Rhode Island Operator Training Stakeholder Meeting 5 18

Rhode Island Operator Training Stakeholder Meeting 5. 18. 09 1

Federal Energy Act Brief Outline • Signed by President Bush August 8, 2005 • Section XV, Ethanol and Motor Fuels, Section 1524, outlines and mandates that an operator training program be implemented by each state for all federally regulated underground storage tank owners and operators • EPA Guidelines take into account: - training programs in existence - high turnover of tank operators and personnel - substantial differences in scope of training needed for different classes of operators 2

Federal Energy Act Brief Outline • What Is Operator Training? Underground storage tank operator training means any program that meets the requirements of the Federal Guidelines. Such a program is designed to ensure knowledge regarding operating and maintaining underground storage tank systems. 3

Requirements of Guidelines • All states must implement the guidelines for Operator training by: - requiring operator training for all operators in each classification - Developing state specific guidelines by August 8, 2009 They must: – be developed in cooperation with UST owners and operators – Take into consideration existing training programs – Be appropriately communicated to UST owners and Operators - Establishing a procedure to indentify individuals that must be trained - Ensuring All Operators are trained in accordance with these guidelines • All states must implement their program by August 8, 2012 4

Classifications of Operators CLASS A • Has primary responsibility of operating and maintaining the UST system, including management of resources and personnel • Focuses on broader aspects of statutory and regulatory requirements and operating standards • Typically ensures that the appropriate person properly operates and maintains the UST system and maintains appropriate records • Are trained to operate and maintain the UST system and keep records • Properly responds to emergencies caused by releases or spills • Makes financial responsibility documents available upon request 5

Classifications of Operators CLASS A At a minimum, Class A Operator MUST know the following: Spill prevention Overfill prevention/protection Release detection Corrosion protection Emergency response Product compatibility Financial responsibility documentation requirements Notification requirements Release and suspected release reporting requirements Permanent and temporary closure requirements Operator training requirements 6

Classifications of Operators CLASS B B individual implements day to day aspects of operating, maintaining, and record keeping for UST’s at one or more facilities. This person implements UST regulatory requirements and standards in the field 7

Classifications of Operators CLASS B At a minimum, Class B Operator MUST know the following: Spill prevention Overfill prevention/protection Release detection Corrosion protection Emergency response Product compatibility 8

Classifications of Operators CLASS B Class B MUST also know: • Components of the UST systems. • Materials of UST system components. • Methods of release detection and release prevention applied to UST components • Class C operator training requirements. 9

Classifications of Operators CLASS C This person is the first line of response to events indicating emergency conditions, they are responsible for responding to alarms or other indications of emergencies caused by spills or releases from the UST. 10

Guidance Document Verification of Operator Knowledge • An appropriately administered and evaluated verification of operator knowledge (i. e. , examination). This determination must be accomplished through an operator examination designed to measure operator knowledge as required in these guidelines. The state or a third party acceptable to the state may administer this examination. The examination process must be acceptable to the state and reasonably determine the person tested has the necessary knowledge and skills to be considered competent to operate underground storage tanks. 11

RI’s Proposal • All Class A and B operators must pass the ICC Exam (International Code Council) - This exam currently costs $75 • A certificate of passing this exam must be made available at the facility • The test will potentially have a New England and/or Rhode Island component • This certification would be good for 5 years at which time the test would need to be retaken 12

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Rhode Island’s Proposal • Class B operators would be required to conduct a monthly walk through of the facility and complete a monthly inspections sheet • Class C operators would need to be listed with the Department and that list should be available at the facility 14

RI’s Proposal • Should the exam be failed, on-line training is available from multiple resources which will be listed on the Department’s web site • Should an operator pass an out of state exam, that exam will be allowed as verification in RI for one year. After one year, a certificate of passing from an ICC exam must be obtained. • If a company that provides in-house training to its staff wants to make it available to others, the Department will inform its stakeholders via its web site of options available • After August 8, 2012 a first time owner/operator would have 60 days to become certified 15

Links Guidance Document available at : www. epa. gov/OUST/fedlaws/final_ot. htm Full Text of Federal Energy Act: www. epa. gov/OUST/fedlaws/publ_109 -058. pdf Info Related to Rhode Island DEM Operator Training: www. dem. ri. gov/programs/benviron/waste/topictan. htm International Code Council : www. iccsafe. org Test Center Locater: www. asisvcs. com/indhome. asp? CPCAT=4100 PROFCERT 16