Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why was TankSmart created?

Underground oil storage tank owners and operators are on the front lines of protecting Maine’s drinking water and other natural resources from harmful and costly contamination. A facility operated and maintained by a properly trained person is more likely to prevent accidental releases of petroleum products to the environment. Federal regulations and Maine law required UST facilities to have trained operators by August 8, 2012. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection developed TankSmart as part of its ongoing efforts to make compliance with state and federal regulations as accessible as possible.

2. What facilities are covered by this training?

A UST facility that stores any of the following products must have a trained and certified operator. Motor fuel: gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, or fuel used for an emergency generator. Fuel used for marketing and distribution: any product that is distributed through retail or wholesale methods

3. Who must be trained?

The Federal Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act established three categories of operators: A Class A operator is responsible for the facility overall, and may manage employees who are responsible for operating and maintaining the facility. The Class A operator ensures that employees are properly trained to understand leak detection and spill prevention equipment, ensure product compatibility with equipment and maintain appropriate records. A Class B operator is responsible for operation, maintenance and record keeping at the facility on a day to day basis. The Class B operator must be familiar with leak detection and spill prevention systems, spill reporting and response, and record keeping requirements. A Class C operator must be trained to know how to respond to alarms and emergencies such as a fire or spill. The Class C operator reports to the Class A or B operator. In Maine, Class A and B operators are combined into one category (Class A/B). One person may serve as the Class A/B and C operator for a facility, if desired. Please note that it is the Class A/B operator who must train Class C operators. Class C operators cannot train other Class C operators. Please see the TankSmart module on Class C operators for more information.

4. How does the training work?

You may access TankSmart on any internet-connected computer via www.maine.gov/dep/waste/tanksmart. By entering the registration number(s) for the facility or facilities you operate, you will automatically be provided with training modules that teach you about the equipment at your facility. For example, the training modules for the operator of tanks that are double walled with electronic leak detection differ from those for the operator of single walled tanks that use monthly reconciliation of daily inventory and an annual Statistical Inventory Analysis for leak detection. You also have the option to train as a General Operator by entering a zero for the facility registration number.

5. How can I prove that I have been trained?

Your proof of training is the certificate that you can download and print once you pass the on-line test with a score of at least 80%. You may take the test for the applicable modules as many times as you need in order to be certified.

6. How long is my training certificate good for?

A certificate expires after two years, so you must retake the test in order to maintain compliance with the operator training requirement.

7. What if I do not have a computer?

A hardcopy edition of TankSmart is available by contacting the Department or can be downloaded from: www.maine.gov/dep/waste/tanksmart. Operators who wish to take a print version of the test should contact the TankSmart Program Manager.

8. How much does the training cost?

Nothing. TankSmart is free and you can train and test as many times as you need. You may also download and print the hardcopy edition of TankSmart free of charge. If you would like the Department to send you a printed copy of TankSmart (available in black and white only), please contact the TankSmart Program Manager.

9. What if the certified operator for my facility leaves?

Each facility must have a certified Class A/B operator at all times. If the certified operator for your facility leaves your employment, you must ensure that a new operator is trained and certified for your facility.

10. I was unable to print a copy of my training certificate even though I passed the test, how can I get a copy of my training certificate?

As long as you provided a valid email address, you should have received an email confirming that you passed the test and providing a link to download your certificate. If you did not receive the email, or are still have difficulty printing your certificate, please contact the TankSmart Program Manager.

11. I am having trouble finding my registration number, what can I do?

You can search for your facility’s information, including registration number by using the tank search feature of TankSmart. Go to www.maine.gov/dep/waste/tanksmart and click on “Search the database or log on to TankSmart.”

12. I need the Class A/B Operator Certification for multiple sites. Do I need to take the TankSmart training for each site?

You can take the training for each registered site or you can become a “General Operator” by entering a zero for the facility registration number. This certifies you for any underground oil storage facility in Maine.

13. I still have questions, where can I find more answers?

Many answers can be found online at www.maine.gov/dep/waste/tanksmart. You may also contact the TankSmart Program Manager at timothy.rector@maine.gov or (207) 287-7858.

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