Texas Compliance Guide
Complete guide to Texas UST/AST compliance including TCEQ Petroleum Storage Tank program, TDLR fuel metering and quality requirements, and operator training.
Quick Reference
TCEQ Hotline
1-800-447-2827TDLR Hotline
1-800-803-9202Operator Training
Every 3 years
Calibration
Every 2 years
Regulatory Agencies
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) Program
UST/AST registration, leak detection, corrective action, operator training
pst@tceq.texas.govTexas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR)
Motor Fuel Metering & Quality
Dispenser calibration, fuel quality, service company licensing, skimmer investigations
fmq@tdlr.texas.govTexas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
Weights & Measures
Commercial weighing devices, LPG meters, measurement standards
Operator Training Requirements
Each Texas UST facility must have at least one designated individual for each class of operator training. One person may hold multiple classifications. All operators must be re-trained every 3 years.
Class A Operator
Overall responsibility for UST system compliance
- โขMust complete TCEQ-approved operator training course
- โขResponsible for facility-wide compliance oversight
- โขRe-training required every 3 years
- โขMust be designated by owner/operator
Class B Operator
Day-to-day operation and maintenance
- โขMust complete TCEQ-approved operator training course
- โขImplements applicable UST requirements
- โขMay train Class C operators
- โขRe-training required every 3 years
Class C Operator
Controls fuel transfer and monitors for releases
- โขMay be trained by Class B operators (in-house training allowed)
- โขMust know emergency procedures
- โขTypically station attendants and clerks
- โขRe-training required every 3 years
UST Compliance Requirements
Texas UST regulations are found in 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 334. Key compliance areas include:
Registration & Self-Certification
- โAll UST systems must be registered with TCEQ within 30 days of installation
- โChanges must be reported within 30 days via STEERS or form TCEQ-00724
- โAnnual self-certification required with proof of financial assurance
- โEach tank fill pipe must be clearly labeled per 30 TAC 334.8(c)(5)(C)
- โSTEERS submissions processed within 3-7 business days
Financial Assurance
- โRequired for corrective action and third-party liability coverage
- โRequired with all annual Self-Certification forms since September 1, 2007
- โMechanisms: Insurance, surety bond, financial test, corporate guaranty, trust, or letter of credit
- โCovers cost to remediate accidental releases
- โCovers bodily injury and property damage to third parties
Leak Detection
- โRelease detection required for all UST systems
- โTank and piping release detection inspections required
- โProcedures for suspected releases must be documented
- โRecordkeeping required for all release detection activities
- โReport releases within 24 hours to TCEQ
Technical Standards
- โAll UST systems must meet 30 TAC Section 334.457 standards
- โStructural integrity and corrosion protection required
- โComponents must be compatible with regulated substances
- โSpill and overfill prevention equipment required
- โCorrosion protection for tanks and piping required
Inspections & Testing
- โWalkthrough inspections required (frequency varies)
- โSpill bucket testing required
- โOverfill prevention testing required
- โRecordkeeping for all inspections and tests
- โConstruction notification required 30 days before new tank work
Dispenser & Fuel Metering (TDLR)
Note: Fuel dispenser regulation in Texas is primarily handled by TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation), not TDA.
Device Performance Reviews (Calibration)
- โขRequired every 2 years by licensed service company
- โขMust meet NIST Handbook 44 specifications and tolerances
- โขReport to TDLR within 10 business days of review
- โขRecords retained 2 years by retailer and service company
Security Requirements (Effective January 1, 2024)
- โขReplace factory universal locks with unique device/site-specific keys
- โขInstall physical barriers or locks for electronic transaction compartments
- โขInstall monitoring devices or sensors on all access panels
- โขAt least 2 of the above security measures required
Service Company Requirements
- โขMust be licensed by TDLR to perform device performance reviews
- โขTechnicians must be certified for fuel metering work
- โขMust submit reports to TDLR within required timeframes
- โขSubject to TDLR compliance investigations
Temporarily Out-of-Service Tanks
Per 30 TAC ยง334.54(e)(5)(b), when placing a UST system temporarily out-of-service (TOOS):
- 1.Empty the UST system per 30 TAC 334.54(d)(2)
- 2.Perform a "site check" as defined by 30 TAC 334.74(2)
- 3.Upon completion, may be released from financial assurance requirements
Helpful Resources
PST Super Guide (RG-475)
Comprehensive 14-module guide to PST compliance issues
STEERS Online System
Online registration and self-certification submission
Small Business & Local Government Assistance
Free, confidential compliance help
1-800-447-2827
TDLR Fuel Metering Compliance Guide
Dispenser and fuel quality compliance information
Common Exemptions
Some facilities may be exempt from PST regulations:
- โFarm or residential aboveground tanks โค1,100 gallons
- โTanks containing heating oil for consumptive use
- โCertain emergency generator tanks
Always verify exemption status with TCEQ before assuming you're exempt.
Other State Guides
Related Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements directly with TCEQ and TDLR. Regulations may change. Last updated: 12/27/2025.