Understanding the Energy Policy Act (Energy Act)
The U.S. Energy Policy Act (Energy Act) signed by President George W. Bush on August 8, 2005 requires all States that receive federal grant money for their UST programs to ensure that all operators of underground storage tank (UST) systems demonstrate competency on how to comply with UST compliance rules so that environmental releases can be prevented.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has approved a new environmental rule that went into effect September 25, 2009. This new requirement will affect every GOA member and the thousands of operators of UST systems in Georgia.
New UST Operator Categories under the Energy Act
The new rule splits UST operators into three categories depending upon their job responsibilities -- Class A, B and C. Only the Class A and Class B operators will require formalized testing. The categories and job responsibilities are outlined as follows:
- Class A Operator- Persons having primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of UST systems (UST Owners, Operations Managers, etc.).
- Class B Operator- Persons having daily on-site responsibility for the operation and maintenance of UST systems (Regional Managers, General Managers, Store Managers, etc.).
- Class C Operator- Daily, on-site employees having primary responsibility for addressing emergencies presented by a spill or release from an UST system (Fueling attendants, store clerks).
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