to such tanks and to
conduct such monitoring as such officer deems necessary. For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of
any regulation or enforcing this chapter, such officer, employee or representative is authorized:
(1) To enter at reasonable times an establishment or other place where an underground storage tank is located;
(2) To inspect and obtain samples from any person of such regulated substances and to conduct monitoring of the tanks, contents
or surrounding soils. Each such inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness.
(b) In submitting data under this chapter, a person required to provide such data may:
(1) Designate the data which such owner or operator believes is entitled to protection under this section; and
(2) Submit such designated data separately from other data submitted under this chapter.
(c) Any such records, reports or information obtained shall be entitled to protection under § 1905 of Title 18 of the United
States Code.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7409. Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund.
(a) The Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund is hereby established as a nonlapsing revolving fund to
be used by the Department for the investigation and remediation of petroleum underground storage tank release. All expenses,
costs and judgments recovered pursuant to this section, and all moneys received as reimbursement in accordance with applicable
provisions of federal law, shall be and hereby are appropriated to the Fund. Interest earned on the Fund shall be credited
to the Fund. No moneys shall be credited to the balance in the Fund until they have been received by the Fund. The Fund
shall be established in the accounts of the State Treasurer and any funds remaining in such Fund at the end of the fiscal
year shall not revert to the General Fund but shall remain in the Fund.
The Fund shall be administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control consistent with the provisions
of Subtitle I of the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act (P.L. 98-616, § 9001 et seq.) [42 U.S.C. § 6991 et seq.]. The Fund
shall be maintained in a separate account. An accounting of moneys received and disbursed shall be kept, and furnished upon
request to the Governor or the General Assembly.
(b) Disbursements from the Fund may be made only in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department and for the
following purposes:
(1) Costs incurred in investigation and assessment of a site otherwise eligible hereunder.
(2) Costs associated with restoration or replacement of potable water supplies.
(3) Costs incurred in taking corrective action for any release of petroleum into the environment from an underground storage
tank which are in excess of the minimum financial responsibility requirement imposed up to $1,000,000 per occurrence per facility.
(4) Costs incurred in compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by release of petroleum into
the environment from an underground storage tank, up to $1,000,000 per occurrence per facility.
(5) Costs incurred in taking immediate corrective action to contain or mitigate the effects of any release of petroleum into
the environment from an underground storage tank if such action is necessary, in the judgment of the Department, to protect
human health and the environment.
(6) Costs associated with maintenance and monitoring of contamination sites.
(7) Costs incurred in inspection and supervision of cleanup activities.
(8) The "cost share" of corrective action with respect to any release of petroleum into the environment from underground storage
tanks undertaken under a cooperative agreement with the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency,
as determined by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, § 9003(h)(7)(B) of P.L. 98-616 (as
amended in 1986 by P.L. 99-662) [42 U.S.C. § 6991b(h)(7)(B)].
(c) Disbursements from the Fund may not be made for any purpose not identified in subsection (b) of this section including,
but not limited to:
(1) Costs incurred in the Department's administration of the underground storage tank program.
(2) Costs incurred by the State to recover from any party costs charged to the Fund.
Such expenses will be funded by the tank registration fee established pursuant to § 7418 of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 3.;
§ 7410. Financial responsibility.
(a) The Department shall adopt regulations for maintaining evidence of financial responsibility for taking corrective action
by all owners and operators, in an amount of not less than $100,000 per occurrence, and for compensating third parties for
bodily injury and property damages by all owners and operators in an amount of not less than $300,000 per occurrence in cases
of releases arising from operating an underground storage tank. Financial responsibility may be established in accordance
with regulations promulgated by the Department by any one or any combination of the following: Insurance, guarantee, surety
bond, letter of credit or qualification as a self-insurer in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Insurance Commissioner.
(b) Any claim arising out of conduct for which evidence of financial responsibility must be provided under this section may
be asserted directly against the person guaranteeing or providing evidence of financial responsibility. In such a case, the
person against whom the claim is made shall be entitled to invoke all rights and defenses which would have been available
to the owner or operator had such action been brought directly against the owner or operator.
(c) This section shall not limit any other state or federal statutory, contractual or common-law liability of the guarantor
for bad faith in negotiating or in failing to negotiate the settlement of any claim. This section does not diminish the liability
of any person under § 107 or § 111 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 [42
U.S.C. § 9607 or § 9611], or other applicable law.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 5.;
§ 7411. Enforcement.
