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Holding Tank Regulations

Holding tanks take many forms and hold a variety of contents. Some may be underground, while others are mobile, such as in a boat or RV. A holding tank has the duty of preventing the contents from polluting the environment. Because the contents by and large must be contained properly, federal, state and local regulations are in place to prevent environmental contamination.

  1. Marine Tank Regulation

    • If the tank is holding human waste in a boat, the tank falls under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act of 1972. This federal law specifies where no discharge zones are located and how to dispose of the contents properly. For example, you are not allowed to discharge in protected estuaries. Your state must abide by all the statutes imposed and may impose stricter laws as well. Before going boating, check with your state's department of marine recreation or other agencies that deal with boating to find out your exact state's laws.

    EPA Regulations

    • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has an entire series of laws regarding holding tanks. What regulations are in place depends on content size and location of the tanks. The EPA's list of laws is extensive, including laws concerning underground holding tanks.

    State Regulations

    • All states have regulations in place for holding tanks, and most states work closely with the EPA. In Michigan, for example, the Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for regulating holding tanks. Bear in mind the exact regulation depends on the contents. An entire series of regulations may be in place for each type of content, such as being flammable or non-flammable. Furthermore, the size of the tank may affect what statutes are in place.

    Local Regulations

    • Aside from federal and state regulations, local municipalities have laws in place for holding tanks. For example, Alachua County, Florida has an entire series of regulations. Before installing a holding tank, contact your city's or county's building department to investigate what local laws are in effect for your particular type of tank.

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