Division Updates and Outreach

The Division's most recent rule changes became effective June 15, 2021. The two major components of these changes were 1) fund coverage for a fund eligible release is dependent on an owner or operator's compliance history; the amount of fund deductible is based upon that compliance history, and 2) annual tank fees are suspended from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026. There are also general cleanup revisions to Rules 0400-18-01-.09 and 0400-18-01-.10. A rule making hearing was held 12/1/2020. The public hearing notice, the rule revision notice, and audio file may be accessed below:

• Notice of Rulemaking Hearing
  
• Notice of Rulemaking Hearing - Redline
• MP4 Audio file of rulemaking hearing

Tank Talk

Tank Talk is a periodic email newsletter that started in August 2020 with the primary purpose of providing education and reference materials for regulatory compliance, especially focused on the new rule full implementation date of October 13, 2021.  Tank Talk is a “plain English” publication that focuses on timely and relevant underground storage tank systems requirements that are designed to prevent petroleum releases.  Initially published and distributed monthly, it is now published regularly throughout the year when relevant or timely information is available.  The publication is emailed to roughly 17,000 stakeholders with open and click rates well above government email marketing averages.

New Rule Webinars

In anticipation of the full implementation of the October 13, 2021 rule changes, a series of “open to the public” webinars were performed by UST Division staff in 2021.  The primary purpose of the webinars was to inform the regulated community of the rule requirements at both the tank owners/operators’ and contractors’ understanding levels. During each webinar participants were provided time to ask questions, interact and engage with Division staff members, and were provided resources for their future needs. Nearly 1,300 stakeholders participated in the 16 webinars held throughout the year.  For future reference, links are provided below to the webinar materials and recordings.