Petroleum Storage Tanks (PST): Compliance Resources

HOT During the COVID-19 pandemic, you must mail or fax the paper copy of Form-00724 to the PST Registration and Reporting Section. After you mail or fax this form, to process your information sooner, you have the option to also e-mail this form to PSTReg@tceq.texas.gov.

HOT PST Webinars: How to Prepare for a UST Investigation – TCEQ is hosting FREE webinars for underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators to explain UST reporting and record-keeping requirements.

PST Updated Rules Summary – summary of the PST rule changes that became effective on May 31, 2018.

PST Program News – the latest news and developments in the PST program.

A petroleum storage tank (PST) is any one or combination of aboveground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, and all connecting underground pipes that contain petroleum products.

An underground storage tank (UST) is a storage tank and any connecting underground pipes used to contain a regulated substance, when the volume of the tank and connecting underground pipes is 10% or more beneath the surface of the ground.

An aboveground storage tank (AST) is a storage tank and any associated piping designed to contain petroleum products that is located above the surface of the ground or the floor of an underground structure (such as a basement or vault). ASTs are:

• non-vehicular
• made of non-earthen materials

A petroleum product is a petroleum substance obtained from distilling and processing crude oil that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure, and capable of being used as a fuel for the propulsion of a motor vehicle or aircraft. Petroleum products include, but are not limited to:

• motor and aviation gasoline
• gasohol and other alcohol blended fuels
• kerosene
• distillate fuel oil
• Number 1 and Number 2 diesel
• biodiesel blended with Number 1 or Number 2 diesel

The definition does not include naphtha-type jet fuel, kerosene-type jet fuel, or a petroleum product destined for use in chemical manufacturing.

For specific rule language of these definitions, see Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 334.2.

All regulated PSTs that contain or have contained a regulated substance must be registered with TCEQ unless otherwise exempted or excluded.

Common exemptions include:

• farm or residential tanks with a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less
• tanks that contain heating oil
• flow-through-process tanks
• septic tanks

For a full list of exemptions and exclusions, see Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 334 (30 TAC 334):

• 30 TAC 334.3 – Exemptions for USTs and UST Systems
• 30 TAC 334.4 – Exclusions for USTs and UST Systems
• 30 TAC 334.123 – Exemptions for ASTs
• 30 TAC 334.124 – Exclusions for ASTs

1. Complete one of the following forms:

• Underground Storage Tank Registration and Self-Certification Form (TCEQ Form 00724)
• Initial registration–complete the entire form
• Annual renewal–complete sections 1 through 9 and any other section where information has changed
• Change of ownership–complete sections 1 through 10 and 12
• Aboveground Storage Tank Registration Form (TCEQ Form 00659)
• Incomplete forms will be returned

2. If it is an initial registration or ownership change, complete a Core Data Form (TCEQ Form 10400)

• Instructions for completing TCEQ Form 10400

3. Include proof of financial assurance and A/B operator training certificates

4. Mail completed forms to:

• Petroleum Storage Tank Registration Team (MC-138)
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• P.O. Box 13087
• Austin, TX 78711

HOT During the COVID-19 pandemic, you must mail or fax the paper copy of Form-00724 to the PST Registration and Reporting Section. After you mail or fax this form, to process your information sooner, you have the option to also e-mail this form to PSTReg@tceq.texas.gov.

For more guidance:

• PST Registration and Self-Certification (RG-475d) – guide to the rules and procedures for registering and self-certifying PSTs.

TCEQ will send you a temporary delivery authorization when we receive your construction notification for new and replacement tanks. This authorization expires 90 days after your first delivery.

After processing your registration and certification, TCEQ will issue a delivery certificate to your facility. The paper certificate is mailed to the mailing address you provide on the form, but you can also view the delivery certificate online.

To view a certificate online follow these steps (you may need to use Internet Explorer):

1. Visit TCEQ's online Central Registry Document Search.
2. Under the "Search by Registration Number" section, choose "Petroleum Storage Tank" from the dropdown menu.
3. Enter your TCEQ facility ID number (also known as your PST ID number) and click "Search."
4. Choose "View Certificate of Delivery." The most current delivery certificate will be displayed.

