Indiana Storage Tank Program Update - IDEM Reorganizes Tank Oversight and ELTF Operations

Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) updated its storage tank program structure, consolidating underground storage tank (UST) and aboveground storage tank (AST) oversight under the Office of Land Quality. The reorganization maintains the existing Excess Liability Trust Fund (ELTF) for petroleum cleanup reimbursement while streamlining regulatory oversight for both tank types.

IDEM regulates storage tanks containing flammable and combustible petroleum products and hazardous substances. Underground storage tanks have at least 10% of their volume below ground, while aboveground storage tanks sit entirely above ground level. Both steel and fiberglass tanks fall under IDEM jurisdiction when they store regulated substances.

How This Affects Site Work in Indiana

LUST Sites and Petroleum Remediation

The consolidation does not change technical requirements for leaking underground storage tank (LUST) investigations or remediation standards. Consultants working on petroleum contamination sites continue to follow existing Indiana cleanup protocols and risk-based closure procedures. ELTF reimbursement remains available for eligible cleanup costs at qualifying sites.

Tank Installation and Closure Projects

New tank installations, upgrades, and closures still require IDEM permits and notifications. The Office of Land Quality now handles both UST and AST permitting, potentially streamlining the approval process for facilities with multiple tank types. Closure assessment requirements and sampling protocols remain unchanged.

Multi-State Projects

For consultants working across state lines, Indiana’s tank program structure now mirrors other states that house tank oversight within their land quality or waste management divisions. This organizational change does not affect technical standards but may influence coordination with federal EPA Region 5 oversight.

Bottom Line

The IDEM reorganization consolidates tank oversight but does not change technical requirements for tank installation, operation, or closure. ELTF reimbursement continues for eligible petroleum cleanup costs. For detailed procedures on Indiana tank closure requirements and ELTF applications, see our Indiana program guides.