Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal & Cleanup

Several government agencies may be involved in the removal or in-place closure of tanks, sumps, or piping, especially if soil or groundwater contamination is found. The potentially involved agencies' responsibilities are described below.

Facility owners have responsibility to investigate and clean up a site if pollution is found, and may be liable for third party injury or damage. (See side panel for financial assistance opportunities.)

Summary of Requirements and Agencies Involved:

• HazMat Unit (Fire Dept. or county Hazardous Materials Compliance Division (HMCD)
  • Oversees tank, sump, and piping removal or in-place closure and initial soil sample collection. Permit required.
  • Reports pollution cases (as "unauthorized releases") to HMCD, RWQCB, and SCVWD.
  • Should receive notification of possible explosion hazards during various cleanup activities, such as above ground bioremediation or aeration.
  • Remediation systems using hazardous materials may require a permit.
• Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD)
  • May require additional testing of soils/groundwater if pollution of any detectable concentration is found during required soil sampling.
  • Provides oversight of soil and groundwater investigation and cleanup of sites contaminated by fuel.
• Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
  • Provides oversight of soil and groundwater investigation and cleanup of sites contaminated by substances other than fuel.
  • Provides enforcement when investigation or cleanup is not being done as requested by the SCVWD or the RWQCB.
  • Provides regulatory control for disposal of groundwater to storm drains.
  • Certifies completion of investigation and cleanup of soil and groundwater pollution cases.
• Bay Area Air Quality Management District
  • Provides guidance and regulations for control of air emissions from above ground soil and groundwater treatment systems and open excavation pits.
  • Must be notified prior to tank removal.
  • Should be notified if above ground soil treatment is being planned.
• Cal/EPA, Dept. of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), Region 2
  • Should be notified if any treatment is being planned.

Resources Available:

• UST Removal Packet and permit application, local HazMat Unit.
• Brochure: Soil Decontamination & Your Local Air Pollution Control District, Cal/EPA Air Resources Board, Compliance Assistance Program.
• Regulation 8, Rule 40: Tank removal, soil excavation, and aeration, Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
• Guidance documents for fuel cleanup actions, SCVWD at (408) 927-0710 X 649.
• Guidance and resources for innovative soil treatment and disposal options, Cal/EPA DTSC, Office of Pollution Prevention & Technology Development; call (916) 322-3670 to ask for a publications list and/or specialist.

Funds Available

UST Loan Program
Loans to help small businesses repair, replace, remove, or upgrade problem USTs to meet applicable local, state and/or federal standards. Also for clean-up of sites contaminated by leaking USTs. Covers up to 90% of costs.

• Amount: $30,000 - $350,000 (up to $50,000/tank)
• Applications: year round

• Call/Write:
  (510) 652-5262
  Bay Area Small Business Development Corporation
  3932 Harrison Street
  Oakland, CA 94611

UST Cleanup Fund
Grants to fuel leak site owners/tank operators (in compliance with cleanup orders) for reimbursement/prepayment of corrective action costs and liability incurred after 1/1/88. "First come, first served" basis in the following priority: (1) residential property; (2) small businesses; (3) businesses with less than 500 employees; (4) all other claims.

• Amount: up to $990,000/site
• Applications: year round

• Call/write:
  (916) 739-2475
  State Water Resources Control Board, UST Cleanup Funds
  P.O. Box 944212
  Sacramento, CA 94244-2120