What commonly regulates hazardous material storage?

The regulation of hazardous material storage is primarily overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA establishes and enforces regulations to protect the environment and human health from potential hazards associated with the mismanagement of hazardous materials. This includes guidelines on how hazardous substances should be stored, handled, and disposed of to minimize risks such as spills, contamination, and exposure.

The agency's role is critical because improper storage can lead to significant environmental damage, including soil and water contamination, which can have lasting effects on ecosystems and public health. The EPA has set specific standards under various legislations, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs the management of hazardous waste from its creation to its disposal.

While local government laws, OSHA, and the DOT also have important roles in regulating aspects of hazardous materials, such as workplace safety standards or transportation regulations, it is the EPA that predominantly oversees the specific requirements related to storage itself. Local laws may supplement or enforce more specific regulations tailored to the community's needs, but they are often based on EPA standards. OSHA focuses more on worker safety related to hazardous materials, and the DOT regulates the transportation aspect rather than the storage of materials.