You can also search by your facility or company name, but results may vary.

• Renewing a PST Delivery Certificate – how to renew the delivery certificate for USTs at your facility each year.
• Updating the Delivery Certificate when Ownership Changes – how to obtain a new delivery certificate after buying or receiving a UST facility from its previous owner.

All facilities with regulated petroleum storage tanks are subject to complaint and routine compliance investigations by TCEQ. The information and equipment reviewed will depend on the type of investigation or nature of the complaint. In general, you will need to show you are meeting all operational and record-keeping requirements.

The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires facilities with USTs to be inspected at least once every three years. Typically, a TCEQ investigator or contractor will contact you to schedule these Energy Act focused investigations and send you a list of items they plan to review.

• UST Compliance Notebook (RG-543) – a record-keeping tool to help you gather and organize documentation required to be available during an inspection.
• Compliance Checklists for PST Investigations – copies of checklists TCEQ investigators use for common investigations at PST facilities.

Owners and operators of USTs and UST systems must meet many regulatory requirements. In general, you must:

• Register tanks with TCEQ and keep registrations (and self-certifications if you receive fuel deliveries) up to date
• Install spill and overfill prevention equipment and maintain it in good operating condition
• Maintain corrosion protection for tanks and piping
• Provide adequate release detection
• Report and investigate suspected releases
• Obtain and keep financial assurance
• Meet Stage I vapor recovery requirements
• Keep operators trained regularly

Operations Guidance

• PST Super Guide – a comprehensive guide to issues relating to petroleum storage tanks divided by subject into 14 modules.
• Doing Inventory Control Right for Underground Storage Tanks – this EPA booklet will help you learn how to use inventory control to show compliance with regulatory requirements.
• The booklet says you will need to maintain inventory control records for one year, but Texas requires owners and operators to keep them for at least five years.
• Stage I Vapor Recovery – an overview of the Stage I vapor recovery rules for gas dispensing facilities in Texas.
• Stage II Vapor Recovery FAQs – frequently asked questions about Stage II vapor recovery decommissioning.
• Low Liquid Level UST Containment Sump Testing Procedures – this EPA document provides procedures for low liquid level hydrostatic testing.

Operations Tools

• Non-Blended 30-Day Inventory Control Worksheet – an interactive inventory control worksheet for non-blended fuel systems.
• Blended 30-Day Inventory Control Worksheet – an interactive inventory control worksheet for blended fuel systems.

There are three classes of UST operator: A, B, and C. Each facility with a regulated UST must have at least one person certified for each operator class, but one person may hold more than one classification. At least one certified operator must be present at the facility during hours of operation.

All operators must be retrained within 3 years of their last training date.

• Training for Underground Storage Tank Operators (RG-475o) – discusses who must be trained as an operator, the responsibilities of each operator class, and training information.
• Approved UST Class A and B Operator Training Courses – class A and B operators must have completed a TCEQ-approved operator course.

Water used in groundwater pump tests, spill bucket and sump tests, cleanup activities from petroleum spills, and certain other activities may be contaminated with petroleum substances.

This wastewater may be:

• Discharged under a TCEQ permit
• Beneficially reused (may require TCEQ authorization)
• Collected and disposed of at an authorized publicly owned treatment works (POTW). If you use this option, you must:
• have an agreement with the POTW prior to disposal
• make a waste determination on the wastewater prior to disposal—this may result in other industrial and hazardous waste requirements

For more information:

• Discharges for Water Contaminated by Petroleum Fuel or Petroleum Substances: Am I Regulated? – determine whether a specific discharge activity is covered under the general permit TXG830000.
• Requirements for Reclaimed Water – definitions of and uses for municipal and industrial reclaimed water.
• How to Classify Industrial and Hazardous Waste
• Waste Classification Worksheet – a checklist to help you make a hazardous waste determination and classify nonhazardous waste.
• Guidelines for the Classification and Coding of Industrial and Hazardous Wastes (RG-022) – comprehensive guidance for classifying and coding industrial and hazardous wastes.

While the storage of crude oil in aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) is not regulated under TCEQ petroleum storage tank (PST) rules, there are other permitting, reporting, and spill requirements we regulate.

