Indiana UST Regulations 2026: IDEM & ELTF Compliance Guide
Practical roadmap for meeting Indiana's underground storage tank requirements, funding options, and 2026 inspection priorities
Indiana maintains more than 13,000 regulated underground storage tanks, and the IDEM UST Program expects owners to document every compliance milestone. IDEM inspectors now pair database reviews with on-site spot checks, so keeping records in a single digital repository is the easiest way to prove compliance. If you need to verify facility history before a transaction, start with the Indiana UST map on UST Map to confirm open tanks and recent releases.
Core 2026 Compliance Requirements
- 30-day walkthroughs: Inspect spill buckets, overfill devices, and secondary containment every month and log findings.
- Annual testing: Perform containment sump pressure/vacuum tests and verify automatic shutoff equipment within 30 days of the anniversary date.
- Operator training: Class A/B operators must refresh certification every three years; Class C operators require site-specific spill response drills.
- Licensed contractors: Indiana law requires State Fire Marshal permitting for installation, upgrades, and removals.
Leak Detection & Reporting Expectations
Every active system needs an approved leak detection method such as automatic tank gauging, interstitial monitoring, or statistical inventory reconciliation. Suspected releases must be reported to IDEM within 24 hours via the Emergency Response line (1-888-233-7745) and followed by a written incident report within five days. Keep alarm histories, monthly release detection logs, and testing invoices for at least three years in case IDEM requests them during desk audits.
Financial Responsibility & ELTF Coverage
Indiana mirrors the federal minimums—$1 million for most marketers and $500,000 for small non-retail owners—but IDEM frequently confirms coverage amounts during inspections. Many operators rely on the Excess Liability Trust Fund (ELTF) to satisfy deductibles and backstop catastrophic losses. To remain eligible, submit annual tank fees, maintain tightness testing schedules, and obtain IDEM approval before beginning corrective action. ELTF reimbursements often take 9-12 months, so plan interim cash flow and consider pairing ELTF with commercial pollution liability insurance.
Cleanup Funds & Recent Updates
The 2025 Indiana General Assembly raised the ELTF per-incident cap to $3 million and authorized IDEM to fast-track claims for emergency free-product recovery. IDEM is also piloting electronic submittals for Corrective Action Plans, which should shorten review times in 2026. Stay alert for new guidance on remote monitoring data—IDEM intends to accept continuous pressure readings as long as owners maintain calibration certificates.
Actionable Tips for Indiana UST Owners
- Digitize your walkthrough checklists and tie alarms to work orders so IDEM can trace corrective actions.
- Schedule cathodic protection surveys 90 days early in case repairs are needed before the deadline.
- Use the ELTF pre-approval meeting to align investigative scopes with IDEM reviewers and avoid denied costs.
- Bookmark our property due diligence guide when evaluating acquisitions with aging Indiana tanks.
For official updates, monitor IDEM's UST Program bulletins and the State Fire Marshal licensing roster. Pair those sources with the facility-level insights on UST Map risk guides for a complete compliance picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates underground storage tanks in Indiana?
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Office of Land Quality oversees UST registration, compliance, inspections, and enforcement, while the State Fire Marshal enforces installer and remover licensing requirements.
How does the Excess Liability Trust Fund (ELTF) work?
Indiana's ELTF reimburses eligible corrective action costs that exceed the owner's financial responsibility. Owners must pay a deductible (typically $30,000 for single-facility operators) and follow IDEM's claim submittal process with pre-approved scopes of work.
What are Indiana's financial responsibility requirements?
Most petroleum marketers must show at least $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate coverage through insurance, surety bonds, or ELTF participation. Local governments with fewer than 100 tanks may qualify for reduced coverage if they meet IDEM's self-insurance tests.