Compliance Inspections and Operating Permits
UST Owners/Operators Must Obtain A Compliance Inspection For Their UST Systems!
As of April 1, 2003, it is unlawful to fill or dispense product from UST systems lacking an operating permit. In order to receive and maintain an operating permit, owners or operators of underground storage tank systems must obtain a compliance inspection of each tank system and a subsequent inspection every three years. Issuance of an operating permit is based on a compliance inspection that indicates that the UST is in compliance with Montana's operation and maintenance requirements.
State UST program staff will no longer conduct routine compliance inspections of UST systems. Compliance inspections will be conducted by private-sector inspectors licensed by DEQ. State and local UST program staff may conduct inspections as part of their oversight duties, or may conduct inspections to follow-up on complaints. State personnel will continue to provide installation and closure inspection services for owners who do not wish to use a licensed installer or remover.
NOTE: Routine line- and tank-tightness tests and corrosion-prevention system tests are also needed. Find out more .
What Owners Need To Know About Compliance Inspections:
- Compliance inspections MUST BE conducted at least 90 days before the current Operating Permit expires. This allows the time to correct any violations discovered during the inspection.
- UST owners must schedule and pay for the compliance inspection. Please note that the cost of UST inspections is not set forth in law or rule; your cost to obtain an inspection may vary due to location, inspector, time of year, or other factors.
- Inspections must be conducted by a Licensed Inspector.
- A new Operating Permit and Tag(s) are issued for an UST system each inspection cycle.
- The owner and inspector must sign or initial all pages of the inspection report.
- Compliance inspection and re-inspection reports must be received by DEQ within 15 days of the inspection.
- DEQ reviews each compliance inspection and will determine compliance. If your facility is not in compliance, you and your inspector will receive a Corrective Action Plan from the department which will outline the violations and corrective action timeframes established for your facility.
- After the initial compliance inspection each facility must be inspected every three years.
Make your Compliance Inspection easier by:
- Keeping all paperwork, files and records relating to your UST system accessible.
- Having a staff person who has knowledge of your UST systems on site during the inspection.
- Making sure all manways, sumps, boxes and equipment are easily accessible.
- Asking questions, taking notes and contacting DEQ for help.
Compliance Inspection Components:
Records review- Have the following documentation available for the inspector;
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Tank and leak detection records:
- Monthly records (12 months)
- Precision tank or line tightness testing (if applicable)
- Annual line leak detector functionality test
- Cathodic Protection test results:
- 3-year structure to soil potential tests
- Rectifier inspection records (every 60 days) for impressed current systems
- Valid Operating Permit posted and visible
Equipment Check- the following items will be examined by the inspector:
- Leak Detectors for tanks and piping
- Spill and overfill devices
- Corrosion protection
- All manways, sumps, boxes and dispensers
- Valid Operating Tag on each fill pipe
- Evidence of non-notified or abandoned tanks
Communicate with your Compliance Inspector:
- Review what was found.
- Discuss whether each UST system is in compliance, and if not, what can be done to bring them into compliance.
- Ask questions if you do not understand the compliance process.
Common Reasons For Failed Compliance Inspections:
- Monthly leak detection test not conducted or not conducted properly.
- Leak detection or other test records not readily available.
- Automatic Tank Gauge not programmed properly.
- Corrosion protection tests not conducted or show weak readings.
- Functionality test of automatic line leak detectors nor conducted.
- Overfill devices missing or not functioning.
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