What does PSTR mean in UNCLASSIFIED

PSTR is Petroleum Storage Tank Remediation. It is the process of identifying, assessing and remediating environmental contamination caused by petroleum tanks and associated activities.

The federal and state governments have several regulations governing Public Safety concerns related to PSTR activities. In some states, these agencies include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or other local regulatory bodies.

No, only those tanks that pose a risk to public safety or environmental quality are subject to remediation requirements. Risk assessments are conducted by qualified professionals to determine if corrective action is necessary.

The timeframe for completion depends on the extent of the issue, but generally can take several months or longer depending on the complexity of the project. Additionally, there may be delays due to additional testing processes or other more rigorous protocol set forth by regulatory agencies like the EPA.

Generally, responsible parties such as tank owners or operators must pay for any costs associated with investigating and remediating contaminated sites and underground storage tanks; however, some states offer financial assistance programs for low-income residents who cannot afford this expense. Additionally, in some cases, insurance companies may also help cover some remediation costs if they were in effect at the time that any contamination occurred.