Tank Closure Program Funds

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Director Steve Owens is encouraging counties & small communities to apply for ADEQ's County & Municipal Tank Closure Program, a state-funded program to assist residents, businesses & government entities with the removal of abandoned underground storage tanks (USTs) & cleanup of associated contamination.

Funds are available through the program for the removal of abandoned USTs in communities of fewer than 15,000 people & unincorporated county areas. The department is accepting applications to participate in the program from eligible counties, cities & towns.

"Abandoned USTs present safety concerns & are a potential source of groundwater contamination," Owens said. "This program creates a win-win for Arizona communities by removing abandoned USTs at no cost to property owners, which paves the way for economic redevelopment & protection of precious natural resources."

Affected property owners should contact their city manager, mayor or county representative to participate in the program. Once ADEQ approves an application, ADEQ will have the USTs removed.

The County & Municipal Tank Closure Program was created in 2001. Since that time ADEQ has removed more than 100 USTs across the state.