Underground Storage Tanks

Underground storage tank (UST) systems that leak gasoline or other hazardous substances result in soil and groundwater contamination that can be dangerous and extremely costly to clean up. Leaks can involve an immediate health risk as well as contamination of drinking water supplies and the environment. To address these concerns, State law requires that UST's have permits and be monitored for leaks.

The CUPA enforces State and local UST regulations that include: the permitting of all UST's containing hazardous substances, construction standards for new tanks and piping, tank tightness testing requirements, monitoring standards and closure requirements for these tanks. Action is taken to implement cleanup measures when UST's are found to have leaked.

Beginning January 1, 2013, all businesses with regulated USTs are required to report information to the local regulatory agency electronically rather than on the paper forms formerly used for this purpose.  Santa Cruz County accepts electronic submittals through the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS).  For more information on how to file electronically, please see our CERS page.