(a) Whenever, on the basis of any information, the Secretary determines that any person is in violation of any requirement
of this chapter, or any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder, the Secretary shall give notice to the violator of said
violator's failure to comply with such requirement. If such violation extends beyond the 30th day after the Secretary's notification,
the Department may issue an order requiring compliance within a specified time period.
(b) If such violator fails to take corrective action within the time specified in the order, he or she shall be liable for
a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day of continued noncompliance and the Secretary may suspend or revoke any
permit issued to the violator.
(c) Any order or any suspension or revocation of a permit shall become final unless, not later than 30 days after the order
or notice of the suspension or revocation is served, the person or persons named therein request a public hearing. Upon such
request, the Secretary shall conduct a public hearing in accordance with § 6006 of this title. In connection with any proceeding
under this subsection, the Secretary may issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production
of relevant papers, books and documents and may promulgate rules for discovery procedures.
(d) Any order issued under this section shall state with reasonable specificity the nature of the violation and specify a
time for compliance and assess a penalty, if any, which the Secretary determines is reasonable, taking into account the seriousness
of the violation and any good faith efforts to comply with the applicable requirements.
(e) In lieu of the compliance order procedure in subsection (a) of this section, any person who violates a provision of this
chapter, any rule or regulation, or any order of the Secretary shall be liable for a civil penalty of not less than $1,000,
nor more than $25,000 for each day of violation. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction over offenses under this chapter.
(f) If the violation consists solely of a failure to register an underground storage tank or submit other notifications as
required, the Secretary may elect to bring a civil action in the Justice of the Peace Court for a penalty not to exceed $1,000.
Each day of violation shall be considered as a separate violation.
(g) Any expenses or civil penalties collected by the Department under this action shall be credited to the administration
fund established under § 7418(d) of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, §§ 6, 7; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;
§ 7412. Appeals.
(a) Any person whose interest is substantially affected by any action of the Secretary may appeal to the Environmental Appeals
Board in accordance with § 6008 of this title.
(b) Any person or party to an appeal before the Board who is substantially affected by a decision of the Board may appeal
to the Superior Court in accordance with § 6009 of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7413. Variances.
Variances and temporary emergency variances may be granted by the Secretary from any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter
in accordance with §§ 6011 and 6012 of this title except that no variance or temporary emergency variance shall be granted
which would be inconsistent with the no less stringent requirements of § 9004 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
of 1976, Pub. L. 94-580 as amended by Pub. L. 98-616 [42 U.S.C. § 6991c] (or regulations promulgated thereunder).
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 330, § 3.;
§ 7414. Leaking Underground Storage Tank Committee.
There is hereby established a Leaking Underground Storage Tank Committee which shall be composed of, but not limited to, the
Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget,
the Director of the Delaware Geological Survey, the State Fire Marshal, a member of the Delaware Petroleum Council, a member
of the Pennsylvania/Delaware Service Station Dealers Association, an installer of underground storage tanks, a representative
of the insurance industry, the Insurance Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, a representative of the agricultural
community, a representative of the chemical industry, a representative from an environmental interest group, 2 state Senators
who shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and 2 state Representatives who shall be appointed by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Governor shall designate the Chairperson. The whole Committee shall guide development
of the regulations and other requirements of this chapter.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 75 Del. Laws, c. 88, § 16(1).;
§ 7415. Implementation and reporting requirements.
The Department, in conjunction with the Delaware Geological Survey, shall conduct a study to demonstrate the feasibility of
a comprehensive inventory of underground storage tanks to include new, existing and abandoned tanks. It shall be conducted
within an area of the State to be designated by the Department and the Committee. The Delaware Geological Survey shall investigate
the feasibility of utilizing aerial photographs and other new or advanced techniques for locating abandoned tanks. The Department
shall report to the General Assembly within 6 months of the date of adoption of implementation and reporting requirements.
The report shall include a critique of the management experience gained which will serve as a basis for identifying staff
and automated data processing needs for a comprehensive inventory.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7416. Groundwater risk assessment.
(a) Because groundwater protection and management is an underlying issue related to leaking underground storage tanks, information
on the risks to groundwater resources will be needed to facilitate implementation of the regulations.
(b) The Delaware Geological Survey shall, under the auspices and direction of the Committee, and in cooperation with the Department,
examine the need for prioritizing possible leak risks. The Survey may assist the Committee by identifying areas where existing
or abandoned leaking underground storage tanks would pose the most significant risk.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7417. Rehabilitation; participation in reimbursement plan.
