Please check out our Upcoming UST Inspector Training Webinars and the UST Inspector Training Webinar Archive to view our previously recorded training webinars.
Below is a list of UST operator and inspector exams, training courses, videos, and publications. Courses are available online and/or in person.
Class A and B UST Operator Exams
EPA developed class A and class B UST operator exams to primarily help UST system owners and operators in Indian country meet the 2015 federal UST regulation requirement that designated operators demonstrate knowledge. October 13, 2018 is the deadline for designated operators to verify compliance with the requirement to pass an exam.
On behalf of EPA, NEIWPCC is making these exams easily accessible and at no cost to all designated operators.
Access the exam here
Please visit EPA’s website to learn more about these exams.
Training Courses
Name: EPA Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspector Training
Organization: EPA OUST
Link: https://www.epa.gov/ust/underground-storage-tank-ust-inspector-training
Course Description: EPA’s UST inspector training contains two modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program
-Explains the 2015 UST regulation;
-Identifies the differences between the UST and leaking UST programs;
-Discusses financial responsibility; and
-Orients new users to the components of an UST system.
- Module 2: Basic UST Inspector Training
-Describes how inspectors can prepare for and conduct compliance inspections at typical UST facilities;
-Covers office preparation for field inspections, on site equipment inspections, and on site records review.
The training also includes an exam comprised of 20 questions taken from Module 2. To pass the exam, you must answer 90 percent of questions correctly.
Available: online
Cost: $0
Name: Learn How to Monitor a UST Cathodic Protection (CP) System
Organization: Steel Tank Institute
Link: click here
Course Description: This course will cover the following topics:
- How Cathodic Protection Works
- Monitoring Cathodic Protection
- Troubleshooting Techniques
- Regulatory Requirements
- Hands-on Demonstration
- Field Testing
Available: In-person, classroom
Cost to attend: ~$425 (regulator rate)
Name: Petro-Tite Line™ Tester Basic Course
Organization: Purpora Engineering
Link: click here
Course Description:
Day 1
- Introduction / Safety
- Basic Physics
- Pumping Systems for Petrol Facilities
- Liquid Hydrostatic Testing
- Equipment Familiarization Review
- Field Exercise with Live Submersible Pumping System
- Classroom Review of Data Organization
- Homework
Day 2
- Homework Review
- Protocol for Special Bleed Back
- Review of Leak Detector Systems
- Brief Discussion: Using Helium in Troubleshooting
- General Overview / Course Review
- Written Exam
Available: In-person, online for exam
Cost to attend: Basic: $650, Refresher: $475, Online Exam: $300
Name: How to Install Underground Fuel Storage Tanks and Piping (8 Hours)
Organization: Petcon, Inc.
Link: click here
Course Outline (shortened):
1. Tank Handling (15 min.)
2. Pre-Installation Testing (45 min.)
3. Excavation (30 min.)
4. Anchoring (15 min.)
5. Backfilling (30 min.)
6. Spill & Overfill Prevention (30 min.)
7. Leak Detection Methods (3.0 Hours)
8. Cathodic Protection (1.25 Hours)
9. Piping (1.25 Hours)
10. Electrical (15 min.)
Available: In-person, classroom
Other UST Inspector Courses Offered:
A Contractor’s Guide to UST Closures
OSHA 8 Hour Refresher On-Site Supervisors Hazmat Course for UST Sites
Solutions to New Underground Storage Tank Problems
Name: UST Boot Camp
Organization: Purpora Engineering
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
3.5-day intensive seminar for new and seasoned inspectors, operators, compliance managers or service providers.
Available: In-person
Cost: $1250/person
Name: Class A/B Operator Certification Training (approved in 23 states)
Organization: Petro Classroom
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
This combined A/B Certification course provides Class A and B Operators with an in-depth understanding of day-to-day operations and maintenance and recordkeeping to ensure compliance with federal and state-specific regulatory requirements.
Available: Online and Classroom (varies by state)
Cost: Varies by state
Name: Class C Operator Certification Training (all states)
Organization: Petro Classroom
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
This course provides Class C Operators with the knowledge they need to safely and properly address emergency and non-emergency situations. The course provides them with a site-specific checklist that the Class A/B Operator must review with them to ensure they know site-specific procedures and locations of equipment (e.g., shut off, spill kits, etc.) at their facility.
Available: Online
Cost: $12.95
Name: Walkthrough Inspection Course
Organization: Petro Classroom
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
Petro Classroom has developed an online course to teach Class A/B and C Operators how to conduct 30-day inspections to comply with revised 2015 underground storage tank (UST) regulations. Owners/Operators will learn what equipment needs to be inspected and tested and the frequency of which these inspections and tests must occur.
Available: Online
Cost: $29.95
Name: Common Releases from USTs/ASTs
Organization: Petro Classroom
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
Owning and operating an AST or UST facility is an enormous responsibility. One of the most important responsibilities is preventing releases from tank systems. Too often, owners and operators of AST and UST facilities overlook even the most basic things that can be done to prevent releases. This course reviews examples of the most common releases and how they could have been prevented.
Available: Online
Cost: Free
Name: UST Installation and Retrofitting Courses (ICC Exam Preparation and Continuing Education Courses)
Organization: Petro Classroom
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
Petro Classroom’s Preparation Course for ICC UST Installation and Retrofitting Exam (U1) consists of twelve chapters complete with all the topics UST installers need to know to pass the ICC Exam and more. This course also includes a practice exam.
