Project Grant 99587516

DESCRIPTION:THIS AGREEMENT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL OFFICE IN DEVELOPING, IMPLEMENTING AND MAINTAINING AN EFFECTIVE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK (UST) PROGRAM. THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE: (1) ENCOURAGING OWNERS AND OPERATORS TO PROPERLY OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THEIR UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS; (2) ENSURING OWNERS AND OPERATORS MONITOR UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS; AND (3) DEVELOPING THE STATE PROGRAM TO OPERATE IN LIEU OF THE FEDERAL PROGRAM. THESE OBJECTIVES PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT BY PREVENTING PETROLEUM AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE RELEASES. THE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO IMPROVE COMPLIANCE THROUGH ACTIVE INSPECTIONS, ENFORCEMENT, AND COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. THIS FUNDING IS ALSO TO BE USED FOR RELEASE DETECTION AND PREVENTION ACTIVITIES TO COMPLY WITH THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005.ACTIVITIES:THE ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) DEVELOP/REVISE STATE AUTHORITIES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE STATE UST PROGRAM IN ORDER TO MEET FEDERAL STANDARDS; 2) DEVELOP AND PUBLISH OPERATOR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH EPA GUIDELINES; 3) MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC A RECORD OF REGULATED USTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH EPA GUIDELINES; 4) DEVELOP A FUEL DELIVERY PROHIBITION PROGRAM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH EPA GUIDELINES; AND 5) DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT SECONDARY CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS OR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR TANK MANUFACTURERS AND INSTALLERS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH EPA GUIDELINES.SUBRECIPIENT:NO SUBAWARDS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT.OUTCOMES:THE EXPECTED OUTCOME IS TO INCREASE PERCENTAGE OF UST FACILITIES THAT ARE IN TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE RATE COMPLIANCE, REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CONFIRMED RELEASES AT UST FACILITIES TO FIVE PERCENT (5%) FEWER THAN THE PRIOR YEAR'S TARGETS, AND LAND PRESERVATION DUE TO IMPROVED INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS, WHICH WILL RESULT IN FEWER RELEASES OF PETROLEUM AND OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.