The General Assembly finds and declares that in order to provide for rehabilitation of as many contaminated sites as possible,
as soon as possible, voluntary rehabilitation of contaminated sites should be encouraged; provided that such rehabilitation
is conducted in a manner and to a level of completion which will protect the public health, safety and welfare. To accomplish
this purpose, any person conducting site rehabilitation under this chapter, either through his or her own personnel or by
contract, shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Fund in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department for
the costs defined in § 7409 of this title provided such person notifies the Department of such contamination within 18 months
after July 16, 1987, and begins all remediation work within 1 year after notification. Persons already engaged in site rehabilitation
as of July 16, 1987, shall be entitled to reimbursements of all expenses incurred on or after July 16, 1987, provided the
person is otherwise eligible for participation in accordance with this section, and reimbursement expenses are limited to
those defined in § 7409 of this title. Participation in the reimbursement plan is subject to the following conditions:
(1) The first $2,500 in costs as described in § 7409(b)(1)-(7) of this title are not to be reimbursed by the Fund.
(2) The facility owner shall not be the federal government or any agency or subdivision thereof.
(3) Contamination results from normal aging and/or corrosion and is not the result of intentional damage, or improper handling
or installation.
(4) Contamination results from a release from an underground tank containing petroleum.
(5) Reimbursement for site rehabilitation either through a person's own personnel or through responsible response action contractors
or subcontractors shall not be considered a state contract or subject to state bid requirements.
(6) Site rehabilitation shall be completed in accordance with criteria established by the Department.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorized any payments for the repair or replacement of any tank or equipment.
(8) Procedural rules of this section shall have been met.
(9) The release did not result from any gross negligence, including, but not limited to, the following:
a. Willful intent to conceal existence of a serious discharge;
b. Falsified inventory or reconciliation records;
c. Intentional damage to a petroleum storage system;
d. Willful failure to perform the inventory and reconciliation of records required pursuant to regulations promulgated under
this chapter;
e. Failure to meet retrofitting requirements contained in the regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter;
f. Willful failure to make monthly monitoring system checks required pursuant to regulations promulgated under this chapter;
g. Violation of the Department's regulations.
66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 4; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;
§ 7418. Tank registration fee.
(a) All owners/operators of underground storage tanks shall pay to the Department an annual per tank registration fee of $50
on or before February 1 of each calendar year. Registration fees not received by the Department by February 1 shall be subject
to a late charge of $30. Payment shall be made in accordance with regulations established by the Department.
(b) Underground storage tanks owned or operated by the State, or counties or municipalities or agencies or subdivisions thereof,
shall be exempt from payment of the registration fee defined in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Underground storage tanks owned or operated by the volunteer fire companies and ambulance companies within this State
shall be exempt from payment of the registration fee defined in subsection (a) of this section.
(d) The tank registration fee established in subsection (a) of this section shall be used solely for the purpose of administering
the Department's programs implementing this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(e) The tank registration fee shall be credited to a dedicated administration fund established in the accounts of the Treasurer.
Any money remaining in such fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund, but shall remain in the
dedicated administration fund. The fund shall be maintained in a separate account and shall be administered by the Department.
An accounting of moneys received and disbursed shall be kept, and furnished upon request to the Governor or the General Assembly.
66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 6; 66 Del. Laws, c. 310, § 1.;
§ 7419. Recovery of expenditures.
The Department shall seek recovery of moneys expended from the fund for corrective action under this chapter where the owner
or operator has violated substantive regulations pertaining to underground storage tanks which have been promulgated by the
Department or has engaged in grossly negligent conduct.
The General Assembly finds and declares that the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous liquids in underground
storage tanks is emerging as a major cause of groundwater contamination in the State; that the State's groundwater resources
are vital to the population and economy of the State; that millions of gallons of gasoline and other hazardous substances
are stored in underground storage tanks; that leaks of stored substances are occurring in a significant number of these tanks
due to corrosion, structural defect and improper installation; that leaks are often difficult to detect early because of insufficient
product inventory or other control systems; and that it is necessary to provide for more stringent control of the installation,
operation, retrofitting and abandonment of underground storage tanks to prevent leaks, and where leaks should occur, detect
them at the earliest possible stage and thus minimize further degradation of groundwater.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7402. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section,
except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) "Abandoned storage system" means a storage system which:
a. Is not intended to be returned to service;
b. Has been out of service for over 3 years; or
c. Has been rendered permanently unfit for use.