• Guidance for Bulk Crude Oil Storage Regulated by TCEQ – summarizes the regulatory oversight of ASTs storing crude oil at locations not regulated by the Railroad Commission of Texas.
• Oil and Gas Activities – information and resources for oil and gas activities that fall under TCEQ jurisdiction, including air quality, surface water management, water quality, and waste management.
• Who Regulates Oil and Gas Activities in Texas? – Under revision 2021. This document will help you determine who regulates various activities related to the oil and gas industry.

You may have a suspected release if you see signs of unusual operating conditions or your release detection results are inconclusive or failing. Report suspected releases to TCEQ within 24 hours and investigate them within 30 days.

To report a suspected release, you must complete a PST Incident Report Form (TCEQ Form 20097) and either:

• Submit by:
• Fax: 512-239-2216
• Email: pstrpr@tceq.texas.gov
• Provide the information from the form by phone at 512-239-2200

More information on suspected releases and leaking PSTs:

• Suspected Releases from PSTs (RG-475h) – explains what is considered a suspected release, what confirms a release, and what actions you should take if you suspect or have confirmed a release.
• Investigating and Reporting Releases from PSTs (RG-411) – guide to the requirements for investigating and reporting releases from petroleum storage tanks.
• Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank Cleanups – provides more information on topics related to PST remediation requirements and programs.
• Find Contractors to Clean Up Leaking PSTs - how to use TCEQ’s licensing search to find registered companies or licensed individuals to perform corrective action at leaking petroleum storage tank (LPST) sites.
• PST Forms and Guidance for LPSTs

Is a spill different than a release?

Spills occur specifically during the transfer of a regulated substance (such as fuel) to or from an underground or aboveground storage tank. Spills and overfills occur mainly from bad filling practices. With few exceptions, you are required to maintain spill and overfill prevention equipment as part of your UST system.

A spill or overfill that meets either of the following conditions must be treated as a confirmed release:

• Results in a release into groundwater, surface water, or subsurface soils that exceeds 25 gallons or causes a sheen on nearby surface water
• Is less than 25 gallons and cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours of the spill

More information on spills:

• PST Spill and Overfill Prevention and Control (RG-475e) – discusses spill and overfill prevention and control requirements and describes the different types of equipment used.
• Spills, Discharges, and Releases – information on state and federal contacts, spill reporting, cleanup and management of spills, and the rules and regulations about spills.
• Reportable Quantities – a table to help you find the reportable quantity or criteria based on the type of substance released and where it is discharged.
• Releases Subject to the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP)
• Comparison of Tier II, Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), and Section 112 – a table comparing Tier II, TRI, and Section 112 requirements.

Owners of regulated petroleum storage tanks must notify TCEQ of any construction activity at tank sites at least 30 days before the work begins by submitting the AST and UST Construction Notification Form (TCEQ Form 00495).

Between 24 and 72 hours before work begins, contact the TCEQ office for the region where the activity will occur to report the time you will begin installation or removal.

TCEQ will send you a temporary delivery authorization after we receive your construction notification. Attach the bill of lading from your first fuel delivery to the temporary authorization. The authorization expires 90 days after your first delivery.

Installation, repair, and removal of USTs must be performed by licensed UST contractors.

• AST and UST Construction Notification Requirements – requirements for notifying TCEQ about planned work on USTs and ASTs.
• AST and UST Construction Notification Form (TCEQ Form 00495)
• Installing a New or Replacement UST (RG-475b) – installation requirements for UST systems.
• Temporarily Removing PSTs from Service (RG-475l) – why you might temporarily remove your tank from service, how to do it, your requirements while it’s out of service, and how to return it to service.
• Permanently Removing PSTs from Service (RG-475m) – why you might permanently remove your tanks from service, your options for removal, the requirements for each option, and who can remove USTs.
• TCEQ Region Directory – contact information for TCEQ regional offices and which counties are served by each office.

You must have a licensed UST contractor or on-site supervisor to install, remove, modify, or repair your UST.

UST contractors and on-site supervisors with Class A/B combination licenses are authorized to install, repair, or remove UST systems.

