Hazardous Materials

The Hazardous Materials Branch regulates the importation, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste. Compliance inspections of Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST), and facilities that generate hazardous materials / hazardous wastes are conducted annually to ensure the protection of human health and groundwater resources in American Samoa. There is also a 24-hour emergency response service we provide for hazardous materials incidents and open burning complaints from the public.

Regulation ASAC 24.08 - Hazardous Material

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Hazardous materials (hazmat) incidents involve the release or potential discharge of dangerous substances that pose risks to public health, safety, and the environment. Effective emergency response requires coordinated efforts from first responders, specialized hazmat teams, and relevant authorities.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Hazardous materials management involves safely handling, storing, transporting, and disposing of substances that pose risks to health, safety, or the environment. It includes identifying hazardous materials, following regulatory guidelines, implementing safety measures, and ensuring proper employee training. Effective management minimizes accidents, prevents environmental contamination, and ensures compliance with local, national, and international regulations.

ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS

Aboveground storage tank or “AST” means any one or combination of tanks (including the pipes connected thereto) that are used to contain an accumulation of petroleum products or other chemicals and the volume of which (including the volume of pipes connected thereto) is 90 percent or more above the ground surface.

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HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Similar to hazardous materials management, addressing hazardous waste management involves the following regulations/protocols to ensure that pollution is prevented, ecosystems are protected, and environmental laws are in compliance.

What is a UST?

An underground storage tank (UST) system is a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank containing at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. The federal UST regulations apply only to UST systems storing either petroleum or certain hazardous substances.

AS-EPA UST program addresses UST systems: Design, Construction, Installation, Notification, and Permits. UST general operating requirements, release detection, financial responsibility, UST out-of-service and closure, and enforcement actions are all conducted and monitored by the hazardous materials branch. AS-EPA Hazmat Branch administers and conducts Underground Storage Tank (UST) inspections for the territory of American Samoa.

Local UST Facilities:

UST REGULATIONS:

AS-EPA adopted 40 CFR 280, which are the federal regulations for storage tanks. Click on the following links for federal and local regulations regarding storage tanks: