Arkansas UST Regulations 2026: DEQ RST Program Guide
How Arkansas owners and consultants can stay aligned with DEQ's Regulated Storage Tanks Program in 2026
Arkansas builds on federal EPA rules with state-specific mandates inside the Regulated Storage Tanks (RST) Program. Regulation 12 requires annual registration, operator training, corrosion protection upkeep, and the use of licensed contractors for any system work. Treat the DEQ as a partner: when you document tasks, submit fees on time, and keep communication lines open, you protect the environment and streamline access to state cleanup dollars.
Core Compliance Duties
Every regulated tank must be registered with paid annual fees, and inspection records must be retained for at least three years. Class A/B/C operator training is mandatory, as is the maintenance and periodic testing of cathodic protection systems. Arkansas also requires that installation, repair, testing, and closure activities be performed by DEQ-licensed firms, so retain copies of licenses alongside project reports.
- Submit annual registration fees and keep certificates on-site.
- Update Class A/B/C operator designations when staff changes occur.
- Inspect corrosion protection equipment and retain test data.
- Engage DEQ-licensed contractors for all construction, repair, and closure work.
Leak Detection and Reporting
Arkansas requires monthly monitoring using approved methods such as Automatic Tank Gauging, interstitial monitoring, or statistical inventory reconciliation. Keep monitoring logs ready for inspection, test sensors annually, and report any anomalies to DEQ within 24 hours. Review our leak detection glossary if you need to confirm method eligibility.
- Maintain line leak detectors on pressurized piping and verify functionality yearly.
- Document monthly inventory reconciliation to support release investigations.
- Launch a formal investigation immediately after alarms, unusual operating conditions, or spill bucket failures.
Financial Responsibility and Trust Fund Access
Owners must demonstrate financial responsibility for corrective action and third-party claims. Most facilities rely on the Arkansas Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund, which reimburses cleanup costs beyond the $7,500 deductible. Eligibility hinges on timely fee payments, compliant operations, and prompt reporting. Act 148 raised interim payment caps to $2 million per incident, while Act 706 tweaked deductible calculations—review both before submitting a claim.
- Confirm insurance certificates or financial assurance mechanisms match tank inventories.
- Use the Trust Fund only after documenting deductible payments and approved scopes of work.
- Upload claims, invoices, and lab data through the state's SEEK online portal for faster processing.
Regulatory Updates and Outlook
Beyond the Trust Fund changes, DEQ's 2026 emphasis includes operator competence and accurate digital submissions. The SEEK portal is becoming the default repository for registration updates, release notifications, and reimbursement packages, so ensure your team has logins and training. Enforcement continues to focus on recordkeeping, timely leak reporting, and the use of licensed contractors.
Actionable Tips
- Conduct daily visual inspections of dispensers, spill buckets, and tank pads to catch issues before they escalate.
- Maintain a compliance calendar covering monitoring, testing, registrations, insurance renewals, and TRUST Fund deadlines.
- Organize digital and hard-copy folders with permits, test results, invoices, and contractor credentials.
- Train on-site personnel to document alarms, overfills, and emergency calls contemporaneously.
Need agency guidance? Visit the Arkansas DEQ RST portal and review live facility data on our Arkansas state page before property transfers or financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates underground storage tanks in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment's Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees USTs through the Regulated Storage Tanks (RST) Program and Regulation 12.
What cleanup funding is available in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund reimburses eligible owners for corrective action costs after a $7,500 deductible, provided registrations and reporting obligations are current.
How fast must I report a suspected leak?
All suspected releases must be reported to DEQ within 24 hours, followed by prompt investigation, documentation, and confirmation sampling as directed by the agency.
Do contractors need special licenses for UST work?
Yes. Only DEQ-licensed contractors may install, repair, test, or close UST systems in Arkansas, and proof of licensing should be kept with project records.
What changed heading into 2026?
Act 148 raised the Trust Fund's interim payment cap to $2 million, while Act 706 adjusted deductible calculations. Operators should also use the SEEK portal for digital submissions.