Underground Storage Tank (UST) - Temporary Closure

Underground TanksThe California Health and Safety Code (H&SC), the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and the Sacramento County Code (SCC) require that a UST owner or operator must obtain a permit to temporarily close a UST. EMD is the agency that issues UST temporary closure permits in Sacramento County.

UST Temporary Closure Requirements

The following is a general overview of UST temporary closure requirements:

  • Submittal and approval of UST temporary closure application, supporting forms and permit fee.
  • Removal and proper disposal of any residual liquid, solids, or sludge within the UST.
  • Secure all UST access locations (except required venting) with locked caps or concrete plugs.
  • Disconnect power from all UST pumps (except if pump services other equipment not being closed).
  • Schedule EMD temporary closure inspection.
  • Periodic owner, operator and/ or designee site inspections (at least once every 3 months) to confirm temporary closure status.

Owner/Operator Responsibilities

If you are the owner or operator of a UST that is to be temporarily closed, you and your designee must:

  1. Complete and submit a Consolidated Application For Authority to Temporarily Close in Place Underground Storage Tanks to EMD. A permit (Authority Letter to Temporarily Close UST) will be issued upon approval of the proposed temporary closure.
  2. Receive this permit (Authority Letter to Temporarily Close UST) before proceeding with UST temporary closure.
  3. Follow all permit conditions, including but not limited to, UST preparation, inspection, and maintenance.

UST owners and operators, their designee, or construction contractors who fail to comply with UST review and permitting requirements may be subject to enforcement action.

Note: Temporary closure is only valid for 1 year.

Have Questions?

If you need more information or have questions concerning UST permit requirements, please contact:

Sacramento County Environmental Management Department
Environmental Compliance Division
11080 White Rock Rd., Suite 200
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

916-875-8550
916-875-8513 (fax)
emdinfo@saccounty.net

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