Compliance Inspections

What Owners Need To Know About Compliance Inspections:

  • Each facility must be inspected every three years.
  • Inspections must be conducted by a Licensed Inspector. 
  • Compliance inspections MUST BE conducted at least 90 days before the current Operating Permit expires.
    • This allows the time to correct any violations discovered during the inspection. 
    • A new Operating Permit is issued for a UST system each inspection cycle.
  • UST owners must schedule and pay for the compliance inspection.
    • Please note that the cost of UST inspections is not set forth in law or rule; your cost to obtain an inspection may vary due to location, inspector, time of year, or other factors.  
  • The owner and inspector must sign or initial all pages of the inspection report. 
  • Compliance inspections must be received by DEQ within 15 days of the inspection. 
  • DEQ reviews each compliance inspection and will determine compliance. If your facility is not in compliance, you and your inspector will receive a Corrective Action Plan from the department which will outline the violations and corrective action timeframes established for your facility. 

Make your Compliance Inspection easier by:

  • Keeping all paperwork, files and records relating to your UST system accessible.
  • Having a staff person who has knowledge of your UST systems on site during the inspection.
  • Making sure all manways, sumps, boxes and equipment are easily accessible.
  • Asking questions, taking notes and contacting DEQ for help.

Compliance Inspection Components:
Records review- Have the following documentation available for the inspector;

  • Tank and leak detection records:
    • Monthly records (12 months)
    • Precision tank or line tightness testing (if applicable)
    • Annual line leak detector functionality test
  • Cathodic Protection test results:
    • 3-year structure to soil potential tests
    • Rectifier inspection records (every 60 days) for impressed current systems
  • Valid Operating Permit posted and visible
  • Evidence of Class A and Class B Operator

 
Equipment Check- the following items will be examined by the inspector:

  • Leak Detectors for tanks and piping
    • Spill and overfill devices
    • Corrosion protection
    • All manways, sumps, boxes and dispensers
    • Valid Operating Tag on each fill pipe
    • Evidence of non-notified or abandoned tanks

Communicate with your Compliance Inspector:

  • Review what was found.
  • Discuss whether each UST system is in compliance, and if not, what can be done to bring them into compliance.
  • Ask questions if you do not understand the compliance process.

Common Reasons For Failed Compliance Inspections:

  • Monthly leak detection test not conducted or not conducted properly.
  • Leak detection or other test records not readily available.
  • Automatic Tank Gauge not programmed properly.
  • Corrosion protection tests not conducted or show weak readings.
  • Functionality test of automatic line leak detectors nor conducted.
  • Overfill devices missing or not functioning.