Operator Training

Overview

​On July 1, 2008, a revision to the UST rule became effective which required, beginning August 8, 2012, all individuals who operate and maintain UST systems, as well as on-site personnel who are responsible for addressing emergencies presented by spills or releases from Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), to receive training based upon their duties and level of responsibility for USTs. In order to adopt the new federal regulations, WV Legislative Rule 33CSR30 ("the Rule") was updated to incorporate the federal regulations and became effective on June 1, 2018.

It is the responsibility of owners/operators to ensure that their personnel are trained as a Class A/B operator by a WVDEP approved vendor. Previously, WVDEP did not allow for the Class A/B operator to train the Class C operator. However, with the adoption of the new federal regulations, beginning October 13, 2018, the Class A/B operator may train their Class C operators subject to the requirements in 40CFR280, Subpart J. Personnel may still take a Class C operator training course approved by WVDEP in lieu of being trained by their Class A/B. Approved training vendors are listed below.

The WV DEP will continue to review and approve UST Operator Training Programs and provide updated information on approved vendors and guidance for the Operator Training Program. Here is a link to the operator training course application which will need to be submitted to WVDEP along with your course materials for WVDEP review and approval. Here is a link to the Frequently Asked Questions on Operator Training for more information about the requirements for Operator Training. Please continue to visit our website for additional information.

Contact Us

If you require additional information, please contact us.

Ruth M. Porter, Tanks Program Manager
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 926-0499
Email: Ruth.M.Porter@wv.gov

See Also


Operator Classifications and Training

The following are definitions of the different operator classifications. Owners must determine who best fits this role at their facilities.

Class A

Class A Operators are responsible for the broader aspects of compliance and are typically in management positions. They are at the highest level of responsibility. In smaller operations,​​​ this will likely be the tank Owner/Operator and within a larger company, this may be an Environmental Manager. The Class A operator’s responsibilities include managing resources and personnel, such as establishing work assignments, to achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

Class B

Class B Operators implement the regulatory requirements on a daily basis at one or more facilities. Class B Operators must have a more in-depth understanding of operation and maintenance aspects but will have a narrower area of responsibility than a Class A Operator. For a large corporation, this could be a district manager, maintenance supervisor, or a site manager, for a smaller company it may be the owner or operator. This individual implements day-to-day aspects of operating, maintaining, and recordkeeping for USTs.

Class C

Class C Operators are the first line of response to an emergency event. In most instances, this will be the clerk or store manager. The Class C Operator controls the dispensing of fuel and is responsible for the initial response to alarms or releases. This individual notifies the Class A and Class B operator and appropriate emergency responders when necessary. An Operator with at least a Class C certification must be on-site during fueling operations at all facilities unless the facility has been designated as an unmanned facility.​


Approved Operator Training Vendors and Courses

Antea Group

ECATTS/Envicomply

First Energy/Allegheny Power

Kroger Limited Partnership

OMEGA

Petcon, Inc.

Petroleum Testers, LLC

Potomac Hudson Engineering

Sam's East/Wal-mart Stores (Internal training only)

  • Operator Classes: C Only
  • Kevin Allen

Tait Environmental Services, Inc.