Underground Storage Tank Program
Frequently Asked Questions - Essentials of Self-Certification

Due Annually. This year’s date: 12/31/09.

What Do I Do?

1. Conduct an inspection of your facility, using the checklist and referring to the workbook as needed.
2. Identify areas where you are out of compliance.
3. Make necessary repairs or operational adjustments (i.e., begin weekly record-keeping)
4. Complete the self-certification form – either on-line or paper – and submit it along with the checklist by 12/31/09.

Q. What if I can’t get my facility into compliance by 12/31/09?
A. You must submit a Return to Compliance (RTC) plan along with your self-certification form. The plan tells us what items need work, and what your plan is to get them done (for example, your contractor is scheduled to be on-site October 1 to replace the ball-float valves).

Q. How much time do I have to come into compliance if I file a Return to Compliance Plan?
A. 60 days. Items in the RTC must be completed by March 1, 2010.

Q. What if I can’t get my RTC completed in time?
A. Contact us to work out an acceptable schedule.

Q. When does the inspection have to be done?
A. Any inspection done no more than 6 months prior to the due date is acceptable. So a Self-certification inspection with everything in compliance, conducted on June 1, 2009 would be acceptable.

Q. What if I don’t file a self-certification, or complete a RTC in time?
A. You will be issued a Notice of Alleged Violation, and may be subject to further enforcement actions.

Q. If someone from the state comes to do a routine inspection of my facility this year, will that count as my self-certification?
A. No. We will continue to do our routine inspections once every three years, but you must also do your inspection and self-certification every year. You may, however, do some or all of your inspection during the routine inspection, as long as it is no more than 6 months from the September due date.

Q. I’m having trouble using the online checklist. Who should I call?
A. Call 802-241-3888 and ask for someone in the UST Program.