Department of
Environmental Quality

Under the Idaho Underground Storage Tank Act and the Rules Regulating Underground Storage Tank Systems, all owners and operators of USTs in Idaho are required to successfully complete training in how to properly identify, operate, and maintain USTs. The goals of the training are to prevent releases to the environment and, if releases should occur, to ensure they are handled properly.

The deadline for completing required training is August 8, 2012.

Operator Classes and Associated Training Requirements

The UST Rules specify three classes of operators that need training:

1. Class A - Individual(s) having primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of the UST system (such as an owner). They do not need to be on-site.
2. Class B - Individual(s) having daily on-site responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the UST systems (such as an operator). They do not need to be on-site at all times.
3. Class C - Daily on-site individual(s) having primary responsibility for addressing emergencies presented by a spill or release from the UST system (such as a cashier/clerk).

In some instances, the same person may be the Class A, Class B, and Class C operator.

By law, the owner of the UST facility must designate Class A and Class B operators and notify DEQ in writing within 30 days of the designation. The operator must also be trained within 30 days of the designation.

• Designated UST Operator Form

Class A operators must be trained in general UST system requirements so they can make informed decisions regarding compliance and ensure appropriate individuals are fulfilling operation, maintenance, and record-keeping requirements. Class B operators must be trained to obtain a more in-depth understanding of the regulations. To meet these requirements, Class A and B operator training consists of the TankHelper training program explained below.

Class C operators must be trained to respond to emergencies and alarms. To accomplish this, Class C operator training consists of the Class A or B operator explaining the emergency shut-off procedures for the facility, where the emergency shut-off switch(es) are, where any alarms are located, and whom to contact in the event of an alarm or emergency. The Class A or B operator must provide the Class C operator with an instruction sheet and emergency contact phone numbers before letting the operator  assume responsibility for responding to emergencies.

• Class C UST Operator Training Form
  

If, during an inspection, the facility receives a violation(s), the Class A and/or B operator must be retrained within 30 days. Retraining focuses on training the operator on the specifics of the violation and is conducted by DEQ at the time of the inspection that results in any violation(s).

Training Options

TankHelper

In most cases, the training requirement may be satisfied by completing TankHelper training that is provided on-site and in-person by a DEQ inspector at the time of a facility inspection. The training utilizes a software program that produces a site-specific management plan and tests the operator on knowledge of UST operation and maintenance procedures.

TankHelper training consists of a DEQ inspector identifying the equipment installed and explaining each part to the operator. The operator then receives a site-specific management and a record-keeping binder. Because the TankHelper training is site-specific, it includes only what is relevant at each facility. Finally, the operator is required to take the TankHelper quiz. If the operator passes the quiz, a training certificate is issued and the operator is registered with DEQ as trained operator.

After completing TankHelper training, the operator should feel confident in how to prevent and detect releases from the facility. The operator should also feel confident that by following the site-specific management plan and properly using the record-keeping binder, he/she is in compliance with state and federal underground storage tank requirements.

Contact the DEQ Regional Office nearest your facility
to arrange for TankHelper training (contact names at right).

Existing Training Certification

DEQ may accept existing training certifications as long as we have the opportunity to review and approve the level of training received.

• DEQ-Approved UST Trainers for Reciprocity

Online Training

Online training is under development.

Training Additional Class A or B Operators

In the event of personnel turnover, TankHelper-trained Class A or B operator(s) may provide interim training to new Class A or B operator(s). The training can be accomplished by explaining the management plan and the record-keeping binder.  This training is temporary, as the replacement Class A or B Operator still needs TankHelper or approved third-party training within 30 days of assuming Class A or B Operator duties (beginning August 8, 2012).

In order for Class A or B operators to train others, they must have had their original training from DEQ using the TankHelper program. The operator conducting the training must document that the training occurred by signing the Operator Training Certification Form and maintaining the certification in the record-keeping binder.

New Class A or B operators can receive approved training by using the online TankHelper (under development). The online version will print a training certificate that the operator must retain as proof to the DEQ inspector that training was completed.

If the new Class A or B operator does not have a management plan and binder, he/she must contact the nearest DEQ Regional Office to obtain one.