The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is launching a new program to remove older underground storage tanks that may leak and contribute to soil and groundwater contamination.

The program targets gas stations that store their fuel in underground tanks, offering them an opportunity to upgrade to a newer, safer system. ADEQ will work with tank users to conduct soil tests, develop mitigation plans and help replace faulty tanks.

“This new program will allow ADEQ to mitigate potential future public health impacts from gas and diesel

contamination,” ADEQ Waste Programs Division Director Laura Malone said. “In addition,these tank removals

have a great potential to increase the market value of the properties from which the tanks are being removed.”

ADEQ officials said the majority of leaky tanks are 20 years old, but that any leaky tank should be addressed as soon as possible to limit the threat to public health.