Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program - Statutes and Regulations
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program
Single-Walled UST Closure Requirements
Information on Single-Walled USTs
The State Water Resources Control Board Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program staff held an informational workshop on the permanent closure of single-walled USTs on December 1, 2015 in Sacramento, March 29, 2016 in Los Angeles, April 26, 2016 in Fresno, and May 17, 2016 in Redding. The workshop focused on Senate Bill 445, which requires the permanent closure of all single-walled USTs. UST Leak Prevention Program staff discussed in detail the design and construction requirements, as well as the closure requirements, imposed by Senate Bill 445. Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) Program staff discussed loan and grant funding opportunities available to assist eligible small business owners/operators to meet the single-walled UST removal requirement. Lastly, UST Cleanup Fund staff presented information regarding cleanup funds available to assist eligible owners/operators with cleaning up petroleum-related contamination from the UST. For more information about the workshop please see the link below.
On September 25, 2014, a new law (Health and Safety Code, Section 25292.05) became effective which requires the permanent closure of all single-walled underground storage tanks (USTs) in California by the deadline date of December 31, 2025. The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) issued a notification to the public regarding this new law on September 26, 2014, which can be found below.
To stay in compliance with the law and avoid fines, owners and operators must replace or remove their single-walled USTs by the deadline date. Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) Program grants and loans are available to assist eligible small businesses with the costs necessary to remove, replace, or upgrade project tanks. For more information on funding sources, visit the link below.
In January 2015, the State Water Board conducted a survey, with the assistance of the Unified Program Agencies, to identify all the remaining single-walled USTs in California. The compilation of the survey results can be found below. This information will be used to better identify funding needs and target public outreach.
On July 7, 2015, the State Water Board issued a letter to owners and/or operators of single-walled USTs (identified by the UPA) regarding the new single-walled UST closure requirements. The letter provided information on how to comply with the new requirements, what funding sources are available to assist with compliance, and who to contact for questions or concerns. Visit the link below to view a copy of this letter.
On July 24, 2015 the State Water Board released Local Guidance (LG) 171 - Permanent Closure of Underground Storage Tanks That Do Not Meet Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.7, Section 25291, Subdivisions (a)(1)-(6). LG 171 summarizes the main provisions of Senate Bill 445 (Stats. 2014, Ch. 547) that apply to UST design and construction. These changes are reflected in Health and Safety Code, section 25292.05. The guidance was drafted in an attempt to make it easier for owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs), Unified Program Agency staff, and other interested parties to identify USTs subject to SB445. In addition, LG 171 specifies what actions are necessary if the UST does not comply with Health and Safety Code, chapter 6.7, section 25291(a)(1)-(6). LG 171, as well as other LG letters, can be found in Local Guidance webpage below.
