What Stakeholders Are Asking: Insights from Oklahoma’s Petroleum Storage Tank Division Meetings (according to AI)

I asked Copilot, Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) digital assistant, what type of questions to anticipate at the upcoming stakeholder meeting sponsored by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Petroleum Storage Tank Division (OCC PSTD). The OCC PSTD is hosting an Industry Round Table at 2pm, Wednesday July 30th, and you’re invited! See information about the meeting (in-person or via Zoom) in last month’s newsletter.

These hypothetical questions are what AI said to expect. We’ll see how accurate our digital assistant is! If possible, be sure and participate. Our industry needs your input!

Regulatory Updates & Rulemaking

• What changes are being proposed to OAC 165:25 for USTs and ASTs?

• How do new rules align with federal standards like 40 CFR Part 280?

• Will there be grace periods or grandfathering for older systems under new rules?

• How do recent amendments affect tank closure, backfill, & UDC sump requirements?

Technical Standards & Testing

• What are the approved methods for tightness testing and release detection?

• Are third-party certified methods now accepted for shorter testing durations?

• What are the new requirements for OCC Licensed Testers starting October 2024?

• How do changes in API RP standards affect installation and maintenance practices?

Indemnity Fund & Financial Responsibility

• What costs are covered under the Indemnity Fund for leaking tanks?

• How do I apply for reimbursement and what documentation is required?

• Are there updates to financial assurance requirements for tank owners?

Compliance, Inspection & Enforcement

• What triggers a formal enforcement action or inspection?

• How are fuel pump calibrations and octane levels verified by inspectors?

• What are the reporting protocols for suspected releases or overfills?

Training & Licensing

• What are the new certification requirements for testers and operators?

• Are there upcoming workshops or webinars to help with compliance?

• How do I update my license or submit continuing education credits?

Environmental & Community Impact

• How does OCC evaluate risk to groundwater and nearby receptors?

• Are there changes to target cleanup levels for contaminants like benzene or MTBE?

• What public input is considered during rulemaking or corrective action planning?