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UST Program - Inspector's Handbook Underground Storage Tank Program

UST Program - Inspector's Handbook Underground Storage Tank Program


What is a UST facility?
A facility can be a gas station, a school maintenance yard, military base, truck stop, government garage, rental car agency, utility company, hospital or computer company (these use emergency generators), and others.
The law says local agency inspectors must conduct facility inspections, and:
“The purpose of the inspection is to determine whether the tank system complies with the applicable requirements of this chapter and the regulations. . . including the design and construction standards . . . whether the operator has monitored and tested the tank system as required by the (operating) permit, and whether the tank system is in a safe operating condition” [H&SC 25288(a)]. Most local agencies have some guidelines for their inspectors, but there has been a call for more uniformity in California.
There may be more than one reason to conduct facility inspections (routine, follow-up, or disciplinary). However, the goal is the same: to ensure that human health and the environment are protected from releases from underground storage tanks.
To that end, the inspector needs to plan a course of action.
  • What needs to be done to prepare for the inspection?
  • How are inspections prioritized?
  • Will it be an announced or unannounced visit?
  • What equipment and materials will the inspector need to take?
  • What equipment should be taken to document findings?
  • What items need to be inspected (records, equipment, etc.)?
These questions will be answered in this document.