​The NIH Fuel Storage Tank Management Program is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the underground storage tanks (USTs) and aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD and the NIH Animal Center in Poolesville, MD.  There are 18 USTs and 66 ASTs (total capacity 1,309,687 gallons) located at the Bethesda campus; and there are 9 USTs and 27 ASTs (total capacity 158,783 gallons) located in Poolesville. All of the tanks are used for the storage of heating oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel.  The tanks are routinely maintained through standard operational procedures, monitored monthly for release detection, and audited annually. A contract for State required third-party tri-annual inspections is being implemented.

The program’s objective is to maintain compliance with all legal and other requirements for fuel storage tank management and pollution prevention. The primary activities of this program include: proper filling and dispensing operations; proper operations and maintenance; monitoring systems; remedial maintenance; and tank installation and removal or replacement, if needed.

Figure 1 Aboveground Storage Tank

Figure 2 Aboveground Storage Tank

Figure 3 Aboveground Storage Tank​​​