Because storage tanks are buried, releases, such as leaks, can go undetected and contaminate soil and groundwater. Image: ad-foto/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffAn inspector general report has called on the VA to increase its oversight of underground storage tanks—which for example contain fuel for boilers and generators to be used in case of a power failure—at its medical facilities.
In examining eight facilities with a total of 44 such tanks, auditors found that seven—accounting for all but two—did not meet all the federal, state and VA-specific requirements. “Some of them did not consistently record UST equipment, immediately investigate persistent alarms on automatic tank gauging systems, or respond to notices of noncompliance or violations by established deadlines,” a report said.
“Because these tanks are buried, releases, such as leaks, can go undetected and contaminate soil and groundwater. Any contaminated soil and groundwater can then threaten drinking water and contaminate indoor air spaces with toxic vapors,” it said.
“Potentially exposing veterans and VA employees to chemicals stored in USTs at VA medical facilities increases their risk of developing cancer and having adverse health impacts to their reproductive, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems,” it said, adding that the VA cares for many older and immunosuppressed veterans, such as those receiving cancer treatments or organ transplants, who are at especially high risk.
It said that the VA has not kept an inventory of such tanks since a 2006 assessment finding nearly 800 at 136 facilities. While there is no federal requirement for the department to keep a current accounting, they are subject to VA and GSA policies on keeping records of real property assets, the IG said.
In a quarter of records the IG reviewed, the tanks were incorrectly characterized—resulting in differences among VA, EPA and Federal Real Property Council records—and VA records were inconsistent regarding maintenance of systems to detect leaks, it said.
The report said management agreed with recommendations directed toward those findings.
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