(2) "Ancillary equipment" means any device including, but not limited to, such devices as piping, fittings, flanges, valves
and pumps, that are used to distribute, meter or control the flow of petroleum or hazardous substances from an underground
storage tank.
(3) "Department" means the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
(4) "Existing tank" means a tank for which installation began prior to July 12, 1985.
(5) "Facility" means any location or part thereof containing 1 or more underground storage tanks.
(6) "Fund" means the Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund.
(7) "Heating fuels" means a type of fuel oil that is 1 of 8 technical grades. These grades are: No. 1, No. 2, No. 4-light,
No. 4-heavy, No. 5-light, No. 5-heavy, No. 6 residual and substitutes such as kerosene or diesel when used for heating purposes.
(8) "New tank" or "facility" means a tank or facility for which the installation began on or after July 12, 1985.
(9) "Operator" means any person in control of, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of the underground storage
tank system.
(10) "Out of service" means a storage system which:
a. Is not in use; that is, which does not have regulated substances added to or withdrawn from the storage system; and
b. Is intended to be placed in service.
(11) "Owner" means:
a. In the case of an underground storage tank in use on November 8, 1984, or brought into use after that date, any person
who owns an underground storage tank used for the storage, use or dispensing of regulated substances; and
b. In the case of any underground storage tank in use before November 8, 1984, but no longer in service on November 8, 1984,
any person who owned such tank immediately before the discontinuation of its use.
(12) "Person" means any individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, federal agency, corporation (including a government
corporation), partnership, association, state, municipality, commission, political subdivision of a state or any interstate
body. "Person" also includes a consortium, a joint venture, a commercial entity and the United States government.
(13) "Regulated substance" means:
a. Any substance defined in § 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
(42 U.S.C. § 9601(14)); but not including any substances regulated as a hazardous waste under subtitle C of the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act of 1976 as amended [42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.];
b. Petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, which is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure
(60 Fahrenheit and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute).
(14) "Release" means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing into groundwater, surface
water or soils.
(15) "Removal" means the process of removing and disposing of an underground storage tank system, through the use of prescribed
techniques for the purging of residues and vapors and removal of the vessel from the ground.
(16) "Responsible party" means any person who:
a. Owns or has a legal or equitable interest in a facility or an underground storage tank;
b. Operates or otherwise controls activities at a facility;
c. At the time of storage of regulated substances in an underground storage tank, operated or otherwise controlled activities
at the facility or underground storage tank, or owned or held a legal or equitable interest therein;
d. Arranged for or agreed to the placement of an underground storage tank system by contract, agreement or otherwise;
e. Caused or contributed to a release from an underground storage tank system; or
f. Caused a release as a result of transfer of a regulated substance to or from an underground storage tank system.
(17) "Retrofit" means modification or correction of an underground storage tank system to meet standards contained in regulations
promulgated under this chapter through such means as replacement of valves, fill pipes, vents and liquid level monitoring
systems, and the installation of overfill protection, transfer spill protection, leak detection and cathodic protection devices;
but the term does not include the process of relining an underground tank through application of such materials as epoxy resins,
nor does the term include the process of conducting a tightness test to establish the integrity of the tank.
(18) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control or a duly authorized
designee.
(19) "State" means the State of Delaware.
(20) "Underground storage tank" means a containment vessel, including underground pipes connected thereto, which is used to
contain an accumulation of regulated substances, and the volume of which, including the volume of the underground pipes connected
thereto, is 10 per centum or more beneath the surface of the ground. Such term does not include any:
a. Septic tank;
b. Pipeline facility (including gathering lines) regulated under:
1. The Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. § 1671 et seq.);
2. The Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 U.S.C. § 2001 et seq.); or
3. Any intrastate agreement comparable to those acts set forth in subparagraphs 1. and 2. of this paragraph;
c. Surface impoundment, pit, pound, lagoon;
d. Storm water wastewater collection system;
e. Flow-through process tank;
f. Liquid trap or associated gathering lines directly related to oil or gas production and gathering operations; or
g. Storage tank situated in an underground area (such as basement, cellar, mineworking drift, shaft or tunnel) if the storage
tank is situated upon or above the surface of the floor.
(21) "Underground storage tank system" means an underground storage tank and its associated ancillary equipment and containment
system, if any.
