Closure of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 1604 THIRD EDITION, MARCH 1996 REAFFIRMED, NOVEMBER 2001

API ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY MISSION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The members of the American Petroleum Institute are dedicated to continuous efforts to improve the compatibility of our operations with the environment while economically developing energy resources and supplying high quality products and services to consum- ers. We recognize our responsibility to work with the public, the government, and others to develop and to use natural resources in an environmentally sound manner while protecting the health and safety of our employees and the public. To meet these responsibilities, API members pledge to manage our businesses according to the following principles using sound science to prioritize risks and to implement cost-effective management practices:

• To recognize and to respond to community concerns about our raw materials, prod- ucts and operations.

• To operate our plants and facilities, and to handle our raw materials and products in a manner that protects the environment, and the safety and health of our employees and the public.

• To make safety, health and environmental considerations a priority in our planning, and our development of new products and processes.

• To advise promptly, appropriate officials, employees, customers and the public of information on significant industry-related safety, health and environmental hazards, and to recommend protective measures.

• To counsel customers, transporters and others in the safe use, transportation and dis- posal of our raw materials, products and waste materials.

• To economically develop and produce natural resources and to conserve those resources by using energy efficiently.

• To extend knowledge by conducting or supporting research on the safety, health and environmental effects of our raw materials, products, processes and waste materials.

• To commit to reduce overall emissions and waste generation.

• To work with others to resolve problems created by handling and disposal of hazard- ous substances from our operations.

• To participate with government and others in creating responsible laws, regulations and standards to safeguard the community, workplace and environment.

• To promote these principles and practices by sharing experiences and offering assis- tance to others who produce, handle, use, transport or dispose of similar raw materi- als, petroleum products and wastes.

Closure of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks

Manufacturing, Distribution and Marketing Department

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 1604 THIRD EDITION, MARCH 1996