Owners & Operators

Owner/Operator Training 

(Chapter 567-135 Iowa Administrative Rules)

Owning and operating an underground storage tank (UST) system in the State of Iowa is a sophisticated operation.  There are numerous and stringent regulations regarding the installation, maintenance and operation of an UST system.  Over time, these regulations have grown in number and complexity.  All of these regulations have as their intended purpose to protect soil and ground water, and public safety.  Eighty percent of all Iowans depend on groundwater for their household water supplies.

The purpose of Class A/B/C operator training is to improve operations and maintenance at UST system facilities, and ultimately improve compliance and environmental protection. The rules outline 3 classes of operators that must be trained and designated at all UST facilities: Class A, Class B, and Class C. These rules contain specific job duties, training requirements, and training deadlines applicable to each operator class.

• Class A operators have primary responsibility to operate and maintain the UST system. Class A/B operators must notify the DNR of any change in ownership or operator status, and to notify new owners of their compliance responsibilities, in addition to other administrative duties (like submitting notifications and forms to the DNR).
• Class B operators are the people with the day-to-day responsibility (e.g., a manager) for implementing the UST regulations and standards at the facility.
• Class C operator is an employee at the UST site (e.g., a clerk) and is the first line of response to events indicating emergency conditions. Class C operators must know how to respond to spills, overfills and alarms when they occur. 

All facilities are required to have a Class A/B/C operator before they can operate the UST system(s). 

Class A and B operators must be trained by a DNR-approved training vendor, and require an exam to demonstrate their understanding of the course material. Class C operators may be trained by Class A or B operators. Please see this list of Operator Training Vendors Approved for Iowa - training is available both online and in-person.

Owner / Operator Documents

• Operator Training Vendors Approved for Iowa
• Operator Response Procedures
• UST Basics Manual
• Operator Training Rules - Chapter 135.4(6-11)

The owner/operator is responsible for contracting with a certified Iowa UST Compliance Inspector to complete an inspection. View the Compliance Inspection Guide to see what Compliance Inspectors look for on their inspections. Search for certified Compliance Inspectors on the UST Professional Certifications Database Search Page. The DNR audits a percentage of all inspections conducted by Compliance Inspectors.

View compliance information for sites in the DNR Underground Storage Tank Database. Compliance Inspectors can use the Tanks Database User Guide to enter inspections. 

If you are a potential buyer, seller or a real estate agent/broker who sometimes must deal with underground storage tanks on properties in Iowa and would like more information, this Real Estate Professionals Booklet is for you. The UST Database is available for the public to view and it does not require a login. The database provides site specific details. Applicable forms are found on the UST Forms page. Additional site file details may be accessible online in the DNR’s Online Document Search. If you have any questions, please contact James Gastineau at 515-829-2770 and james.gastineau@dnr.iowa.gov.

What are financial responsibility requirements?

Owners and operators of USTs must show they have the financial resources to clean up a site if a release occurs, correct environmental damage, and compensate third parties for injury to their property or themselves. Financial responsibility is required for all regulated petroleum UST systems and must be maintained for the life of the system. The rules for this are laid out in Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 136. 

How can owners and operators demonstrate financial responsibility?

Owners and operators of UST systems in Iowa may demonstrate financial responsibility through a number of options: obtain commercial or private pollution liability insurance; demonstrate self-insurance; obtain guarantees, surety bonds, or letters of credit or place the required amount into a trust fund administered by a third party. Local governments have additional compliance mechanisms tailored to their special characteristics: a bond rating test, a financial test, a guarantee, and a dedicated fund. The Iowa DNR does not accept the ACORD Certificate as proof of financial responsibility. A Certificate of Insurance is required by Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 136.8. (See this Certificate of Insurance Example.)

What are the required coverage amounts?

The UST regulations identify several groups of UST owners and operators and the required coverage amounts for each group. This table presents each group and its required coverage amount.

What is the cost of demonstrating financial responsibility?

The cost of obtaining financial responsibility depends upon the mechanism used and, in some cases, (such as insurance) can also depend upon the type of UST system (such as single vs. double-walled tanks, older vs. newer systems). Private insurance is the most common mechanism used to comply with financial responsibility requirements in Iowa. Use the EPA’s list of insurance providers to find a suitable insurance mechanism.

When must I demonstrate financial responsibility?

You must demonstrate financial responsibility before you operate your UST system, and when ownership changes occur. Insurance must be renewed annually. A copy of the mechanism you use for financial responsibility will be verified at the time you receive your annual tank tag management fee application, which is usually in November.