All of PASS’ UST operator training courses meet and exceed the federal requirements for UST operator training and are offered through our in-house designed and built Learning Management System (LMS). PASS’ state-specific A/B training courses are custom-tailored to meet state requirements and are accepted by more states than any other training provider. Our courses are available on-demand, 24/7, and are accessible from any internet-connected computer, tablet, or phone. The student can complete an entire course in a single session or take the course in segments. The training may be stopped and restarted, allowing for maximum schedule flexibility. PASS also does not impose time restrictions on course access, so students may take as much time as they need to complete their training.
PASS’ UST operator training course content is divided into chapters. Each chapter utilizes a combination of text, images, and narration, providing a multi-faceted learning experience for diverse learning styles. Each chapter is followed by a quiz. If the student answers a quiz question incorrectly, the application automatically redirects the student to the correct course information. The student is then given another opportunity to answer the quiz question. This reflexive quizzing model ensures comprehension of the course material and reinforces learner retention.
In addition to the quizzes, the UST Class A/B operator training course includes a final exam, 80% of which must be answered correctly in order to print a certificate. The trainee can complete the entire course in a single session (approximately 4 hours plus exam time) or take the course in segments.
Effective March 5, 2020, Rhode Island no longer accepts ICC certification for A/B operators.
Registration & Fees
Owners/operators of all USTs must register their USTs with the DEM by submitting an Underground Storage Tank Registration form. Owners of registered USTs will receive an invoice for registration fees annually which must be paid within the time frame indicated. The registration fee is currently $75 per tank per year. Failure to pay the registration fee in a timely manner may result in the addition of a $35 late fee for each UST.
Release Reporting
Owners/operators must report any suspected or confirmed releases immediately upon discovery to:
The appropriate local fire official;
The DEM at (401) 222-2797;
The DEM 24 hour Emergency Response Hotline at (401) 222-3070; and
The local public water supplier in the event that a spill occurs in a public supply watershed or in a wellhead protection area for community water supply wells.
Release Detection
UST owners/operators in Rhode Island may use any of the following methods of release detection.
Single-walled tanks may use:
Automatic tank gauging (ATG);
Tank tightness testing; or
Inventory control.
Double-walled tanks may use:
Continuous interstitial monitoring; or
Inventory control.
Financial Responsibility
Rhode Island has the following financial responsibility coverage amounts.
Owners/operators may use any of the following mechanisms to demonstrate financial responsibility.
If a DEM inspector determines that a UST or UST system is out of compliance with UST regulations, he or she may initiate non-compliance enforcement procedures. The DEM will notify the owner/operator in writing of all violations discovered at the facility. If the violations have not been corrected within 60 days of the notice, the DEM will determine and record the inventory of petroleum or hazardous materials remaining in each of the USTs located at the facility and affix a red tag to the fill pipe(s) of all USTs located at the facility. The owner/operator must submit documentation to the DEM that the violations have been corrected and a DEM inspector will verify compliance. USTs which have not been returned to compliance within 30 days of being red tagged will be placed into temporary closure. USTs which have not been returned to compliance within 180 days of being red-tagged will be immediately permanently closed. A list of red-tagged USTs is maintained on the DEM's website.
Temporary & Permanent Closure
Temporary Closure
Temporary closure of UST(s) is intended for short-term suspension of service only and is not for long-term closures or an alternative to permanent closure. Applicants seeking temporary closure must demonstrate that they intend to re-open the facility. Initial Temporary Closure approvals are granted for 180 days and if necessary, a one-time extension for an additional 180 days may be granted. Additional extensions are approved at the discretion of the director and require the submittal of a Site Investigation Report (SIR) completed within the past 6 months. A completed Temporary Closure Application must be submitted to DEM 15 days prior to any anticipated temporary closure of any UST regulated under Rule 3.00 of the RI DEM Rules and Regulations for Underground Storage Facilities Used for Petroleum Products and Hazardous Materials.
Permanent Closure
The permanent closure process, including application and fee schedule, is governed by the Department of Environmental Management's Regulations for Underground Storage Facilities Used for Petroleum Products and Hazardous Materials, specifically Rule 13. We recommend everyone applying for permanent closure familiarize themselves with these regulations and associated requirements and responsibilities. These regulations can be found online at https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/250-140-25-1/10184
Permanent closures may be subject to local town or city requirements in addition to State requirements. Please contact appropriate city or town offices, including the local fire department, prior to submitting the closure application. Please note that the closure application must be signed by an authorized agent of your local fire department.
Recordkeeping: All owners/operators of UST facilities shall maintain on the facility premises or at an alternate location approved by the Director, for the period of time specified below, records of the following:
Permanent Records: The following shall be maintained for three years beyond the operational life of the facility:
All data used to complete the application for the certificate of registration;
All records of modifications or repairs to pipes, fittings or other components of underground storage tank systems;
Annual test results of equipment or systems used for leak detection and inventory control;
Results of monitoring well checks as referenced in Rules 8.19(D) and 9.18 (C);
Records of closure activities;
Records of leaks, spills, releases, overfills, site investigations, and remedial response activities taken;
Tank and/or line tightness test results including all of the information required in Rule 8.10;
All records pertaining to the operation and maintenance of approved corrosion protection methods as required in Rule 8.06 and 8.07;
Equipment warranties and manufacturers’ checklists.
Routine Record-keeping: The following records shall be maintained for a minimum period of three years from the date made, or for such longer periods as required by the Director in the resolution of enforcement actions:
Records of all calibration and standard maintenance performed
Records of strip charts, electronic recall device and/or manual recordings for any continuous monitoring instrumentation;
Records of monthly tests of continuous monitoring systems as required in Rules 8.15 (E) and 9.17 (E).
Records of Operator’s monthly inspection checklists.
Daily and monthly inventory record keeping, as described in Rule 11.03 below.
Records of annual shear valve tests.
Inventory Control, Record-keeping and Leak Reporting: All product inventory shall be managed in accordance with the following:
Inventory volume for regulated substance inputs (fuel deliveries), withdrawals (amount dispensed), and the amount still remaining in the tank shall be measured and recorded each operating day;
Any unusual occurrences that might affect the inflow, outflow, or volume on hand, shall be recorded each operating day, along with any adjustments that were made to the records.
All inventory gauging equipment shall be capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank’s height to the nearest one-eighth of an inch;
All inputs of regulated substance shall be reconciled with delivery receipts by measurement of the tank inventory volume before and after delivery;
All deliveries shall be made through a drop tube that extends to within six (6) inches of the tank bottom;
Product dispensing shall be metered and recorded within the local standards for meter calibration or an accuracy of six (6) cubic inches for every five (5) gallons of product withdrawn, whichever is more accurate;
All tanks shall be gauged for the presence of water in the bottom of the tank at least once each month and a measurement of any water present shall be recorded to the nearest one- eighth of an inch. If the water measurement exceeds 1 inch, then the water is required to be removed;
Inventory records shall include a leak check to reconcile differences in the daily measurement of inflows, outflows, and volume on hand. If the leak check indicates a discrepancy of 1% or more of the flow-through plus 130 gallons on a monthly basis, then the owner/operator shall report such discrepancy in accordance with Rule 12 Leak and Spill Response.
Access to Records: The owner/operator shall make available to the Director, upon request, all records which the Director determines may be pertinent to the enforcement of these Rules and Regulations.
Change of Ownership: In the event of a change of ownership, records pertaining to the facility shall be transferred in accordance with Rule 16 Transfer of Certificates of Registration or Closure.
