Class A/B UST Operator Training
texas
Texas UST Operator training courses
Texas UST Operator Training Course Descriptions
Click the tabs below for a description of our training courses.
Our Texas Class A and Class B Underground Storage Tank (UST) Facility Operator Training Course is sponsored by the Texas Food & Fuel Association. The TFFA-sponsored course was the first one approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It was re-approved in September 2018 to address the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) revisions to the federal UST regulations and the subsequent revised Texas UST regulations. Our Texas Class A/B UST Training Course covers UST operator classifications, UST systems, UST operation, UST release detection, financial responsibility and investigation and reporting of suspected and confirmed releases from USTs. Our Texas Class AB UST Operator Training Course includes a quiz at the end of each section. It does not have a final exam.
We have also developed a Texas Class C UST Operator Training Course designed to provide the initial Class C UST training needed to know how to recognize and respond to problems, alarms, fuel delivery, suspected releases, and spills at UST facilities. The training of the Texas Class C UST operator is the responsibility of the Texas Class B UST operator. Our training includes a method to create-specific UST procedures that the Texas Class B UST operator can utilize to provide site-specific training to the Texas Class C UST Operator.
Texas UST Operator Classifications
Texas underground storage tank facilities are regulated by the TCEQ. The Texas UST regulations are found in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30 (Environmental Quality), Part 1 (TCEQ), Chapter 334 (Underground Storage Tanks regulations).
TCEQ has rules governing UST facility operator training requirements. The Texas UST operator training rules requires the owner or operator of each Texas UST facility to train at least one employee in each of the following classifications:
The Texas Class A UST operator is typically the owner or manager of a UST facility who has general knowledge of regulations governing USTs. The Class A UST operator has responsibility for providing the appropriate resources and staff to maintain compliance with Texas and federal UST regulations.
The Texas Class B UST operator has responsibility for implementing the day-to-day, site-specific requirements including maintenance, operation, and record keeping at the UST facility. The Texas Class B UST operator also has responsibility for training the Texas Class C UST operators.
The Texas Class C UST operator is the first responder to emergencies at the UST facility. At a typical convenience store, the Class C UST operator will often be the clerk or attendant at the gas station. At an industrial facility, the Class C UST operator could be a facility employee that works in the vicinity of the USTs. The Class C UST operator must understand how to recognize alarms or emergency conditions, how to respond to alarms or spills, and how to call the Texas Class A or Class B UST operators and appropriate responders in case of an emergency or fuel spill.
Texas UST Operator References
Here are some helpful references for Texas UST Class A and Class B operators. Click the tab for more information.
In Texas, if you are the owner or operator of one or more regulated USTs, you are required to:
- Make sure all USTs, including those empty or in temporary closure, are registered with the TCEQ.
- Provide to the TCEQ proof of Financial Responsibility with the Underground Storage Tank Registration and Self-Certification form (TCEQ-0724).
- Annually, at least 30 days before it expires, obtain a new delivery certificate.
- Notify the TCEQ at least 30 days before beginning construction work at your UST facility.
- Notify the TCEQ of any changes in ownership or any other important aspects (e.g. financial responsibility, UST operator, release detection, spill prevention, corrosion protection, etc.) within 30 days of the change.
The list above is not an exhaustive list of owner and operator requirements. The TCEQ has developed a UST and AST Superguide for operating, installing, replacing, removing, or registering a UST in Texas.
The TCEQ has a forms and guidance website that Texas Class A/B UST operators should utilize. Some of the most used forms are listed below:
- TCEQ-0495 (Construction Notification Form) utilized by UST operators to provide notification of construction activites at least 30 days prior.
- TCEQ-0724 (UST Registration & Self-Certification Form) utilized to register or make changes to registration of UST systems.
- TCEQ-20097 (Incident Report Form) to report suspected or confirmed releases within 24 hours.
On October 13, 2015, USEPA finalized the first significant changes to the federal UST regulations since 1988. Texas revised UST regulations were final in May of 2018. These Texas UST regulation revisions are summarized in TCEQ UST Updated Rules Summary.
The most significant revisions to the Texas UST regulations went fully into effect on January 1, 2021 and are listed below.
- UST system compatibility demonstration;
- Monthly UST walkthrough inspections;
- Annual UST walkthrough inspections;
- Tri-Annual UST spill container and UST containment sump testing;
- Annual UST overfill prevention equipment inspections;
- Annual UST release detection equipment testing; and, but not limited to,
- Emergency Generator UST System and Airport Hydrant UST Requirements.
New Skimmer Rules are coming. Texas UST Operators should attend the TFFA Fall Summit to get the details.
If you have questions about Texas UST regulations, Texas UST operator training, or any other Texas UST requirements, you may contact the TCEQ Petroleum Storage Tank Program by email ([email protected]) or phone at (512) 239-2160 or call the Texas Small Business and Local Government Assistance section at (800) 447-2827.
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