Looming on the horizon for UST operators in Massachusetts, pursuant to the requirements for implementing the  federally required different levels of UST operator training to the owners and operators of Underground Storage Tank (UST)  systems, the MADEP is currently underway  implementing and promulgating these training requirements.

As per the Federal requirements under the Grant Guidelines that implement 42 U.S.C. and as amended by Section 1524 of the Energy Act of 2005, Effective August 8, 2012 no person shall own or operate a UST system without a designated trained and certified Class A, Class B, and Class C operator for the UST system.

MADEP approach to implementing these regulations, is to require that all Class A and B UST operator be required to take and pass  an online  examination. This approach fundamentally differs from most other state’s approach, whereby the majority of states  approach this requirement by implementing a  UST training program.

The MADEP online examination process works by a Class A or B  taking the examination and when passing,  demonstrates full knowledge of both the federal and state requirements for proper and safe operations of the UST system.

Once passing, the individual is issued a certificate attesting that they have been properly trained and possess the  knowledge and understanding of UST systems and Massachusetts UST program requirements. In the future, if the MADEP determines that your facility is out of compliance, they will probably require the Class and B operator of the facility  to retake and pass the examination as part of returning back to compliance.

As it stands to date, the online examination will be available by sometime in January of 2012. From the information we’ve  received from individuals who were selected to participate in the beta testing, this is one tough examination to pass. An individual has to receive at least an 85% grade to pass and receive the certificate. The subject matter will take into consideration the following areas of UST operations.

1.       Tanks and Piping

2.       Regulated substances stored

3.       Leak detection

4.       Spill prevention

5.       Overfill prevention

6.       Corrosion Protection

7.       Emergency response procedures

8.       Product compatibility

9.       Financial Responsibility

10.   Registrations, Licenses and Permits

11.   Reporting and Recordkeeping

12.   UST testing requirements

13.   Temporary and permanent closures

14.   Class A, B, and C qualifications and requirements

15.   Understanding of 527 CMR regulations

The results of the beta examination testing has indicated that the majority of the people failed in the examination. Not surprising given the indept nature of the subject matter.

We feel that the overwhelming majority of people  tagged to be an Class A or B operator (roughly 5,000 individuals) will  need to have some level of prior training and refreshers to be able to pass the examination.

ECS Eclipse can help  train you  (and your staff) to be prepared  to master this tough  examination.

We are experts in UST compliance with over 35 years of experience in UST operations.

We provide both online and classroom training to UST operators.

Contact us and be sure to be prepared for your states training requirements.