UST Operator Training

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All underground storage tank (UST) owners are required to have a trained primary operator and a trained emergency response operator. Tank owners must designate a primary operator for each facility. Primary operators must be employees of the facility owner or operator. Third-party contractors or testing companies are not able to serve as primary operators.

If you have been designated as a primary operator for a North Carolina UST facility, please register for training.

The 2005 Federal Energy Policy Act mandates training for all UST system operators. North Carolina operator training requirements are located in N.C. General Statute 143-215.94 [NN through TT].

The primary operator is responsible for daily operation, maintenance and record keeping of the facility, and needs to have a general knowledge of UST compliance requirements.

Two types of operators must receive training:

1. Primary operator (also called Class A/B), and 
2. Emergency response operator (also called Class C).

Training for primary operators can be conducted at a UST facility during an inspection if the facility is in compliance. Otherwise, training occurs at N.C. Tank School or using NC DEQ's online training. Register here.

A draft operator training manual is available. It lists the maintenance, testing and recordkeeping requirements.

General versions of the primary operator training slides used in N.C. Tank School are provided below.

• Introduction / Requirements / Inspection
• Spills / Overfill / Corrosion Protection
• Leak Detection / Releases

The emergency response operator training slides are used by primary operators to train the emergency response operators

• ERO Training Slides
• ERO Training Instructions
• ERO Training Form - UST 26

Contact: Heather Meech at (919) 707-8219 or heather.meech@ncdenr.gov.