Volunteers Needed - Pilot Examination for Class A/B Underground Storage Tank (UST) Operators

Volunteers Needed
Pilot Examination for Class A/B UST Operators

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking volunteers to “test the test.” Under proposed regulations for petroleum and chemical bulk storage regulations that will be adopted later in 2015, operators of certain underground storage tanks (federally-regulated USTs typically storing a motor fuel such as gasoline/diesel) must meet operator training requirements and pass an examination. DEC is developing operator training guidance and an associated examination that UST operators (see definition in 1 below) must take to demonstrate that they have been properly trained.

To ensure that the examination questions will be clear and accurate, DEC is asking for volunteers to participate in a pilot test of the examination questions on April 1 and/or April 2. The pilot test is voluntary but those who pass the pilot exam will not have to take the exam again after the proposed regulations are officially adopted (unless the facility is found to be in significant non-compliance through an inspection). The pilot exam will be offered at multiple locations across the state. Information on how to sign up for particular test locations and times can be found at http://www.eventbrite.com/o/nys-department-of-environmental-conservation-7922545311.

Additional Information

1. Who are class A and B Operators?        

Class A operators are those who have overall responsibility for the operation and maintenance of UST systems. This includes ensuring that the proper equipment is being used and that all regulatory requirements are met.

Class B operators are those who have day-to-day responsibility for operating and maintaining UST systems in compliance with the regulations.

At a single facility, the Class A and Class B operators can potentially be the same person (“Class A/B” who take a combination exam).

2. Who should consider volunteering to take the pilot exam?

Suitable volunteers are those who expect to take the operator training exam once the revised regulations take effect later this year. Operators of USTs that are not federally-regulated (e.g., those storing heating oil used on-site) are not required to take the exam.

3. What is a volunteer expected to do?

Volunteers will:

• be agreeing to take a test consisting of all of the approximately 400 exam questions which will form the basis for the exams to be used to test operators once these regulations are effective;
• need to register to take the pilot examination at one of the locations across the state (see the link above);
• have eight hours to take the exam in two, four-hour segments. Volunteers can decide whether to take the exam all in one day or in two half-day segments over April 1-2 (morning or afternoon). Volunteers must register for two of the four-hour sessions offered over April 1^st and 2^nd; and
• need to report to their chosen locations at least 15 minutes before the beginning of the test time.

4. How would I prepare for the exam?

DEC will send an email to all registered volunteers around March 11 that will provide a link to the operator training guidance manual. Volunteers can download this manual to read and study to prepare for the exam. In addition, the volunteer should be familiar with the proposed regulations (see http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/92526.html).

5. How will the exam be administered?

The examination will be given electronically (online). A computer will be provided for each volunteer to use. DEC proctors will be present at the exam. The exam will be open book. Volunteers may bring a copy of the guidance manual and the proposed regulations to the exam (note that when the live exam is offered after the regulations go into effect, the exam will consist of 50-85 questions depending upon whether the examinee is seeking authorization for Class A, Class B, or both).  

6. Where can a volunteer take the examination?

The exam will be offered at numerous locations around the State. See http://www.eventbrite.com/o/nys-department-of-environmental-conservation-7922545311.

7. Who can I contact with any additional questions?

You may send an email to DERweb@dec.ny.gov with “Operator Training” in the subject line.