Underground Storage Tank / Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program...

Tom Mcclure recently returned from the 22nd National Tanks Conference & Expo held in Boston Massachusetts. Mr. McClure presented to the entire population during the open ceremonies of the conference to well over 200 professionals from throughout the country and Canada.

Biography from the Conference
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued federal inspector credentials to Tom McClure of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation. Issuance of the credentials authorizes him to conduct inspections of underground storage tank systems on the Flathead Reservation on behalf of the EPA. The credentials were presented to him at the National Tanks Conference in Sacramento, California. By issuing credentials to him, EPA expects that the increased field presence on the Flathead Reservation will improve compliance with the federal underground storage tank regulations and prevent the release of fuel from tanks to the environment. The Flathead Reservations is located in northwest Montana. There are approximately 30 active regulated underground storage tank facilities on the Reservation. In addition to the UST program, he also assists with site assessments for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, EPA and Environmental contractors on current LUST sites located within the exterior boundaries of Flathead Reservation.

Tom McClure removing the cover of an underground storage fuel tank man-hole at Doug Allards General Store in St. Ignatius during a recent inspection.

Tom McClure conducting an annual inspection of the Underground Storage Tanks at Doug Allards Trading Post in St. Ignatius.

Employees:
Thomas McClure – UST/LUST Specialist I

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes recently were awarded an $100,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish and enhance a Underground Storage Tank/Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program.

According to Rich Janssen, Division Manager of Environmental Protection for the Tribes the grant will allow CSKT to determine the amount, types, and locations of all Underground Storage Tanks within the exterior boundaries of the reservation. The funding will also to educate the owners of underground storage tanks and aid them in compliance issues in regards to the regulatory authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"This is the first year of our underground storage tank/leaking underground storage tank which has the potential to be funded long term," said Janssen. "It will address the issue of leaking underground storage tanks so we can continue to protect the environment for the health and well being of all reservation residents."

Tom McClure, CSKT Underground Storage Tank Specialist conducts an inspection of Under Ground Fuel Tanks at Quicksilver Express in Pablo, MT.

UST/LUST Activities FY – 2009...

In July 2009 the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes began conducting annual UST Inspections “solo” within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Reservation and submitting reports to EPA. CSKT continues to encourage owner/operators to properly operate and maintain their UST facility system by conducting compliance assistance inspections and providing owner/operators with UST regulatory information. In addition to the UST program Tom McClure also assists with site assessments for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, EPA and Environmental contractors on current LUST sites located within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Reservation. Survey information was researched and provided which included Historical Information, property ownership, property address, County records review, and maps.

Available Documents

News Release:
(Denver, Colo. - April 15, 2009) On March 30, 2009, the U. S.
Contact: Janice Pearson, EPA, 303 312-6354

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued federal inspector credentials to Tom McClure of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation. Issuance of the credentials to Mr. McClure, authorizes him to conduct inspections of underground storage tank systems on the Flathead Reservation on behalf of the EPA. The credentials were presented to Mr. McClure at the National Tanks Conference in Sacramento, California.

By issuing credentials to Mr. McClure, EPA expects that the increased field presence on the Flathead Reservation will improve compliance with the federal underground storage tank regulations and prevent the release of fuel from tanks to the environment.

To prevent releases, federal law requires that all regulated underground storage tanks have spill and overfill equipment, and corrosion protection. Tanks must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days.

Releases that are detected early can be cleaned up at far less expense than those that go undetected for long periods of time.

"Mr. McClure has been working with EPA over the last year and a half to complete the required training, which included on-site inspections with an EPA-credentialed inspector," said Rich Janssen, CSKT Division Manager of Environmental Protection. "Tom will aid in helping owners and operators of underground tanks to remain in compliance and educating them regarding environmental protection."

The Flathead Reservation is located in northwest Montana. There are approximately 30 active regulated underground storage tank facilities on the Reservation.

Tom McClure (below) at Town Pump in Polson, Montana

Tom McClure on a LUST site assessment in Polson, MT with US EPA Denver Office.