State Cleanup FAQs
Table of Contents
- What happens after I report a release?
- Do I need to report a release from a Non-Regulated Underground Storage Tank (UST) or an aboveground storage tank (AST)?
- What guidelines do I follow when closing out an unregulated tank?
- What should I sample for and what analytical methods should I use?
- How do I select an Environmental Consultant?
- I have detections of "chemical X" below RISC Residential Default Closure levels;
do I have to report it? - What about electronic data submittal?
- What are State Cleanup’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control Documentation Requirements?
- What Report Format do I follow when submitting a document?
- Is there any funding available for my site investigation or cleanup?
1. What happens after I report a release?
After calling the IDEM Spill Line, an incident number will be assigned to your release. If the release is referred to the State Cleanup Program for project management, a project manager may be assigned. The project manager will send a letter requesting that you perform an investigation to characterize the nature and extent of the contamination.
2. Do I need to report a release from a Non-Regulated Underground Storage Tank (UST) or an aboveground storage tank (AST)?
To report a release from a non-regulated tank, contact the IDEM Spill Line at 888/233-7745. If there are questions about whether a specific tank or tank system is regulated, call: (317) 233-2570. If the release requires additional oversight, the site may be referred to the State Cleanup Program by the Emergency Response Section.
As with other types of spills, releases must be reported consistent with the terms outlined in the Indiana Spill Rule, 327 IAC 2-6
3. What guidelines do I follow when closing out an unregulated tank?
When closing an unregulated tank such as a heating oil tank, hydraulic lift tank, or other UST system excluded from 329 IAC 9-1-1, the State Cleanup Section requests that Responsible Parties and Contractors follow the procedures for a removal closure, outlined in 329 IAC 9-6-2.5. This section of the UST Rule outlines the quantity and location of soil and groundwater samples, lists pertinent information that should be included in the Closure Report and/or Site Investigation Report, and states the sampling requirements for excavated areas and backfill. If for some reason the unregulated tank in question cannot be physically removed (i.e. structural impediments), a State Cleanup Section Project Manager should be contacted for closure guidance.
4. What should I sample for and what analytical methods should I use?
The following table summarizes the sampling and analytical requirements for sites contaminated with petroleum and chlorinated solvents. For sites contaminated with sources other than these listed types, a State Cleanup Project Manager should be contacted for Sampling and Analytical Requirements. Note: Method detection limits for all analyses should be low enough to evaluate concentration levels against the appropriate closure levels. Also, please note that Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) Extended Range Organics (ERO) should include carbons 8 through 36.
| Source | Contaminant type | Sample Matrix | Parameters | Analytical Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Hydrocarbons | Gasoline | Soil | TPH-GRO | SW846-8015D |
| BTEX MTBE | SW846-8260B or SW846-8021B | |||
| Groundwater | TPH-GRO | SW846-8015D | ||
| BTEX MTBE | SW846-8260B or SW846-8021B | |||
| Diesel, No. 2 fuel oil, kerosene, aviation gasoline, and jet fuels | Soil | TPH-ERO Note: C8-C36 |
SW846-8015D | |
| BTEX MTBE | SW846-8260B or SW846-8021B | |||
| PAHs | SW846-8270 SIM or SW846-8310 | |||
| Groundwater | TPH-ERO | SW846-8015D | ||
| BTEX MTBE | SW846-8260B or SW846-8021B | |||
| PAHs | SW846-8270 SIM or SW846-8310 | |||
| Fuel and lubrication oils such as virgin motor oil, fuel oils No. 4, 5, and 6 (bunker oil) | Soil | TPH-ERO | SW846-8015D | |
| PAHs | SW846-8270 SIM or SW846-8310 | |||
| Groundwater | TPH-ERO | SW846-8015D | ||
| PAHs | SW846-8270 SIM or SW846-8310 | |||
| Waste Oil | Soil and Groundwater | TPH-GRO, TPH-ERO, VOCs PAHs, Napthalene (Metals and PCBs are Site Specific ONLY) | ||