(22) "Used-oil" means a petroleum-based synthetic oil used as an engine lubricant, engine oil, motor oil or lubricating oil
for use in an internal combustion engine, or a lubricant for motor vehicle transmissions, gears or axles which through use,
storage or handling has become unsuitable for its original purpose due to the presence of impurities or loss of original properties.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 1; 68 Del. Laws, c. 363, §§ 1-4; 69 Del. Laws, c. 330, §§ 1, 2.;
§ 7403. Referenced standards.
The Department shall use the recommendations and standard procedures of the following organizations in developing the regulations
required by this chapter:
(1) National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.);
(2) American Petroleum Institute (A.P.I.);
(3) National Association of Corrosion Engineers (N.A.C.E.);
(4) Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.); and
(5) American Society for Testing and Materials (A.S.T.M.).
Underground storage tanks installed after the enactment of this chapter shall be in accordance with the appropriate standards
cited herein and the regulations promulgated by the Department.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7404. Exemptions.
The following classes of tanks are exempt from this chapter with the exception of the application of §§ 7406 and 7409 of this
title:
(1) Agricultural and residential tanks of 1,100 gallons or less used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes; and
(2) Tanks containing heating fuels of 1,100 gallons or less which are used for consumptive purposes on the premises where
stored.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 2; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 2.;
§ 7405. Registration by owner.
(a) Underground storage tank owners shall register the following on forms provided by the Department:
(1) Within 60 days after July 12, 1985, all new underground storage facilities used for storing regulated substances, at least
10 days prior to installation. Notice shall specify the date of installation, location, type of construction, size of tanks
to be installed and the type of substance to be stored.
(2) All existing underground storage facilities, used for storing regulated substances, within 180 days of July 12, 1985;
provided, however, that existing heating fuel tanks of greater than 1,100 gallon capacity shall be registered within 180 days
of July 20, 1988. Notice shall specify, to the extent known, the location, size, type of construction and age of tanks, and
the type of substance stored.
(3) All abandoned or nonoperational underground storage tanks taken out of service after January 1, 1974. All underground
storage tanks covered by this paragraph must be registered within 9 months of July 12, 1985 (unless the owner knows the tank
was subsequently removed from the ground); provided, however, that abandoned or nonoperational heating fuel tanks of greater
than 1,100 gallons capacity shall be registered within 180 days of July 20, 1988. Notice shall specify, to the extent known,
the date taken out of operation, the location, size, type of construction and age of tank, and type of substance stored, and
quantity of regulated substances left stored in such tank on the date taken out of operation.
(b) Within 30 days of July 12, 1985, the Department shall prescribe the form of the notice and the information to be included
in the notification under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) of this section.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, §§ 3, 4.;
§ 7406. Release of substances prohibited; correction of substance release; Department intervention.
(a) No person shall knowingly allow a release from an underground storage tank to continue without taking immediate steps
to report the release to the Department.
(b) Responsible parties shall take measures for the prompt control, containment, removal of the released substance to the
satisfaction of the Department.
(c) The Department may assume control of any release situation when it is determined that responsible parties are not responding
promptly. However, all liability will remain with the responsible party.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7407. Release detection, prevention and correction regulations.
(a) The Department, after notice and opportunity for public comment, and within 12 months after July 12, 1985, shall promulgate
release detection, prevention and correction regulations applicable to underground storage tanks, as may be necessary to protect
human health and the environment.
(b) In promulgating regulations under this section, the Department shall take into consideration factors which affect tank
integrity, including, but not limited to, tank location, type and age, soil conditions, hydrogeology, compatibility of the
stored substances and the materials of which the tank is constructed, current industry recommended practices, national consensus
codes and the impact of the regulations on the regulated community. The Department shall distinguish in such standards between
requirements appropriate for new tanks, for tanks in existence on the date of promulgation of the standards and for abandoned
tanks. The Department shall require permits for certain classes of tanks or for tanks located in certain environmentally sensitive
areas where such a permit system would lead to better management of groundwater resources.
(c) The Department's regulations shall, at a minimum, include the following provisions:
(1) A requirement that a product inventory or other such control system, adequate to identify releases from underground storage
tanks, be maintained;
(2) Procedures to follow when inventory or other such control system records indicate an abnormal loss or gain which is not
explainable by spillage, temperature verifications, or other known causes;
(3) A requirement that appropriate corrective action be taken in response to a release from an underground storage tank as
may be necessary to protect human health and the environment;
(4) A requirement to maintain records documenting actions taken in accordance with paragraphs (1)-(3) of this subsection;
(5) A requirement for an enforcement program; and
(6) A requirement for standards that will ensure against any future release from an underground storage tank being closed
or otherwise taken out of operation.
