News And Events

Attention Colorado UST Operators: The Colorado OPS has temporarily suspended Class A/B training in Colorado while they investigate concerns UST operators are not getting sufficient guidance to understand rules as they apply to their particulate UST sites. We at UST Training are proud of our site-specific approach that we launched in May of 2009, especially since there are no site-specific training rules in place for Class A/B operators, and our course feedback has always been very positive. UST Training supports the state’s concerns and hopes that we can be back online offering our training shortly. Concerns about this matter should be sent to O’Deana Wilson at OPS.

We’re getting requests for a Class A/B course in eastern Oregon or Washington, for between now and mid-March. Possible locations include Pendelton, Hermiston and Pasco/Kenniwick. Anyone need training near those cities? Let us know. If we get enough students we can set up the class. Possible dates: Jan. 25, 26, 27 or 28, Feb. 4 or 5, Mar. 3, 4, 5, 6.

If you need trained A/B operators call us at 866-301-8265 or email us today.

Recently I was going over some old newsletters from 2008-10, in a time where many of states were struggling to decide what to do about the UST operators rules. Some interesting observations from the pre-deadline world. Any of this ring a bell for you?

Training Tip. Designate Operators Before the Rules Kick In (January 2009)

One question we get repeatedly from UST operators is” Who needs training?” Even States with existing laws like Oregon and Kansas, as well as Federal EPA grant guidelines, provide general pointers but don’t exactly spell it out in black and white. The intent of defining Class A, B and C operators in general terms was and is to allow UST owners to determine how best to match their own organizations structure with the operator classification scheme. Hospitals, convenient stores, military installations, and fueling fleets all have very different organizational hierarchies. So don’t expect to see a one-size-fits-all approach. Think about it general terms. Think about how your group, company, tribe or division can be organized (or reorganized) to meet the letter and spirit of the training rules.

UST Training is proud to present the first national Class A/B UST operator training course. This general, non-state specific Class A/B UST operator training perfect for Indian tribe UST operators and others who want a solid education in UST system operations and maintenance. It’s also good for anyone wanting a general overview of UST regulations. Note the certificate of completion is not valid in states as this is a national training course based on federal UST rules 40 CFR 280.

Tribal Discount: Tribal UST operators and inspectors can received a 20% discount at checkout. Contact us to learn how to apply.

Reprinted from LUSTLine #66, December 2010, by Ben Thomas

As a trainer you want to think all your hard work pays off and that the folks you train are actually putting into practice what they’ve learned. And sometimes you get a small reward as a reminder that what you are doing matters. This story is about such a reminder.

What do you think?

Aloha Hawai’i Class A/B and C UST operators. Even though the training deadline of December 8, 2013 has passed, UST Training is still offering self-paced training for all Hawai’i UST operators. In case you missed the deadline, lost your certified UST operator, or simply want backup training, we offer two great classes: One for Class A/B and one for Class C. See what Hawai’i operators are saying about our training so far:

• Presenter was excellent.
• I could complete the course at my own pace, and go back to the areas for more study.
• Not intimidating. The test was challenging, but I learned a lot.
• Easy to understand.
• I was able to review a lesson if I didn’t understand it and/or review the previous slide for clarification on the subject matter.
• The study guide was easy to follow and understand. The explanation by the trainer enhances the material.

Click here for Class A/B.

Click here for Class C.

Attention Oregon UST owners and operators:  Opened a new site? Lost your certified A/B operator? Need a refresher?

UST Training is offering our first Oregon class of 2014 on February 6 in Portland. The course is approved by the Oregon DEC and is approved by reciprocity by the Washington DOE.

Sign up today. OPA members get a $75.00 discount when signing up.

Ben Thomas has trained the majority of Oregon UST operators since 2003. Since Ben started training, operational compliance has steadily risen since then, due in part to Ben’s efforts to improve UST operator awareness and his engaging training material.

Which will you do better in 2014? Let’s put that UST operator training to work!

True story. Driving home from Oregon on a family vacation yesterday I stopped to get a fill up at a convenience store. And from my driver’s seat I can see the Veeder Root tank monitor blinked red through the store window. Great. Not being able to help myself, I mention it to the supposed Class C UST operator filling up my car (Oregon is one of two mandatory full serve states):