ITEC offered the first Owner/Operator Training for Region 6 in May 2000. This training is still the only owner/operator training recognized by EPA Region 6. ITEC members who own or operate underground storage tank systems have found the ITEC Owner/Operator Training an asset in reaching and maintaining environmental compliance for UST systems. ITEC's owner/operator training focuses on the operation and compliance issues owners and operators of UST systems face daily. The ITEC owner/operator training is oriented towards each tribe's individual UST system since each system and location can be different.

Goals of the Owner/Operator Training

* Teach owners and operators more about Underground Storage Tanks

* Teach owners and operators of your UST what to do and when to do it

* Teach owners and operators how to reach and stay in complaince with EPA UST regulations

 

The purpose of this web tutorial is to familiarize and educate the persons who own and operate Underground Storage Tank (UST) Systems. With the guidance of the EPA, this course was established to aid in the development of a skilled labor force within the field of UST management. By utilizing this web tool, the user should be able to perform a quick systems evaluation that will identify the proper requirements for each system. Users of this web tool will learn the maintenance, monitoring methods, and emergency procedures needed for the UST system they are evaluating. The course is concluded with a 50 question test to assist with evaluating the skills learned here.

This website only outlines the EPA regulations. These regulations are minimum requirements that must be achieved by each UST owner or operator. However, state and tribal authorities may have adopted more stringent regulations to protect valuable resources within their jurisdictions. Consult with the regulatory agency in your area to see if there are any special issues that should be addressed concerning UST compliance.

As an owner or operator of a UST system it is your responsibility to assure optimal operation of that system. Failure to operate a UST system safely and maintain its working parts could result in a devastating financial loss to the owner. The cost of losing your inventory is magnified by the cost of cleanup, which can reach up to $1,000,000.00 (One Million Dollars) and lead to lawsuits by impacted parties. As of the passing of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, any UST system not meeting compliance can be "Red Tagged" and denied the delivery of fuel. The closer you monitor your UST system, the less likely you will be subjected to these situations.

If there are any suggestions to improve this website or this training please contact Bobby Short. Your input as owners and operators is a valuable source of information that will aid others in UST compliance.