(d) All underground storage tank system fill lines shall be clearly marked to indicate the size of the tank and the type of
regulated substances stored, within 180 days of July 20, 1987; as provided in regulations established under this chapter.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 5.;
§ 7408. Inspection and monitoring.
(a) For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of any regulation or enforcing this chapter, any owner
or operator of any underground storage tank used for storing regulated substances shall, upon the request of any duly designated
officer or employee of the State, furnish information relating to such tanks or contents and permit such person at all reasonable
times and in accordance with § 6024 of this title, to have access to, and to copy all records relating to such tanks and to
conduct such monitoring as such officer deems necessary. For the purposes of developing or assisting in the development of
any regulation or enforcing this chapter, such officer, employee or representative is authorized:
(1) To enter at reasonable times an establishment or other place where an underground storage tank is located;
(2) To inspect and obtain samples from any person of such regulated substances and to conduct monitoring of the tanks, contents
or surrounding soils. Each such inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness.
(b) In submitting data under this chapter, a person required to provide such data may:
(1) Designate the data which such owner or operator believes is entitled to protection under this section; and
(2) Submit such designated data separately from other data submitted under this chapter.
(c) Any such records, reports or information obtained shall be entitled to protection under § 1905 of Title 18 of the United
States Code.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7409. Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund.
(a) The Delaware Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Response Fund is hereby established as a nonlapsing revolving fund to
be used by the Department for the investigation and remediation of petroleum underground storage tank release. All expenses,
costs and judgments recovered pursuant to this section, and all moneys received as reimbursement in accordance with applicable
provisions of federal law, shall be and hereby are appropriated to the Fund. Interest earned on the Fund shall be credited
to the Fund. No moneys shall be credited to the balance in the Fund until they have been received by the Fund. The Fund
shall be established in the accounts of the State Treasurer and any funds remaining in such Fund at the end of the fiscal
year shall not revert to the General Fund but shall remain in the Fund.
The Fund shall be administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control consistent with the provisions
of Subtitle I of the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act (P.L. 98-616, § 9001 et seq.) [42 U.S.C. § 6991 et seq.]. The Fund
shall be maintained in a separate account. An accounting of moneys received and disbursed shall be kept, and furnished upon
request to the Governor or the General Assembly.
(b) Disbursements from the Fund may be made only in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department and for the
following purposes:
(1) Costs incurred in investigation and assessment of a site otherwise eligible hereunder.
(2) Costs associated with restoration or replacement of potable water supplies.
(3) Costs incurred in taking corrective action for any release of petroleum into the environment from an underground storage
tank which are in excess of the minimum financial responsibility requirement imposed up to $1,000,000 per occurrence per facility.
(4) Costs incurred in compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by release of petroleum into
the environment from an underground storage tank, up to $1,000,000 per occurrence per facility.
(5) Costs incurred in taking immediate corrective action to contain or mitigate the effects of any release of petroleum into
the environment from an underground storage tank if such action is necessary, in the judgment of the Department, to protect
human health and the environment.
(6) Costs associated with maintenance and monitoring of contamination sites.
(7) Costs incurred in inspection and supervision of cleanup activities.
(8) The "cost share" of corrective action with respect to any release of petroleum into the environment from underground storage
tanks undertaken under a cooperative agreement with the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency,
as determined by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, § 9003(h)(7)(B) of P.L. 98-616 (as
amended in 1986 by P.L. 99-662) [42 U.S.C. § 6991b(h)(7)(B)].
(c) Disbursements from the Fund may not be made for any purpose not identified in subsection (b) of this section including,
but not limited to:
(1) Costs incurred in the Department's administration of the underground storage tank program.
(2) Costs incurred by the State to recover from any party costs charged to the Fund.
Such expenses will be funded by the tank registration fee established pursuant to § 7418 of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 3.;
§ 7410. Financial responsibility.
(a) The Department shall adopt regulations for maintaining evidence of financial responsibility for taking corrective action
by all owners and operators, in an amount of not less than $100,000 per occurrence, and for compensating third parties for
bodily injury and property damages by all owners and operators in an amount of not less than $300,000 per occurrence in cases
of releases arising from operating an underground storage tank. Financial responsibility may be established in accordance
with regulations promulgated by the Department by any one or any combination of the following: Insurance, guarantee, surety
bond, letter of credit or qualification as a self-insurer in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Insurance Commissioner.
