UST operator requirements

All underground storage tank (UST) facilities must designate owners, operators, or employees as Class A, Class B, and Class C operators; there are some exceptions for unattended facilities. Facilities may designate:

• one person as the Class A operator and another as the Class B operator.
• the same person as both Class A and Class B operator.
• multiple people for each operator class.
• one person as operator for multiple facilities.

Class A and B operators must pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge of safe operating and maintenance procedures. The MPCA strongly encourages training prior to taking the exam (see information below).

Operator responsibilities

Class A operator

In general, Class A operators have primary responsibility for operating and maintaining UST systems and complying with regulatory requirements and standards. Class A operators ensure that facility personnel can properly operate and maintain UST systems, maintain records, and respond to emergencies such as spills or releases. The Class A operator will be tested on topics such as:

• spill and overfill prevention.
• release detection.
• emergency response.
• release reporting.
• secondary containment.
• notification requirements.

Class B operator

Class B operators are responsible for day-to-day operations and implementing requirements and standards at the facility. Class B operators, for all facilities except unattended card-lock facilities, must be onsite at least monthly to verify that operational and maintenance tasks have been completed. Class B operators will be tested on their in-depth understanding of UST operation and maintenance requirements, including:

• tank system components and the materials they are made of.
• release detection methods and how to implement them.
• spill and overfill prevention.
• corrosion protection.
• emergency response.
• product compatibility.

Class B operators will only be tested on the tank system components and methods in place at their facility.

• Class B Operator checklist (t-u5-25)

Class C operator

Class C operators are on-site daily and handle emergencies and alarms related to spills or releases. This operator is typically an employee who controls or monitors the dispensing or sale of product, and must be trained by the facility's Class A or B operator and learn appropriate emergency response procedures. A facility can designate as many Class C operators as needed to comply with requirements. At least one Class C operator (or an A or B operator) must be on-site while the tank system is operating, except at unattended cardlock facilities.

Class C operator training

The MPCA does not have a formal approval process for Class C operator training. The list of Class C operator training providers below is sorted alphabetically and is updated as providers contact the MPCA. This list is supplied as a public service and MPCA is not endorsing these companies nor providing testimonials about the quality of training.

• Eclipse
• PASS Training
• UST Training
• Tanknology
• Williams & Company Consulting, Inc.
• Antea Group

Class C operators don't have to pass an exam.

• Class C Operator training checklist (t-u5-26)

Unattended card-lock facilities

At unattended card-lock facilities — such as "unmanned" service stations, fleet fueling facilities, or sites with an emergency generator — regulated substances are dispensed mechanically or electronically, without a trained operator onsite. These operations must have conspicuous signs with the facility's name and address and phone numbers for the owner/operator or local emergency responders. Unattended card-lock facilities don't require Class C operators; the facility's Class B operator must be onsite at least weekly to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the tank system.

Required operator training

The MPCA formally reviews and approves all Class A and B operator training providers. If you have failed the exam or significant violations were found at your facility, select one of the training providers below. MPCA approves the content of the training.

Note for training providers

Training providers must be approved by the MPCA by completing the application form. To develop training, providers should refer to the curriculum criteria; MPCA expects that training will achieve all of the objectives listed in this document. Trainers are subject to periodic audits.

• UST program: Application for training course approval (t-u4-25)
• Developing curriculum criteria Class A and B underground storage tank operator training (t-u4-27)

Fact sheets and resources

• Underground storage tanks in Minnesota: Answers to commonly asked questions (t-u1-02)
• Minimum requirements for new and replacement underground storage tank (UST) systems (t-u2-01)
• Temporary and permanent closure of underground storage tanks (t-u1-38)
• Automatic tank gauging for underground storage tanks (t-u3-03)
• Inspection of internally lined underground storage tanks (t-u3-28)
• Leak detection for underground storage tank pressure piping (t-u3-12)
• Leak detection for underground storage tank suction piping (t-u3-13)
• Stage 1 vapor recovery requirements for USTs (t-u1-13)
• Statistical inventory reconciliation (SIR) for underground tanks and piping (t-u3-26)
• Tightness testing for underground storage tanks (t-u3-21)
• Underground storage tanks: Are you doing the Big Six? (t-u1-12)
• Cathodic protection of underground storage tank systems (t-u3-27)
• Underground Storage Tanks (U.S. EPA)