The PASS Training Marketplace

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.

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.

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 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

All tanks must be registered with the states before they go into operation, with annual fees paid. 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.

 

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.