(b) Any claim arising out of conduct for which evidence of financial responsibility must be provided under this section may
be asserted directly against the person guaranteeing or providing evidence of financial responsibility. In such a case, the
person against whom the claim is made shall be entitled to invoke all rights and defenses which would have been available
to the owner or operator had such action been brought directly against the owner or operator.
(c) This section shall not limit any other state or federal statutory, contractual or common-law liability of the guarantor
for bad faith in negotiating or in failing to negotiate the settlement of any claim. This section does not diminish the liability
of any person under § 107 or § 111 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 [42
U.S.C. § 9607 or § 9611], or other applicable law.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 5.;
§ 7411. Enforcement.
(a) Whenever, on the basis of any information, the Secretary determines that any person is in violation of any requirement
of this chapter, or any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder, the Secretary shall give notice to the violator of said
violator's failure to comply with such requirement. If such violation extends beyond the 30th day after the Secretary's notification,
the Department may issue an order requiring compliance within a specified time period.
(b) If such violator fails to take corrective action within the time specified in the order, he or she shall be liable for
a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day of continued noncompliance and the Secretary may suspend or revoke any
permit issued to the violator.
(c) Any order or any suspension or revocation of a permit shall become final unless, not later than 30 days after the order
or notice of the suspension or revocation is served, the person or persons named therein request a public hearing. Upon such
request, the Secretary shall conduct a public hearing in accordance with § 6006 of this title. In connection with any proceeding
under this subsection, the Secretary may issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production
of relevant papers, books and documents and may promulgate rules for discovery procedures.
(d) Any order issued under this section shall state with reasonable specificity the nature of the violation and specify a
time for compliance and assess a penalty, if any, which the Secretary determines is reasonable, taking into account the seriousness
of the violation and any good faith efforts to comply with the applicable requirements.
(e) In lieu of the compliance order procedure in subsection (a) of this section, any person who violates a provision of this
chapter, any rule or regulation, or any order of the Secretary shall be liable for a civil penalty of not less than $1,000,
nor more than $25,000 for each day of violation. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction over offenses under this chapter.
(f) If the violation consists solely of a failure to register an underground storage tank or submit other notifications as
required, the Secretary may elect to bring a civil action in the Justice of the Peace Court for a penalty not to exceed $1,000.
Each day of violation shall be considered as a separate violation.
(g) Any expenses or civil penalties collected by the Department under this action shall be credited to the administration
fund established under § 7418(d) of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 66 Del. Laws, c. 425, §§ 6, 7; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;
§ 7412. Appeals.
(a) Any person whose interest is substantially affected by any action of the Secretary may appeal to the Environmental Appeals
Board in accordance with § 6008 of this title.
(b) Any person or party to an appeal before the Board who is substantially affected by a decision of the Board may appeal
to the Superior Court in accordance with § 6009 of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7413. Variances.
Variances and temporary emergency variances may be granted by the Secretary from any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter
in accordance with §§ 6011 and 6012 of this title except that no variance or temporary emergency variance shall be granted
which would be inconsistent with the no less stringent requirements of § 9004 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
of 1976, Pub. L. 94-580 as amended by Pub. L. 98-616 [42 U.S.C. § 6991c] (or regulations promulgated thereunder).
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 330, § 3.;
§ 7414. Leaking Underground Storage Tank Committee.
There is hereby established a Leaking Underground Storage Tank Committee which shall be composed of, but not limited to, the
Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget,
the Director of the Delaware Geological Survey, the State Fire Marshal, a member of the Delaware Petroleum Council, a member
of the Pennsylvania/Delaware Service Station Dealers Association, an installer of underground storage tanks, a representative
of the insurance industry, the Insurance Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, a representative of the agricultural
community, a representative of the chemical industry, a representative from an environmental interest group, 2 state Senators
who shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and 2 state Representatives who shall be appointed by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Governor shall designate the Chairperson. The whole Committee shall guide development
of the regulations and other requirements of this chapter.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 75 Del. Laws, c. 88, § 16(1).;
§ 7415. Implementation and reporting requirements.
The Department, in conjunction with the Delaware Geological Survey, shall conduct a study to demonstrate the feasibility of
a comprehensive inventory of underground storage tanks to include new, existing and abandoned tanks. It shall be conducted
within an area of the State to be designated by the Department and the Committee. The Delaware Geological Survey shall investigate
the feasibility of utilizing aerial photographs and other new or advanced techniques for locating abandoned tanks. The Department
shall report to the General Assembly within 6 months of the date of adoption of implementation and reporting requirements.