| Chlorinated Solvents | Tetrachloroethylene | Soil | VOCs | SW846-8260B |
| Groundwater | VOCs | SW846-8260B or SW846-8021B | ||
5. How do I select an Environmental Consultant?
IDEM cannot endorse or recommend a contractor. The phone directory is a good source to start looking for a contractor. IDEM recommends that you solicit bids from at least three different consultants. Make sure the consultant can perform the investigation and cleanup in accordance with the guidance and laws. It may be helpful to ask other business owners (i.e. gas station owners or dry cleaning operators) about consultants that they may have hired. While the lowest bid may be appealing, finding an experienced contractor that performs quality work can often save money in the long run.
6. I have detections of “chemical X” below RISC Residential Default Closure levels; do I have to report it?
IDEM recommends that all detections be reported.
7. What about electronic data submittal?
IDEM requests that all sampling analytical data (air, soil, and water analytical sampling results) be submitted electronically to olqdata at idem.in.gov. Guidance on formatting analytical results for electronic submittal is posted at IDEM - Land - Electronic Data Submittal Guidelines for Sampling & Analysis Data. IDEM is requesting electronic submission to improve the quality and timeliness of technical reviews.
8. What are State Cleanup’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control Documentation Requirements?
The IDEM established Minimum Data Documentation Requirements (MDDRs) should be followed for all State Cleanup non-regulated petroleum related projects, excluding Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) projects and projects utilizing Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) fractionation, which require all applicable QA/QC documentation (including raw data). The full QA/QC package should remain available for submission to IDEM upon request. OLQ Chemistry highly recommends submitting full QA/QC documentation at closure of all projects.
The MDDRs may be found in the IDEM LUSTs Section.The MDDRs and the MDDR document are discussed in the draft Chapter 3 for the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program, of the RISC User’s Guide in Section 3.4.4, Data Submission Requirements.
In general, the State Cleanup Section requires that all other sites submit level IV QA/QC data for all data submitted for nature and extent determination, and for data used for closure. The level IV QA/QC requirements are outlined in the RISC Technical Guide, Appendix 2. Any questions on the required QA/QC submittals should be directed to a State Cleanup Program Project Manager.
9. What Report Format do I follow when submitting a document?
The general report outline formats are discussed in detail in the RISC User's Guide, Appendix 1. The following list of Reports will be expected as part of the investigation and cleanup process:
- Site Investigation Report (SIR) – This report is generally due within forty-five (45) days of reporting the release to IDEM. The Investigation Report should provide background or historical information about the site and should define the nature and extent of contamination.
- Further Site Investigation (FSI) Report – The purpose of a FSI Report is to supplement the information submitted in a SIR Report, and to complete delineation of the nature and extent of soil and/or groundwater contamination.
- Remediation Work Plan (RWP) – This report provides IDEM with an evaluation of the proposed remedy to clean up the site. When IDEM determines that the RWP is appropriate and ready for design and implementation, IDEM will grant approval of the Work Plan and may request an Implementation Report.
- Progress Reports – Progress Reports are generally submitted four times a year and will present IDEM a summary of sampling and monitoring results. The quarterly sampling schedule is as follows: January to March quarterly reports are due April 30th, April through June are due July 31st, July through September are due October 31st, and October through December are due by January 31st of the following calendar year.
- Closure Report - At the end of a project, a final report must be submitted to document that closure goals have been achieved. When IDEM has determined that the Site poses no risk to human health or the environment, No Further Action status will be granted.
10. Is there any funding available for my site investigation or cleanup?
Currently there is no state-provided funding (i.e. grants or loans) available from the State Cleanup Program. However, current or historical insurance policies may provide coverage for your environmental release or spill. Your contractor or insurance agent may be able to assist you in determining your coverage.
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