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UST FAQ - Permit to Operate

New owner of UST(s): The new owner/operator of an underground storage tank must notify Environmental Health (CUPA) within 30 days of the change of ownership. The notification is comprised of a set of forms. An inspector will visit the facility to conduct an initial inspection. When all the forms have been reviewed and accepted and the facility has been determined to be in compliance with UST laws and regulations, the district inspector will arrange for issuing the permit to operate. 

New UST installation: After the final installation inspection, the inspector will review the required documents. If all documents have been received and the facility is in compliance with the UST laws and regulations, the district inspector will arrange for the issuance of the permit to operate. 

UST Facilities to whom the permit to operate is NOT issued: Environmental Health (CUPA) issues an annual permit to operate to facilities that are in compliance with the UST laws and regulations. The permit may not be issued if a facility has outstanding violations. Owners and operators of sites that have not received the annual permit should refer to the previously issued inspection reports to determine what compliance issues remain outstanding. Corrective actions should be taken to abate outstanding violations. If there are questions about the violations or actions needed to correct them, contact your district inspector. Once the facility returns to compliance with the UST laws and regulations, the district inspector will arrange for the permit to operate to be issued. 

Modification and Installation Permit: For information regarding UST installation or modification requirements, please refer to the Plan Check and Repairs section. 

Click here for the UST modifications guidance document.

Contact your district inspector directly, either by phone or email. The inspector will arrange for a copy of the permit to be mailed to the facility site address. There is no fee for this service.

Click here for the UST modifications guidance document.

Non-compliant facilities will typically receive a letter from Environmental Health (CUPA) prior to the annual permitting period. The letter will explain that the facility will not be receiving a permit to operate due to outstanding violations. Many tank owners who receive this notice will take the opportunity to correct the violations to receive the annual permit.

Unless the facility ceases operation, a violation for operating an underground storage tank without a permit will be cited. Formal enforcement, such as an Administrative Enforcement Order (AEO) or referral to the District Attorney may follow. Tank owners who operate an underground storage tank without a permit to operate are liable for a civil penalty of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) or more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per tank per day of violation.