Underground Storage Tank Facilities
New Requirements

Effective January 1, 2005

State Water Resources Control Board adopted new regulations for Underground Storage Tanks (UST’s) that took effect June 2004.

All UST facilities must complete the following by January 1, 2005:

• Submit a certification by the facility owner that the facility is in compliance with Underground Storage Tank regulations
• Submit the name of the designated Certified UST Operator for the site

What does the “UST Operator” do?

The designated certified UST Operator, and only the designated operator, must:

• Conduct monthly inspections of the UST and related pumps, records, etc. and provide a written report of such inspections.

• Conduct annual employee training on the facility monitoring and response plan by July 2005 and each year after.

What is a CERTIFIED UST Operator?

To become certified, the operator must pass a certification test provided by a designated testing agency.  The test is designed to demonstrate that the operator has a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the UST regulations, and how they should be applied.

Operators must renew their certification at least every two years, by re-taking and passing the operator certification exam.

Who does this regulation apply to?

Any facility that has an Underground Storage Tank regulated by CCR, Title 23, Division 3, Chapter 16, which includes most UST’s storing hazardous materials, including gasoline, oils, etc.

What if I haven’t yet addressed all of these requirements?

You are out of compliance if you have not

• submitted the certification of compliance to your CUPA
• submitted the UST Operator designation to your CUPA
• had inspections of your facility each month by your designated Operator
• had employee UST training so that a least one trained employee is present during all operating hours

Facilities that are not in compliance with UST regulations are vulnerable to receiving regulatory fines and/or violations.

Some companies have not identified the UST, others are finding that the UST Operator that was initially chosen is not providing the level of service that had been expected.  If your UST Operator fails to conduct inspections, YOU are responsible for any regulatory action due to non-compliance.

What can CDMS do to help?

CDMS can provide a certified UST Operator Service in which we act as the facilities designated UST Operator.  For a nominal monthly fee, we will conduct monthly inspections, train your employees, and prepare required submittals. 

In addition, we can assist with addressing other UST regulatory requirements, such as preparing a Monitoring and Response Plan, as required by every facility.

For more information, or a quote on how CDMS can assist your facility, in Southern California, call Priscilla Cook at 562-988-0800, or, in Northern California call Michele McSweeney at 925-551-7300.

CDMS has been providing Compliance assistance to companies for over 17 years.  Let us show you how our experience in providing compliance services and professionalism make us the right choice for you.