Petro Classroom also offers state-approved UST Installation and Retrofitting courses that can be taken for continuing education credit hours for tank contractor certification requirements.
Available: Online
Cost: $295
Name: UST Decommissioning Courses (ICC Exam Preparation and Continuing Education Courses)
Organization: Petro Classroom
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
Petro Classroom’s Preparation Course for ICC Exam on UST Decommissioning (U2) consists of nine chapters complete with all the topics UST removers will need to know to pass the ICC exam and more. This course also includes a practice exam.
Petro Classroom also offers state-approved UST Decommissioning courses that can be taken for continuing education credit hours for tank contractor certification requirements.
Available: Online
Cost: $295
Name: Class A/B UST Training (approved in 28 states, more pending)
Organization: USTtraining.com
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
UST Training’s Class A/B UST operator training course is a great way to meet the state/territorial/tribal training requirements while learning everything you need to know to be an effective UST operator.
Available: Online
Language: English in 28 states, Texas Class A/B also in Hindi
Cost: Free to $150, depending on state, bulk purchase discounts apply
Name: Fueling Station Safety for Class C UST Operators (all states and territories, CA pending), plus Indian Country
Organization: USTtraining.com
Link: click here
Course Descriptions:
UST Training’s Class C UST Operator Training course is a simple and effective way to learn about UST safety, hazard awareness and emergency response.
Available: Online
Language: English and Hindi in all states and territories (CA approval pending)
Cost: $12.95 (bulk purchase discounts and lease options apply)
Training Videos
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, NEIWPCC produced three training videos for underground storage tank inspectors. The Environmental Protection Agency also released several underground storage tank videos focusing on underground storage tank leaks and installation. These videos can be ordered through our Resource Catalog or by calling (978) 323-7929. Please note that some of the material in the videos is out of date. It is our hope that we will be producing updated versions in the near future.
What Do We Have Here? An Inspector’s Guide to Site Assessment at Tank Closure
Published in 2013, NEIWPCC has created a training video and companion booklet that covers the nature of petroleum, site assessment at tank closure, inspection equipment, field observations and analysis, planning and decision-making, and site closure. It also covers the basics of sampling and handling soil and water for field testing and transport. It is based off of the original 1990 publication on tank closure. (NEIWPCC, 2013)
Searching for the Honest Tank: A Guide to UST Facility Compliance Inspections
A training video about the goals of a facility inspection, inspection priorities, equipment checklists, inspection of UST facility records, site inspection for compliance with technical standards, follow-up and enforcement, training, health monitoring, and references. (NEIWPCC, 1991)
Tank Closure Without Tears: An Inspector’s Guide to Safety
This video and booklet package outlines causes of fires and explosions, while offering guidance in preparing a safe workplace, purging tanks, testing with oxygen and explosion meters, tank cleaning, transporting, and disposing. It also contains a safe removal checklist and reference list. (NEIWPCC, 1988)
Doing It Right: Proper Installation Of USTs And Piping
Video demonstrates UST installation procedures for tanks and for both steel and fiberglass piping. The first section covers instillation of tanks, the second section addresses piping. Note: specific installation activities are subject to state and local regulations. (EPA, 1988)
Publications
Protecting the Drinking Water You Provide – A Guide for Owners and Operators of Gas Stations
Do you have a drinking water well at your gas station or know someone who does? This 10-page booklet was created to educate individuals who have an onsite drinking water well as one of their important responsibilities in meeting drinking water regulations. The booklet provides a general overview of responsibilities and can be distributed electronically or through printed copies (instructions for printing are located below). Also, for those who want to train others, we’ve provided a PowerPoint presentation that highlights the major themes of the publication.
Instructions for printing the TNC Guide:
- Job Title: TNC Drinking Water Guide
- Description: 10-page self-cover (back cover folds out to provide 2 additional pages to an 8-page signature)
- Quantity: as determined by organization
- Stock: 80# ChorusArt Silk Cover – suggested (recommended to use a coated, 80 lb. paper, meeting EPA post-consumer standards)\
- Flat Size: 21″ x 10″ cover, 14″ x 10″ text
- Finished Size: 7″ x 10″
- Prints: 4/4 – Four Color Process
- Artwork: PDF file
- Finishing: Score and fold to 7″ x 10″ and saddlestitch
Note: screened circular area at the bottom right of cover page provides an area to place the organization’s logo/name
Health, Environmental, and Economic Impacts of Adding Ethanol to Gasoline in the Northeast States
In May 2000, the New England Governors’ Conference Committee on the Environment asked NEIWPCC and the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) to assess the potential public health, environmental, regulatory and economic impacts of adding ethanol, instead of MtBE, to gasoline in the Northeast. This NEIWPCC and NESCAUM collaborative effort resulted in a three-volume multimedia assessment of increased ethanol use in our region. This paper highlights key findings of the NEIWPCC and NESCAUM analyses and provides research and policy recommendations for consideration by the Northeast states. Published in July 2001, the report is available here in PDF format or in hard copy by contacting Jaclyn Harrison at jharrison@neiwpcc.org.
* note: the appendices for Volume 3 are not accessible in this online PDF version. To obtain an electronic version with appendices, please contact Drew Youngs
