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State board adopts rewrite of underground‑storage‑tank rules, modernizes monitoring and enforcement
Summary
The board unanimously adopted a complete rewrite of Chapter 16 (Title 23) to modernize underground storage tank (UST) regulations, phase out ineffective equipment, clarify roles, and align timing with single‑wall tank closure requirements.
The State Water Resources Control Board on Sept. 3 voted unanimously to adopt a comprehensive rewrite of the underground storage tank (UST) regulations in Chapter 16, Title 23. The rewrite reorganizes and modernizes UST rules, removes references to single‑wall tanks that will be prohibited under state law, clarifies licensing and enforcement roles, and creates pathways for approving emerging technologies.
"We are getting rid of all references to single walled USTs since they will be prohibited by the end of this year," said Tom Henderson, manager of the UST leak prevention unit. The board also added phased requirements that, as older mechanical detection devices fail, owners must replace them with modern electronic monitoring; periodic interstitial testing of secondary containment piping will be required where applicable; and authorities must classify violations with graduated enforcement.
During the public comment period industry and small business groups supported modernization but asked for additional time and outreach for certain compliance items. Tom Jones, representing Pacific Gas and Electric at Diablo Canyon, said the rewrite aligned with NRC oversight at that facility and supported the modernization. Jack Yanos, for the California Fuels Convenience Alliance, requested more time for anchoring requirements and monitoring upgrades for small, independent operators; staff responded that the final regulations include an extension for anchor/tie‑down compliance until Jan. 1, 2027, and that the board will provide webinars and guidance in multiple languages.
The board record shows the motion to adopt passed by roll call with all members voting yes. The vote follows more than two years of outreach, multiple webinars in English, Spanish and Hindi, statewide conference presentations, and a formal rulemaking submission to the Office of Administrative Law. Staff said the registration portal GeoTracker will automate communications among owners, unified program agencies and cleanup oversight agencies to reduce oversight gaps and help ensure timely site closures and remediation.
