This page is in process of review and update. If you have any questions, please contact Rick Todd at Rick.Todd@sbcfire.com. Thank you.

Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks Program

The SWRCB managed California UST Cleanup Fund assists owner/operators of USTs with the costs of cleaning contaminated soil and groundwater caused by leaking petroleum tanks. Every petroleum UST owner is required to pay a per gallon storage fee to the fund until January 1, 2011. Only a current or past owner/operator of a petroleum underground storage tank which has released petroleum and is subject to state regulation is eligible to file a claim. Owners of small home heating oil tanks which have released petroleum are also eligible. Other eligibility conditions include compliance with applicable state permit requirements and regulatory agency cleanup orders. Claims are processed on a priority basis. The SWRCB Division of Clean Water Programs Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund overview has more information about the fund and the priority system.

The SBCFD HMU Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks (LUFT) program is the SWRCB UST Cleanup Fund Local Oversight Program (LOP) for the County of Santa Barbara. SBCFD HMU oversees the assessment and remediation of petroleum releases from underground storage tanks, assists in responsible party identification, and provides oversight of assessment, remediation, and closure activities within Santa Barbara County based on the established regulations. SBCFD HMU also tracks MTBE within the guidelines of the SWRCB.

Site Mitigation Unit

The SBCFD HMU Site Mitigation Unit (SMU) provides regulatory oversight for the assessment and remediation of all "unauthorized hazardous material releases" other than petroleum releases from underground storage tanks and crude oil releases. Oversight includes identifying responsible parties, and overseeing assessment, remediation, and closure activities. The SBCFD HMU middletains lead agency status for regulatory oversight of the SMU program. The SBCFD HMU and the Region 3 - Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) coordinate their efforts for sites involving both groundwater and solvent contamination.

 

District Specialist
SMU Supervisor Kate Sulka  805 686-8169
Professional Geologist Tom Rejzek  805 686-8176
LUFT - Senior Steve Nailor  805 686-8175
LUFT Nathan West  805 686-8142
SMU - Senior Paul McCaw  805 686-8171
SMU Matt Chircop  805 686-8172
Administrative Office Professional II Ron Wynn  805 686-8170