Texas UST Class A/B Operator Training
Texas underground storage tank operator-training requirements are administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). For official requirements, approved courses, and operator resources, visit the TCEQ UST Class A and Class B Operator Training website (https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/registration/pst/ust_training).
Why This Training Matters
Texas requires every regulated UST facility to have at least one trained Class A operator, Class B operator, and Class C operator. Class A operators oversee UST operation, maintenance, personnel, and regulatory compliance, while Class B operators implement the daily operation, maintenance, testing, inspection, and recordkeeping requirements. At least one trained operator must be present during facility operating hours.
This training helps operators:
• Understand their responsibilities under Texas UST regulations
• Properly operate and maintain UST systems
• Verify that required testing, inspections, and release detection are completed
• Recognize and respond to alarms, spills, overfills, and suspected releases
• Maintain required records and prepare for TCEQ inspections
• Protect public health, property, and the environment
Class A and Class B operators must complete a TCEQ-approved training course every three years. If TCEQ determines that a facility is in significant noncompliance, the designated Class B operator must retake a TCEQ-approved compliance course.
Course Coverage
Topics include:
• Class A, Class B, and Class C operator responsibilities
• Texas UST registration and self-certification requirements
• UST systems, components, and product compatibility
• Spill and overfill prevention and control
• Release detection
• Corrosion protection
• Required testing, inspections, and maintenance
• Recordkeeping and notification requirements
• Release reporting and response
• Emergency procedures and shutdown equipment
• Financial responsibility
• Class C operator training requirements
• Temporary and permanent closure
• Requirements that may apply over the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers
• Environmental and regulatory consequences of noncompliance
Course Format & Certification
• PASS is listed as a TCEQ-approved Class A and Class B operator-training provider
• Online and available on demand, 24/7
• Accessible from an internet-connected computer, tablet, or phone
• May be completed in one session or paused and resumed
• Approximately four hours, plus final-exam time
• An 80% score is required to pass the final exam
• A certificate is issued after successful completion
• Certification must be renewed every three years
• Training certificates must be maintained at the UST facility
• A copy of the certificate must be submitted to TCEQ with the facility’s annual self-certification
Who Should Take This
This training is intended for:
• Individuals designated as Texas Class A or Class B UST operators
• UST owners and facility managers responsible for regulatory compliance
• Personnel responsible for daily UST operation, maintenance, testing, or recordkeeping
• Operators completing their required three-year renewal training
• Class B operators required to retrain because of significant facility noncompliance
Operator Overview
Chapter 1
This first chapter discusses one of the most critical components of any facility: the personnel. Both the EPA and each state has regulations for operator duties and training. This chapter explains the different roles. Stations are expensive to run and maintain. It is not just as simple as distributing product, selling sodas and collecting money.
System and Components
Chapter 2
This chapter gives a thumbnail description of the mechanics of a facility. It is extremely important for station personnel to know the components of a station, and how it operates. Many points addressed in this training also will examine environmental issues. Throughout the training are documents to download. These will help station operators perform their duties.
Release Detection
Chapter 3
While every facility is different, they all have release detection, or monitoring, equipment in common. This chapter looks at the various monitoring devices, and what role an operator plays. Monitoring is important to catch leaks before they become a major headache. No operator wants to be responsible for ignoring monitoring issues resulting in a release into the environment
Release Prevention
Chapter 4
In their collective wisdom, the states and the EPA mandate certain components to avoid a major spill or leak. Station operators should follow the two M’s: maintenance and monitoring. Doing both can avoid or lessen the impact of costly repairs or remediation. This chapter will help operators do just that.
Planning and Response
Chapter 5
Okay, so there is a leak/spill/or overfill: what to do? First, be prepared. Think these steps through before a problem occurs. This chapter outlines what must be done in the event of a small incident or a major spill. Have a list of procedures and contacts posted at the facility, so personnel will not have to scramble under pressure.
Financial Responsibility
Chapter 6
Running a facility is an expensive investment. Both the state and the EPA want to make certain that operators can handle the financial requirements and the costs of a cleanup. In this chapter, are required financial guarantees. These are fairly standard in all the states, as is a state cleanup fund to help in remediation. Operators will want to keep records of all expenditures and costs, as in any business., The state will inspect the facility and all documents.
Registration and Installation
Chapter 7
All tanks must be registered with the state before they go into operation. They also need permits for the local authorizing body before being installed. If the ownership changes, the state must be notified. If there is a bankruptcy, the state must be notified, and if the product is changed in a tank, the state needs to know. Again, keep all records.
Inspection and Closure
Chapter 8
In this final chapter are instructions on inspection and monitoring, and guidelines for when it should be done. These are not suggestions, consider this a station’s “To Do” list. If the two M’s are not followed: Monitoring and Maintenance -- it could lead to a function failure. If there is a problem, the state can issue a warning with a deadline for repairs; and in most states a Red Tag. A Red Tag prohibits delivery to one or several tanks if the deadline passes and repairs are not made. Also in this chapter, if one of the tanks needs to be “retired” or put out of service either temporarily or permanently, there are guidelines for this procedure as well.