Underground Storage Tanks

​The goal of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program is to protect public health and safety, the environment, and the waters of the state from discharges and releases of hazardous substances from USTs. These hazardous substances include petroleum, used oil, waste antifreeze, and more. This goal is accomplished by conducting annual inspections, reviewing and approving submissions regarding UST installations, repairs, upgrades, and closures, overseeing UST system closure activities, and more.

Authority

California Code of Regulations, Title 23
California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.7

Applicability

HMCD implements this program within the cities of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, San Jose, Saratoga, and unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County (including Moffett Field, San Martin, and Stanford). In addition, HMCD handles County-owned and operated facilities regardless of location.

General Requirements

• If you are the owner or operator of a UST system storing any hazardous material and are located within any of the areas noted above, you must obtain and keep current a UST Permit to Operate issued by HMCD. To apply for a permit, please use the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) website to complete and electronically submit​ the Underground Storage Tanks submittal element.
• Underground Storage Tanks are required to have the following testing done by an International Code Council (ICC) certified California UST Service Technician with current training from the manufacturer(s) of the monitoring equipment and test equipment, and witnessed by one of our inspectors:
  • Monitoring System Certification testing every 12 months.
  • Secondary containment (SB-989) testing every 36 months, for tanks installed prior to July 1, 2004.
  • Overfill Prevention Equipment Inspection (OPEI) by 10/13/2018 and every 36 months thereafter. 
• Each UST facility must have a Designated UST Operator who:
  • Possesses a current "California UST System Operator" certification issued by the ICC, which must be renewed every 24 months.
  • Provides and documents site-specific job training for facility employees.
  • Performs visual inspections and records results in inspection reports, which must be provided to the UST owner/operator.
• A separate 5-year Permit to Operate is required for each UST facility.
• The permittee must pay annual permit fees and surcharges to keep the permit active.

Forms and Guidance Documents

Designated UST Operator

• Designated UST Operator Identification Form​
• Designated UST Operator ​Visual Inspection Report
• Facility Employee Training Certificate​

Financial Responsibility

• Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Guide
• Certification of Financial Responsibility for USTs​ Containing Petroleum​
• Letter from Chief Financial Officer (MS Word Document)

Installation / Retrofitting / Repair

• Hazardous Materials Construction Permit Application
• Equipment List for UST Systems
• Underground Storage Tank System Compatibility With Alternative Fuels
• UST System Affirmative Statement of Compatibility

Monitoring & Self-Inspections

• UST System Leak Alarm Log
• Emergency Generator Tank System Unburied Piping Exemption Inspection Log
• Understanding Automatic Tank Gauging Systems
• Understanding Line Leak Detection Systems
• Understanding Overfill Prevention Equipment Inspections & Requirements

Operation & Response

• UST Response Plan
• Statement of Understanding and Compliance Form
• ​​Written Agreement Between UST Permit Holder and UST Operator
• Management of Wastes Generated at Motor Vehicle Fuel Dispensing Stations

Testing & Inspections

• UST Monitoring System Certification Form​
• UST Spill Container Testing Report Form
• UST Overfill Prevention Equipment Inspection Report
• UST Secondary Containment Testing Report Form
• Guidelines for Testing of Underground Storage Tank Secondary Containment Systems​

Fees

Permit fees are based on the number of USTs at your facility. For information on UST Program fees, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you would like answers to frequently asked questions about USTs, click here.