Board approves tank-testing contract while planning tank replacements

The board approved a contract with an established vendor to perform required testing and inspections on underground fuel tanks used by district transportation operations. Transportation staff said unleaded tanks are empty while diesel tanks remain in service and therefore require ongoing monthly and annual testing to remain compliant with Los Angeles County Public Works rules.

When asked whether the district should postpone testing where tanks were slated for replacement, staff said replacement planning is still in the design and coordination phase and that monthly testing remains necessary for existing tanks. The approval included a projected budget figure based on services, labor and potential parts over a multi‑year period; staff characterized the $18,000 as a projected total that may not be fully spent depending on testing cycles and project timing.

Staff committed to coordination between the testing vendor and the firm designing tank replacements to avoid duplicate costs where possible. The board approved the item and asked staff to continue coordinating timelines to reduce unnecessary testing costs once tanks are removed or replaced.