As contamination from leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) drew public concern in the early 1980s, an industry of professionals focused on combating these challenges emerged. Much of today’s UST workforce is now nearing retirement age, and with that, many young professionals are now joining the field. Issue #97 of LUSTLine — the publication of record for the UST community — aims to provide a starting place for these individuals to build connections, seek out resources, and get involved in the community.

The issue begins with an article by NEIWPCC Information Officer Cheyenne Ellis, which provides a glimpse at how a groundwater contamination disaster in Rhode Island brought national attention (and later, federal regulations) to the issue of leaking underground storage tanks. The piece also explores the state’s own UST programs, including a financial responsibility fund that acts as an insurance program for tank owners in the event of a leak.

Carolyn Hoskinson, director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST), shares how annual “three-hour calls” with each of the regional tanks programs provide valuable insight into understanding how the program functions on a national level. She describes the calls as a way to “understand the story behind the data” and describes the importance of learning about and sharing innovative approaches states are taking to address their challenges.

The remainder of the issue introduces new professionals to some of the most prominent organizations and programs in the industry, including:

Each piece provides an overview of the purpose of the organization or program, how to get involved with them, and other relevant professional development opportunities.

Additionally, NEIWPCC’s UST/LUST Program Coordinator James Plummer shares updates that may be of use for new professionals. These include a new Online Tanks Community, which allows regulators to ask questions, share resources, and network with their peers, and a free, self-paced online course and exam for Class A and B operators. The LUSTLine archive and index also provides access to more than 500 articles on a variety of tanks-related topics.

LUSTLine is published twice a year. To subscribe, email lustline@neiwpcc.org with a message asking to receive email alerts for when the next issue is released.