Virginia UST Operator Training | Class A/B & C

UST operator training in Virginia is required by federal law and is intended to ensure that those who own and operate underground storage tanks understand how to operate and maintain UST systems properly.

As required by the EPA, all UST operators must be trained by October 13, 2018. After this date:

New Class A and B operators must be trained within 30 days of assuming duties.
New Class C operators must be trained before assuming duties.

If you work at a facility in Virginia with an underground storage tank (UST), you will need to complete UST operator training based on your job responsibilities:

Class A training is required for person(s) having primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of UST systems (owner or operator of a UST facility).
Class B training is required for persons involved with daily on-site operation and maintenance of UST systems.
Class C training is required for daily on-site employees having primary responsibility for addressing emergencies presented by a spill or release from a UST system.

Virginia UST Operator Training

UST Class A/B
UST Class C
State Agency/Regulations

Virginia UST Operator Class A/B Training

Virginia Class A operators have primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of a UST facility. This individual is generally the owner of the station or the designee. For large corporations, this person is the manager or designee responsible for tank operations.

Virginia Class B operators have responsibility for the day-to-day aspects of operating, maintaining, and record keeping of a UST facility. This individual (or individuals) is generally the owner or the person/company contracted by the owner to maintain the tanks. For large corporations, this person is the employee, or person/company contracted by the corporation to maintain the tanks.

Description

Class A operators have primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of a UST facility. Class B operators have responsibility for the daily operation and maintenance of a UST facility.

The UST Class A/B operator training course is presented in chapters. Each chapter utilizes multimedia to enrich the learning experience. Each chapter is followed by a quiz. If the student answers a quiz question incorrectly, the quiz feedback redirects the student to the correct course information.

In addition to the quizzes, the UST Class A/B operator training course includes a final exam of 100 questions, 80% of which must be answered correctly in order to print a certificate.

There is not any time restriction to access the course, so students can complete the entire course in a single session (approximately 4 hours plus exam time) or take the course in segments.

Duration: 4 hours

Purpose & Objective

The purpose of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Training Program is to protect human health and the environment by preventing future petroleum underground storage tank releases and remediating existing petroleum underground storage tank contamination.

Class A operators must be trained how to manage resources and personnel; maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; ensure that required records are kept; and that operators at the facility are trained to respond to releases, spills, and other emergencies.

Class B operators must be trained how to meet recordkeeping and reporting requirements; ensure that equipment complies with industry standards; and train personnel to properly respond to emergencies caused by releases or spills.

By combining Class A and Class B operator training into a single test, important employee cross-training is achieved.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: Operator Overview
This chapter describes the primary responsibilities of the Class A, Class B, and Class C operator. It also includes the training requirements for each class of operator.
Chapter 2: System and Components
This chapter seeks to raise environmental awareness as well as clearly communicate a fundamental comprehension of UST systems. Components covered include secondary containment, emergency shut-off valves, vapor recovery, tank materials, and piping materials. A download of UST terminology is available here.
Chapter 3: Release Detection
This chapter emphasizes release detection methods. Equipment testing, the analysis of test results, as well as monitoring of the UST system are addressed in this chapter. Release detection methods covered include automatic tank gauging (ATG), inventory control, secondary containment with interstitial monitoring, statistical inventory reconciliation (SIR), manual tank gauging, vacuum monitoring, soil vapor monitoring, groundwater monitoring, and tank tightness testing. Release detection methods for piping, such as electronic and manual line leak detectors, are also discussed.
Chapter 4: Release Prevention
This chapter prompts the trainee to be proactive in preventing spills and releases. It covers the system components that are designed to prevent corrosion, spills, and overfills. These include spill buckets and sumps as well as sacrificial anode and impressed current cathodic systems, overfill protection valves, overfill alarms, and ball float valves. Secondary containment as well as alarms and warnings are covered in this chapter. An EPA Correct Filling Checklist is available for download.
Chapter 5: Planning and Response
The focus of this chapter is preparation for a release and initial response actions. Topics include recognizing warning signs of a leak, maintaining spill kits, knowing the location of the Emergency Stop button, and posting emergency contact information. Critical attention is given to clean-up and release reporting requirements, including sensitive receptor protection and state notification requirements.
Chapter 6: Financial Responsibility/Financial Documents
Owners and operators of petroleum USTs must demonstrate financial responsibility for bodily injury and property damage caused by spill and releases. This chapter covers financial responsibility statutes and financial assurance mechanisms as well as recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
Chapter 7: Registration and Installation
This chapter discusses required documentation and reporting. Topics include tank permits, registration and administrative documents, and UST installation requirements.
Chapter 8: Inspection and Closure
UST testing and inspection requirements are covered in this chapter. Delivery prohibition and temporary and permanent tank closures are also addressed.

End of Course Instructions

Print a copy of your completion certificate for your employer and records. You may also login and reprint your certificate at any time.

Virginia UST Operator Class C Training

Virginia Class C Operators are the first responders to emergency situations at a UST facility – like a gas station or convenience store. These individuals are usually the clerks of a facility.

Class C Operators monitor fuel deliveries to the tanks; control and/or monitor the dispensing or sale of regulated substances; and respond to alarms, releases, and other emergency situations.

Course Description

The UST Class C operator training course consists of seven chapters. Each chapter is followed by a short quiz. Once a student has completed all chapters and quizzes, the learner will be directed to print out a course checklist.

The course is instructed through a student orientation tour of a mock facility, where a manager (or Class B Operator) will identify and explain each topic and then mark them off a checklist when completed. When the checklist has been completed, the student can then print the UST Class C operator certificate.

