Federal regulations require that all regulated UST facilities are inspected at least once every three years. This is required for all states. In Vermont, inspectors from the Storage Tanks Section of the Hazardous Materials Program conduct these inspections. The main purpose of inspecting UST facilities is to evaluate compliance with the UST Rules. The rules are “no less stringent” than the federal UST regulations, and the Program is federally authorized to implement them in lieu of federal regulations.
The Storage Tanks Section inspects between 250 and 300 facilities each year. The list of facilities to be inspected each year is updated annually (see below). Inspectors typically schedule inspections with facility operators roughly one week prior to coming onsite so the inspector is able to meet with the UST operator, review records, and inspect UST systems during their visit. While there is wide variability in the age, design, and operation of UST systems throughout Vermont, most inspections involve observing tank top equipment like piping sumps, fill port spill containment (i.e., spill buckets), overfill prevention devices, and sensors; and reviewing recordkeeping documentation including weekly leak detection records, monthly operator inspection checklists, list of trained C operators, tank diagrams, and permit postings.
If violations are found during the UST inspection, the tank owner will receive a certified letter referred to as a Notice of Alleged Violation (NOAV). The notice will document the rules violation(s), including a brief description of what the inspector observed. The notice will also give compliance directives that must be addressed by the dates specified in the notice. Documentation of the corrected violations may be required. In some cases, significant or repeat violations will warrant monetary fines.
Resources
- List of 2023-2024 Facility Inspections
- UST Compliance Inspections Guide provides an overview of what inspections entail and how to prepare.
- UST NOAV Response Form
- Keeping Your UST Facility in Compliance webpage provides additional compliance assistance resources (e.g., checklists, guides, and template forms); please refer to the bottom of the webpage.
Contact Information
Storage Tanks Section
Hazardous Materials Program
Waste Management and Prevention Division
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
1 National Life Drive – Davis 1
Montpelier, VT 05620-3704
802-828-1138