The California State Water Resources Control Board mandates that all underground storage tanks (USTs) with single-walled components must be permanently closed by December 31, 2025, as stipulated in Health and Safety Code ยง25292.05. Single-walled UST closure by end of 2025 is critical. This requirement applies to tanks and piping lacking secondary containment and continuous leak detection systems.
Closure Options:
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Removal: Excavate and remove the tank from the site.
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Closure-in-Place: Decommission the tank onsite, subject to approval by the local Unified Program Agency (UPA)
Both methods necessitate soil sampling and analysis to detect potential contamination.
Enforcement Measures:
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Non-compliant systems after the deadline will be subject to enforcement actions, including:
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Affixing red tags to tanks, prohibiting fuel deliveries and dispensing.
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Imposing civil penalties ranging from $500 to $5,000 per tank per day.
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Financial Assistance:
The Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) Program offers grants and loans to eligible small businesses for UST removal, replacement, or upgrades. Note that funding is limited and subject to availability.
Action Steps:
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Assess your UST systems to determine if they are single-walled and subject to the closure requirement.
- Develop a compliance plan to either remove or upgrade affected tanks.
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Contact your local UPA for guidance on closure procedures and permitting requirements.
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Explore eligibility for RUST Program funding to assist with compliance costs.
For more information about single-walled UST closure by end of 2025, visit the State Water Resources Control Board’s Single-Walled USTs webpage. Include Tait Training courses for California in your compliance education.