There is not any time restriction to access the course, so students may take as much time as needed to complete their training

Duration: 1 hour

Purpose & Objective

Class C operators must be trained how to respond to emergencies (such as situations posing an immediate danger or threat to the public or to the environment and that require immediate action) and alarms caused by spills or releases from an underground storage tank system.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: Facility Overview
This chapter provides a basic overview of the primary components of a typical UST facility. These components include the USTs, manways, spill buckets, fuel dispensers, and dispenser nozzles.
Chapter 2: Monitoring
This chapter emphasizes the components used to monitor a UST facility. Students will learn what an Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) is and does, how to interpret its alarms and warnings, and what to do in case of an alarm. The role of line leak detectors is also discussed.
Chapter 3: Environmental
In this chapter, students learn about sensitive receptors, or places where a fuel spill may leave the facility and enter the environment. The chapter also introduces students to the spill kit and its contents, and how to use spill kit components to contain spills threatening sensitive receptors like curb breaks and drains.
Chapter 4: Fueling Rules
The focus of this chapter is fuel delivery safety. Students will watch a short video on proper fueling procedures. Students also learn about hazards at the fueling point, including smoking, static electricity, leaving a vehicle unattended while fueling, and leaving a vehicle running while fueling.
Chapter 5: Delivery Procedures
This chapter teaches the student how to supervise a fuel delivery and monitor for problems during a fuel delivery. Additional emphasis is placed on the ATG and on overfill prevention devices like overfill prevention valves and ball float valves. Delivery prohibitions are also addressed.
Chapter 6: Safety
This chapter covers safety information every Class C Operator needs to respond to emergencies. Included here is a video explaining when and how to use a fire extinguisher. The Emergency Stop and All Stop buttons are identified and discussed.
Chapter 7: Emergency Situations
This chapter discusses common emergency situations and proper responses to them, including what to do if a vehicle leaves the facility with the nozzle still in the vehicle’s fuel spout. Managing customer traffic in the event of a spill is also covered. Correct fire extinguisher operation is reviewed.
Chapter 8: Final Checklist
Review and complete the checklist to complete your training

End of Course Instructions

Print a copy of your completion certificate for your employer and records. You may also login and reprint your certificate at any time.

Virginia UST State Agency & Regulations

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) – Water Quality Division – Underground Storage Tank Program was created to protect human health and the environment by preventing releases of petroleum and hazardous substances from UST systems and the release of these regulated products into the environment threatens groundwater resources and can cause explosive vapors to seep into confined spaces and occupied dwellings.

Agency Link: http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/…/PetroleumProgram/...undergroundstoragetanks.aspx

UST Training in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) implements the UST program under Article 9 of State Water Control Law. Article 9, first enacted in 1987, enables DEQ to receive UST notifications, receive federal grant funds, develop regulations, conduct cleanups, and provide overall supervision of UST activities in the state. The technical requirements for USTs are included in Virginia Regulation (9VAC25-580-140. Requirements for petroleum UST systems.)

On September 15, 2010, Virginia’s UST Regulation (9VAC25-580-125. Operator training) was amended to include operator training requirements. The amended Regulation sets training requirements for UST owners/operators to improve owner/operator regulatory compliance, with the goal of preventing and reducing UST releases.

Virginia UST owners and operators must designate Class A, Class B, and Class C Operators for each facility and ensure that each designated individual has had the required training by August 8, 2012. When a Class A or Class B operator is replaced after August 8, 2012, a new operator shall be trained within 60 days of assuming duties for that class of operator.

Owners and operators of UST systems shall designate Class A, Class B, and Class C operators for each UST system or facility that has underground storage tanks:

Class A operator means an operator who has primary responsibility to operate and maintain the underground storage tank system and facility. The Class A operator’s responsibilities include managing resources and personnel, such as establishing work assignments, to achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Class B operator means an operator who implements applicable underground storage tank regulatory requirements and standards in the field or at the underground storage tank facility. A Class B operator oversees and implements the day‐to‐day aspects of operations, maintenance, and recordkeeping for the underground storage tanks at one or more facilities.
Class C operator means the person responsible for responding to alarms or other indications of emergencies caused by spills or releases from underground storage tank systems and equipment failures. A Class C operator generally is the first line of response to events indicating emergency conditions.

Virginia was granted state program approval (SPA) in 1998.

Retraining Requirements
Class A or Class B Operator must repeat the training if areas of UST noncompliance are identified by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and not resolved in a timely manner. Furthermore, when a Class A or Class B Operator is replaced, the new operator must complete and document the initial training within 60 days. As a result of the retraining of Class A operators or Class B operators, subsequent re-training of the Class C operators shall also occur. Voluntary refresher training is encouraged to ensure operator is up-to-date with current regulations and procedures.

References:

Virginia Administrative Code | Title 9 Environment | Agency 25 Sate Water Control Board | Chapter 580 Underground Storage Tanks – Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements | Section 125 Operator Training (9VAC 25-580-125. Operator training.)
LPR-SRR-2011-11 Underground Storage Tank (UST) Operator Training Guidance (PDF)

UST/LUST Program
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Water Quality Division
Underground Storage Tank Program
629 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1105
Richmond, VA 23218

Phone: 804-698-4010
Phone: 804-698-4269
Fax: 804-698-4266

UST/LUST Program: http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/…/PetroleumProgram/...undergroundstoragetanks.aspx

Fund Program
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Water Quality Division
Office of Spill Response & Remediation
Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund
P.O. Box 1105
Richmond, VA 23218

Phone: 804-698-4322
Fax: 804-698-4266

Fund Program: http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/LandProtectionRevitalization/...Reimbursement.aspx