On-site supervisors with Class A licenses are authorized to install and repair UST systems, while Class B licenses are authorized to remove UST systems.

The following activities do not require a license:

• the initial abatement of a release or emergency actions to stop leaks or ruptures
• an individual who assists with the installation, repair, or removal of a UST system under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed on-site supervisor
• work on a system that is exempt, completely excluded, partially excluded, or not regulated under Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 334
• changing dispenser filters
• replacing nozzles, hoses, or breakaways

More guidance and information about UST contractor and on-site supervisor licensing:

• Licensed UST Contractors (RG-475c) – how to select the proper contractor to work on your UST system.
• Find Licensed UST Contractors – how to use TCEQ’s licensing search to find licensed UST contractors to install, remove, modify, or repair USTs.
• Occupational Licenses: UST Contractors and On-Site Supervisors – licensing and registration requirements for UST contractors and on-site supervisors.

Drinking Water

If you provide water to the public or your employees, you may be a public water system (PWS).

• Water: What is my Source? – how to determine who supplies drinking water in your area and what your options are if your property is not in a service area.
• Am I a “Public Water System”? – find out if you are a PWS and what requirements you must meet as one.
• You’re a Public Water System…Now What? (RG-496) – a guide for rules and regulations that apply to public water systems, especially those who may have recently learned they own a PWS.
• PWS: Compliance Resources – information and guidance for public water systems.

Industrial and Hazardous Waste

If you generate wastewater that may be contaminated with petroleum substances or other industrial or hazardous wastes, you may be required to meet requirements under industrial and hazardous waste generator rules.

• Industrial and Hazardous Waste: Compliance Resources – information and resources for generators of industrial and hazardous wastes.
• Industrial and Hazardous Waste Rules and Regulations for Small-Quantity Generators (RG-234) – guidance for small-quantity generators of industrial and hazardous wastes.
• Waste Designation Decision Matrix – an online tool to help you determine if your waste is hazardous or nonhazardous.
• Commercial Management Facilities for Hazardous and Nonhazardous Industrial Solid Waste (GI-225) – a list of facilities that have permits or authorizations from TCEQ to receive and manage industrial hazardous or nonhazardous waste commercially.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Rules and regulations for underground and aboveground storage tanks are in Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 334.

If your UST system is located in Kinney, Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, Comal, Hays, Travis, or Williamson County, additional requirements related to protecting the Edwards or Trinity Aquifer may apply. For more information, see our Edwards Aquifer Protection Program webpage.

• 30 TAC Chapter 213 – Edward Aquifer
• 30 TAC Chapter 214 – Secondary Containment Requirements for USTs Located Over Certain Aquifers

Motor Fuel Metering and Quality (previously Weights and Measures)

If you are a fuel-dispensing facility, you may be subject to the Motor Fuel Metering and Quality regulatory program (previously known as the Weights and Measures program). As of September 1, 2019, the Weights and Measures Motor Fuels program was transferred from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR).

• Motor Fuel Metering and Quality Program – provides information about the Motor Fuel Metering and Quality program administered by the TDLR.
• TDLR Complaints – consumers may file complaints here about fuel quantity or fuel pump measurement, advertised price, or device registration.
• Attorney General Consumer Complaints – consumers may file complaints about fuel quality with the Texas Office of the Attorney General.

Railroad Commission of Texas

If your activities are associated with the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas, you are likely regulated by the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).

• RRC Resource Center – provides information regarding RRC services.
• Contact RRC

Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) Information

PST Viewer – an interactive map viewer that displays the locations of TCEQ-regulated underground storage tanks.

PST Records and Datasets – find current and historic information and datasets about PSTs and leaking PSTs in Texas.

Free Workshops and Webinars

PST Webinars: How to Prepare for a UST Investigation – TCEQ hosted webinars in August 2021 for underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators to explain UST reporting and record-keeping requirements.

Small Business and Local Government Assistance

TCEQ's Small Business and Local Government Assistance section offers free, confidential help to small businesses and local governments working to follow state environmental regulations. Call us at (800) 447-2827 or visit our webpage at TexasEnviroHelp.org.