Aboveground Storage Tanks

The Iowa State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction regarding the storage of petroleum products in aboveground storage tanks. The Flammable Liquids Section reviews and approves plans for aboveground petroleum storage tanks.  The section also has jurisdiction over transportation, storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids and LP-gas (propane) generally, and approves plans for LP-gas installations.

Before any entity installs an aboveground storage tank for flammable and combustible liquids, plans MUST be submitted to the State Fire Marshal's Office for approval per the Iowa Administrative Code 661-51.201(101). Submitted information shall include but not be limited to the following: details concerning the UL Listing of the tank(s), distance factors for the tank(s), specifications for normal venting, emergency venting, secondary containment, piping, fuel dispensers, electrical wiring, required valves, warnings signs, etc. The Flammable Liquids Section also investigates complaints of non-compliant aboveground storage tank installations.

Plans for LP Gas installations must be submitted in accordance with the Iowa Administrative Code 661-226.1(101). LP Gas installations utilizing storage containers over 2,000 gallons individual water capacity shall be submitted to the Flammable Liquids Section prior to installation.

The aboveground storage tank installation may also require a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan (SPCC). SPCC plans are reviewed by the U.S. EPA Region 7, Air, RCRA, and Toxics Division, Storage Tanks and Oil Pollution Branch, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101. Contact Alan Hancock (hancock.alan@epamail.epa.gov) or Robert Webber (webber.robert@epa.gov) to determine if your installation will require an SPCC plan.