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Release Response

Introduction

An owner/operator of a regulated petroleum storage tank facility is responsible for assessing and remediating a petroleum release upon discovery. Typically, a Recognized Environmental Professional is contracted to assist an owner/operator to respond to petroleum releases. OPS utilizes a formal method of risk evaluation based on the American Society of Testing and Materials Standard E 1739-95. This approach to risk evaluation allows for multiple closure criteria, or tiers, to be applied to a petroleum release.

OPS has the following remediation goals:

  • Reduce the environmental and public impact of petroleum releases.
  • Ensure releases are reported by owners/operators of regulated tank systems.
  • Ensure timely and appropriate cleanup of leaking petroleum storage tank systems.
  • Provide technical guidance on release response regulations, tools, and new research.
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The release response section of the guidance addresses the topics of release discovery, initial abatement, characterization, corrective actions and closure criteria. OPS will issue a No Further Action letter once it has been demonstrated that the petroleum release is considered to be a low risk to human health and the environment. Petroleum release information will be archived in the OPS database and will indicate the appropriate closure criteria. A petroleum release investigation may be reopened if exposure conditions change.

You can contact the Remediation Section with questions by calling (303) 318-8547 or emailing us at cdle_remediation@state.co.us.

Additional Resources

Standard Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) Applied at Petroleum Release Sites