PROJECT INFO

TITLE: Don't Miss the Train

PUBLICATION: Petrogram Magazine, the official publication for the FPMA (Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association)

PUBLISHER: Naylor Association Solutions

DESCRIPTION: An informative article about new federal training requirements for UST operators


TESTIMONIAL

"If you want it done right and done well, Amy is the way to go. She’s a true professional with top-notch writing and researching skills. I work exclusively with trade and professional associations and their communication pieces. Amy’s knack for writing with flair and with an authoritative voice are perfect for our magazines and well received by our association clients and their members. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for great content and exceptional service!" 

–Lashonda Curry, Content Strategist, Naylor Association Solutions

 


COPY HIGHLIGHTS

Because the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was passed by Congress, there are new federal training requirements for UST operators. This federal regulation establishes training requirements for the following classes of UST operators:

  • Class A – Individuals who have primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of UST Systems (Owner or Operator of a UST facility)
  • Class B – Individuals who are responsible for daily on-site operation and maintenance of UST Systems
  • Class C – Daily on-site employees who are responsible for addressing emergencies presented by a spill or release from an UST System

As a result of this change, all UST owners must have designated and trained operators before August 6, 2015.

After UST operators have completed their training, the UST owner must print the certificate and keep it with the facility records for inspector verification. Florida regulations require UST facility owners/operators to ensure a visual inspection of all UST components is conducted monthly. Because Florida DEP inspectors are intensifying enforcement of this requirement, the Department will ask for documentation of these monthly inspections.

“Compliance with the federal law signed by President George W. Bush is the paramount reason to implement this change,” says William E. Burns, Jr., Environmental Administrator, Compliance Assistance, Division of Waste Management with the FDEP. This will benefit the industry as many of the problems found by inspectors at retail fuel facilities can be attributed to lack of knowledge. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection hopes this training will provide tank owners, facility operators and employees the tools to keep their facilities operating properly.  A properly operating facility will save the facility owner money caused by loss of product, downtime for repairs, as well as, preventing costly environmental cleanup in the future.”