The report shall include a critique of the management experience gained which will serve as a basis for identifying staff
and automated data processing needs for a comprehensive inventory.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7416. Groundwater risk assessment.
(a) Because groundwater protection and management is an underlying issue related to leaking underground storage tanks, information
on the risks to groundwater resources will be needed to facilitate implementation of the regulations.
(b) The Delaware Geological Survey shall, under the auspices and direction of the Committee, and in cooperation with the Department,
examine the need for prioritizing possible leak risks. The Survey may assist the Committee by identifying areas where existing
or abandoned leaking underground storage tanks would pose the most significant risk.
65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § 1.;
§ 7417. Rehabilitation; participation in reimbursement plan.
The General Assembly finds and declares that in order to provide for rehabilitation of as many contaminated sites as possible,
as soon as possible, voluntary rehabilitation of contaminated sites should be encouraged; provided that such rehabilitation
is conducted in a manner and to a level of completion which will protect the public health, safety and welfare. To accomplish
this purpose, any person conducting site rehabilitation under this chapter, either through his or her own personnel or by
contract, shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Fund in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department for
the costs defined in § 7409 of this title provided such person notifies the Department of such contamination within 18 months
after July 16, 1987, and begins all remediation work within 1 year after notification. Persons already engaged in site rehabilitation
as of July 16, 1987, shall be entitled to reimbursements of all expenses incurred on or after July 16, 1987, provided the
person is otherwise eligible for participation in accordance with this section, and reimbursement expenses are limited to
those defined in § 7409 of this title. Participation in the reimbursement plan is subject to the following conditions:
(1) The first $2,500 in costs as described in § 7409(b)(1)-(7) of this title are not to be reimbursed by the Fund.
(2) The facility owner shall not be the federal government or any agency or subdivision thereof.
(3) Contamination results from normal aging and/or corrosion and is not the result of intentional damage, or improper handling
or installation.
(4) Contamination results from a release from an underground tank containing petroleum.
(5) Reimbursement for site rehabilitation either through a person's own personnel or through responsible response action contractors
or subcontractors shall not be considered a state contract or subject to state bid requirements.
(6) Site rehabilitation shall be completed in accordance with criteria established by the Department.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorized any payments for the repair or replacement of any tank or equipment.
(8) Procedural rules of this section shall have been met.
(9) The release did not result from any gross negligence, including, but not limited to, the following:
a. Willful intent to conceal existence of a serious discharge;
b. Falsified inventory or reconciliation records;
c. Intentional damage to a petroleum storage system;
d. Willful failure to perform the inventory and reconciliation of records required pursuant to regulations promulgated under
this chapter;
e. Failure to meet retrofitting requirements contained in the regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter;
f. Willful failure to make monthly monitoring system checks required pursuant to regulations promulgated under this chapter;
g. Violation of the Department's regulations.
66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 4; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;
§ 7418. Tank registration fee.
(a) All owners/operators of underground storage tanks shall pay to the Department an annual per tank registration fee of $50
on or before February 1 of each calendar year. Registration fees not received by the Department by February 1 shall be subject
to a late charge of $30. Payment shall be made in accordance with regulations established by the Department.
(b) Underground storage tanks owned or operated by the State, or counties or municipalities or agencies or subdivisions thereof,
shall be exempt from payment of the registration fee defined in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Underground storage tanks owned or operated by the volunteer fire companies and ambulance companies within this State
shall be exempt from payment of the registration fee defined in subsection (a) of this section.
(d) The tank registration fee established in subsection (a) of this section shall be used solely for the purpose of administering
the Department's programs implementing this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(e) The tank registration fee shall be credited to a dedicated administration fund established in the accounts of the Treasurer.
Any money remaining in such fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund, but shall remain in the
dedicated administration fund. The fund shall be maintained in a separate account and shall be administered by the Department.
An accounting of moneys received and disbursed shall be kept, and furnished upon request to the Governor or the General Assembly.
66 Del. Laws, c. 187, § 6; 66 Del. Laws, c. 310, § 1.;
§ 7419. Recovery of expenditures.
The Department shall seek recovery of moneys expended from the fund for corrective action under this chapter where the owner
or operator has violated substantive regulations pertaining to underground storage tanks which have been promulgated by the
Department or has engaged in grossly negligent conduct.
