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EPA Releases Operator Training Guidelines for State Underground Storage Tank Programs

Release Date: 08/08/2007
Contact Information: Roxanne Smith, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(8/8/07) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the final operator training grant guidelines for states, which implement a key provision of the underground storage tank amendments of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The operator training grant guidelines describe the minimum requirements states must meet in order to comply with the operator training provision contained in the Energy Policy Act.

The guidelines establish three distinct classes of underground storage tank operators, describe how and when states will implement the guidelines, and discuss when operators must be trained. The guidelines include: a description of the classes of operators, required training for each class of operator, deadlines when operator training is required, and examples of acceptable state approaches to operator training. In order for states to comply with these requirements, they must develop state-specific operator training requirements by Aug. 8, 2009 and ensure that all three classes of operators are trained according to state-specific requirements by Aug. 8, 2012.

EPA worked with states, regional tank offices, and other stakeholders to develop the operator training grant guidelines. EPA provides funding to states through grants, which provide resources to help states regulate underground storage tanks and implement the underground storage tank program. EPA's Web site and the Federal Register notice provide the public with the final operator training grant guidelines.

Information on the operator training grant guidelines: http://epa.gov/oust/fedlaws/final_ot.htm