Minnesota Tank Rules - UST Operator Requirements

On December 7, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published notification its intent to finalize amendments to State rules governing the operation of underground storage tank (UST) systems (Minnesota Rules Chapter 7150). For the most part, these amendments are being made to bring Minnesota Rules into conformance with the UST requirements in Section 1524 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

The amended MPCA rules will establish three classifications of UST operators:

"Class A operator" means an individual who has primary responsibility to operate and maintain the underground storage tank system. The Class A operator is responsible for managing resources and personnel to achieve and maintain compliance with MPCA Rules.

"Class B operator" means an individual who has daily responsibility to operate and maintain the underground storage tank system. The Class B operator must be present on site at least one time per month to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the tank systems, except that the Class B operator of an unattended card-lock facility must be present on site at least one time per week. Each month, the Class B operator must validate that:
• required release detection monitoring is being performed;
• required reporting is being performed and records are being maintained;
• spill, overfill, and corrosion protection systems are in place and operational;
• cathodic protection testing has been performed;
• unusual operating conditions or release detection system indications have been reported and investigated according to Minnesota Statutes, Section 115.061; and
• routine operation and maintenance activities have been accomplished.

"Class C operator" means an individual who has daily on-site presence and responsibility to handle emergencies and alarms pertaining to a spill or release from the underground storage tank system.

The owner or operator of the UST system must designate a Class A, Class B, and Class C operator for the tank system. The exception is that the owner or operator is not required to designate a Class C operator for unattended card-lock facilities.

A Class A, Class B, or Class C operator must be present on site during the operation of the tank system, except at unattended card-lock facilities, which must have a sign posted in a conspicuous place with the name and address of the facility and the telephone number of the facility owner, operator, or local emergency response.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Minnesota to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
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