MPCA Tank Rules - Operator Training 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 Federal UST requirements in Section 1524 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

The revised Minnesota Rules include specific training requirements for the three classes of UST system operators. Class A and B operators must pass an agency-administered examination verifying operator knowledge of the UST system with a score of 75 % or higher. Newly designated Class A and B operators must pass the agency-administered examination within 30 days after being designated by the owner or operator of the tank system.

A Class B operator must retake the examination within 30 days after a change in any of the following tank system components:
(1) tank or piping construction material;
(2) tank or piping release detection method; or
(3) type of cathodic protection system.

Current Class A and B operators must be designated and pass the initial agency-administered examination according to the following deadlines:

(1) operators at UST facilities where the facility telephone area code is 651 or 952 must pass the examination no later than August 8, 2010.
(2) operators at UST facilities where the facility telephone area code is 612 or 763 must pass the examination no later than August 8, 2011.
(3) operators at UST facilities where the facility telephone area code is 507, 218, or 320, or other area code must pass the examination no later than August 8, 2012.

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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