Aboveground Storage Tanks

Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) Program

This program helps keep California’s water—both rivers and groundwater—safe from pollution caused by petroleum (oil, gas, and fuel) stored in aboveground tanks.

To do this, inspectors check facilities regularly to make sure they follow safety rules under the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule.

How the Program Protects Water

• Routine and surprise inspections
• Investigating complaints
• Enforcing rules when violations occur
• Providing education and spill prevention training

Visit the Office of the State Fire Marshal >>

Does APSA Apply to Me?

Facilities must comply with APSA if they:

• Store 1,320 gallons or more of petroleum in aboveground tanks, OR
• Have tanks of 55 gallons or more in underground areas exempt from the UST program

Definition of Petroleum under APSA: crude oil or any fraction that is liquid at 60°F and 14.7 psi. Examples: crude oil, gasoline, diesel, biofuel blends, motor oil, used oil. Not included: propane/LPG, liquefied natural gas, hot mix asphalt, asphalt cement, and non-petroleum products.

For more information, see Is My Facility Regulated Under APSA? or contact Environmental Health Director, Jill Kearney, at jkearney@mono.ca.gov.

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan

Tier I Facilities

Facilities with no individual aboveground oil container greater than 5,000 gallons may use a self-certified SPCC Plan.

Tier II Facilities

Facilities with at least one aboveground container over 5,000 gallons and a total capacity of 10,000 gallons or less may qualify as Tier II, provided they meet federal discharge history requirements.

Additional APSA Requirements

• Answer “Yes” to aboveground petroleum storage of 1,320 gallons on the CERS Business Activities page
• Keep inspection logs
• Have spill response supplies near petroleum storage areas
• Provide spill response training and maintain documentation

For more APSA CERS Information, see Preparing an APSA Submittal in CERS. 

Important Reminders

• Qualified facilities must have an engineer prepare and certify the SPCC Plan
• Tanks in Underground Areas (TIUGAs) >>
• Farms Fact Sheet >>
• Underground storage tanks cannot be used as aboveground tanks.
  • CalFire Bulletin >>
  • Steel Tank Institute Newsletter >>