State Water Resources Control Board

Access to the Fund requires completion of a Fund Application. A Fund Application can be obtained by either clicking below on "Claim Application" or by calling the Fund's toll free telephone number at 1-800-813-FUND (3863).

Upon receipt of a Fund Application, a claim number is assigned. Assignment of a claim number does not indicate the claims' eligibility or ranking. Whenever making inquiries about the status of a claim, refer to the claim number.

The Fund Application requests information necessary to determine eligibility for reimbursement of corrective action costs. To file an application with the Fund, the claimant must be a current or past owner or operator of the UST from which an unauthorized release of petroleum has occurred and be required to undertake corrective action as directed by the regulatory agency. In addition to petroleum USTs, owners of certain small home heating oil tanks that have had an unauthorized release of petroleum are also eligible.

Other eligibility requirements include compliance with applicable state UST permitting requirements, compliance with regulatory agency cleanup orders, and payment of underground storage tank fees.

New claims received are reviewed for completeness and to determine eligibility based on statuatory and regulatory requirements. The review process consists of an in-house review to ensure the application is complete and that the claimant meets the eligibility requirements. During the review process, the claimant may be contacted if more information is required to determine eligibility or the appropriate priority class. If the claim is determined eligible for funding, it will be placed on the priority list in the appropriate priority class by the date the Fund received the claim.

Once the claim is on the priority list and the claim is reachable, a compliance review is conducted of the site file maintained by the regulatory agency. The compliance review may include discussions with staff assigned to oversee site cleanup activities.

If a claimant is determined eligible and funding is available, a Letter of Commitment (LOC) will be issued. The LOC is the legal document used to obligate funds for cleanup of contamination. When an LOC is issued, the claim is removed from the priority list.

If at anytime during the claim review process the claim is determined ineligible, the claimant will be notified in writing and given the reasons for the denial. In addition, the claimant will be advised of their appeal rights.

Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund - Claim Forms and Information