Since 1991 California State regulations have required a hazardous waste tank system assessment to be performed every 5 years by a licensed Professional Engineer. Local City and County hazardous materials inspectors, who are tasked with enforcing State law, were unaware of this statute until approximately three years ago. At that point sporadic enforcement of this issue began and in every instance it was a “Notice to Comply” in which the facility had 30-90 days to get the report and any related tank upgrades completed. No fines were assessed.
Unfortunately, this scenario has changed. Los Angeles County Fire Department representatives (who also have jurisdiction within the City of Los Angeles) informed ManPower Compliance Services (MCS) that this requirement will be enforced at all subsequent facility inspections and that they will assess an immediate fine of $15,000-25,000 for non-compliance.
At the time of this writing, MCS has verified that the following agencies are NOT following the new aggressive enforcement model: Oxnard Fire Deparment (Brandi Starjack, 805- 385-8364), Ventura County CUPA (Craig Cooper, 805-654-2127), Santa Barbara County Environmental Health (Erin O’Connell, 805-681-4044), Riverside County Environmental Health (Rosa Gallardo, 760- 863-8976). However, that does not mean that these agencies will not change their enforcement tactic in the future.
The facility should plan on spending approximately $750/waste tank (typically used oil and waste antifreeze tanks) although in some circumstances the price can be a bit less (multiple tank discounts, etc.). In most cases additional cost upgrades to the tank system will be necessary to obtain the certification, such as seismic bolting/strapping.
For those who have just recently installed aboveground waste tanks, a 3-year exemption form may be adequate under certain circumstances.
The County of Los Angeles has published a list of qualified engineers that perform this work here:http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Consultant-List-for-Tank-Assessment-1.pdf Salmon & Schroeder, Inc. has indicated that they will offer special pricing for MCS clients if you mention our referral. Contact: John Schroeder (818) 249-9228.
