Because it is less probable that a facility with an operator who has completed proper training will experience a petroleum spill, the Federal Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2005 requires that each federally regulated underground storage tank (UST) facility have a certified operator by August 8, 2012 (August 1, 2012 for Vermont and Rhode Island). This generally applies to UST facilities that store, market, or distribute gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, or heating oil, and UST facilities that store diesel for an emergency generator.
The Federal Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act developed three categories of operators:
Class A
Responsible for the facility overall, and may manage employees who are responsible for operating and maintaining the facility. The Class A operator ensures that employees are properly trained to understand leak detection and spill prevention equipment, ensure product compatibility with equipment and maintain appropriate records.
Class B
Responsible for operation, maintenance and record keeping at the facility on a day to day basis. The Class B operator must be familiar with leak detection and spill prevention systems, spill reporting and response, and record keeping.
Class C
Must be trained to know what action to take in response to a leak alarm or an emergency such as a spill at the facility. The Class C operator notifies the Class A or B operator if such an event occurs.
See the table below to determine what specific requirements may apply to your facility:
For more information regarding how these regulations apply to your facility, assistance in developing a UST training program, or other needs for your UST facility, contact Patrick Coughlin at St.Germain Collins.