Underground Storage Tank
An underground storage tank (UST) is defined by law as “any one or combination of tanks, including pipes connected thereto, that is used for the storage of hazardous substances and that is substantially or totally beneath the surface of the ground” (certain exceptions apply).
The purpose of the UST Program is to protect public health and safety and the environment from releases of petroleum and other hazardous substances from tanks.
All facilities with an UST are required to have a permit to operate. Permits are also required for closure (both temporary and permanent), modification, and new construction. An operating facility needs to have on file (both with this Division and available on site) the following information:
- Facility Operating Permit Application in CERS
- Tank Information/Monitoring Plan for each tank in CERS
- Monitoring Site Plan (map) in CERS
- Certification of Financial Responsibility in CERS
- Response Plan in CERS
- Owner/Operator Written Agreement in CERS, if applicable
- Letter from Chief Financial Officer in CERS, if applicable
- Owner Statement of Designated UST Operator Compliance in CERS
- Results of the monthly inspection by the Designated Operator (DO) (maintained on site only)
- DO employee training records (maintained on site only)
- Previous testing results submitted to CUPA within 30 days of testing and
UST PERMIT APPLICATIONS
- Application for New Construction
- Application for Major Modification (See Matrix Below)
- Application for Minor Modification (See Matrix Below)
- Application for Permanent Closure/Removal Permit
- UST Disposal Form
- Permanent Closure Handbook
- Application for Temporary Abandonment Permit
UST Modification Permit Requirement Matrix
| Type of Work | Permitted Activity | Non-Permitted Activity |
| Boot Replacement | X* | X |
| Brine System Repair | X | |
| Cathodic Protection | X | |
| Dispenser Protection | X | |
| Flex Hose Replacement (Sump/UDC) | X | |
| Line Leak Detector | No change in the device type or design | |
| Monitoring Console Install or Replacement (hardware) | X | |
| Monitoring Console Programming (software) | If monitoring plan is changed – case by case | Software change or reprogramming |
| Overfill Alarm | X | |
| Repair/Upgrade UST | X | |
| Sensor Replacement (Sumps, ATGs) | Change in sensor type or design | No change in sensor type or design |
| Spill Buckets (Direct Burial) | X | |
| Spill Buckets (Fill Sump) | X | |
| Sump Repair | X | |
| Turbine Repair | X | |
| UDC Replacement | X | |
| Underground Piping | X | |
| Vacuum System Repair | X |
*Permit required if breaking any concrete.
If a modification permit is required, please complete the Application for new Construction/Modification above. Submit to LCEH and allow staff 30 days to fully review the permit, scope of work, and return.