UST Compliance Managers and UST Operation Clerks – Operator Training
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Mississippi Underground Storage Tank Regulations effective August 25, 2011 require that every UST facility shall have a designated and trained UST Compliance Manager and that every manned UST facility shall have a designated and trained UST Operations Clerk on duty at any time petroleum fuel is dispensed. These regulations were enacted to prevent releases and ensure effective responses occur when releases do occur to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of present and future generations of Mississippians. All facilities must have trained UST Compliance Managers and UST Operation Clerks by August 8, 2012.
Options for training for UST Compliance Managers
UST Compliance Managers must successful complete any one of the MDEQ approved training programs. Approved training include:
UST Operator Training Brochure
 MDEQ UST Compliance Manager Seminars with an examination
MDEQ examination
MDEQ approved training courses
MDEQ UST Compliance Workshop
In-house training recognized by MDEQ
 Reciprocity with another state as long as the owner has at least one (1) active facility in that state
MDEQ will recognize another state’s UST Class A/B Operator training program as long as:
- the tank owner operates at least one facility within that state
- if a third party (i.e. contractor) is seeking reciprocity, the contractor needs to provide services within that state
- the designated UST Compliance manager successfully completed the Class A/B Operator Training. If the state requires a separate course for Class A Operators and Class B Operators, the designated UST Compliance Manager must have successfully completed both courses
- documentation is provided for the successful completion of the course(s)
- documentation of operation within that state
Options for Training for UST Operations Clerks
UST Operations Clerks (Class C Operator) must receive training by the designated UST Compliance Manager or a MDEQ approved training course. The training must provide instruction to properly respond to emergencies involving the operation of the UST system that pose an immediate danger or threat to the public or the environment and properly respond to alarms caused by spills, leaks or releases from an UST system.
Trained by the designated UST Compliance Manager
UST Compliance Managers must ensure that the UST Operation Clerks can:
- locate all emergency shutoffs and the emergency phone numbers list
- understand how to operate all emergency shutoffs, fire extinguishers, spill kits, and tank monitor alarms and warnings
- respond to an emergency and alarms
MDEQ Approved Training Courses
When must training be completed:
August 8, 2012 for existing underground storage tank facilities
After August 8, 2012 for new facilities and new UST Compliance Managers and UST Operation Clerks
Documentation
An UST Operations Clerk Training Log must be maintained at the UST facility along with an Emergency Contact List and Emergency Response Procedures prominently posted at the facility
Each UST Compliance Manager must complete a UST Compliance Manager Registration form. A copy of the completed form shall be submitted to MDEQ and maintained by the registered tank owner.
Retraining
MDEQ does not require retraining or continuing education for UST Compliance Managers of UST Operation Clerks unless a facility does not meet significant operational compliance requirements. If a facility does not meet significant operations requirements, the tank owner will be required to ensure the UST Compliance Manager is retrained within 6 months or a new UST Compliance Manager must be selected for the facility.
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