UST FUND UPDATES
Regulatory Guidance, Compliance, Reimbursement, and more
Legislation for a 10-Year Extension to the California UST Cleanup Fund Passes the Senate and Assembly
Discover how the California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Fund extension bill, AB1115, passing the Senate and Assembly impacts UST owners. This legislation, extending the Fund till 2036, eases the financial burden on small to medium enterprises, cities, and schools, aiding smoother transitions to greener alternatives. Explore the nuances of the bill and learn how you can support this pivotal legislation. Stay updated on the progression of AB1115, ensuring financial assurance for UST stakeholders.
UST Removal Incentives and How To Capitalize on Them
Explore the challenges faced by states with UST cleanup funds due to the rise of EVs and dwindling gas tax revenues. Discover state-specific incentives for UST removal and stay updated with the evolving landscape of alternative fuels and legislation. Partner with Pinnacle to maximize benefits and stay informed.
Unlocking the Potential of Underutilized Properties through Geospatial Analysis
Turn idle properties into valuable assets by identifying hidden opportunities for renewable energy, conservation, and more. Transform your scattered data into a sustainable database that informs smart land management strategies. Let's make the most of your properties, while also benefiting the environment and the community.
Do this and not that: Appealing denied costs for underground storage tank cleanup in California
When costs related to cleanup are found to be ineligible on the Reimbursement Request, there may still be an opportunity to regain funding by filing an appeal. The Fund’s formal process to appeal denied costs (a Fund Manager Decision or a Revised Staff Decision), can be a challenge to navigate, especially if you do not have longstanding experience with the California Fund. Thus, Pinnacle’s experts have provided a checklist of “do’s and don’ts” for appealing denied costs.
Williams named 2022 outstanding woman in business for Triad
Cindy Williams, the President and Founder of Pinnacle Environmental Management Support, has been recognized as an Outstanding Woman in Business for 2022 by the Triad Business Journal.
Impact of state and federal gas tax holidays on UST cleanups
While it’s not always easy to ascertain if these measures provide lower gas prices at the pump, underground storage tank (UST) owners and contractors are left to question what their future might hold in terms of ongoing cleanup projects.
Community Support in 2021
In 2021, Pinnacle team members rose to the challenge of being a Life Integrator in more ways than one. Through our team’s efforts, we were able to assist many in need and bring awareness to important societal challenges.
Horrors of Underground Storage Tank Reimbursement
As Halloween approaches, it’s time for spook and ghoul enthusiasts everywhere to put the final touches on their plans for a frightful night of horror-filled fun. No matter how much you like to be “spooked,” there are some scares that no individual should tolerate, like the avoidable losses from mistakes made during an underground storage tank (UST) cleanup claim or the little monster of an inefficient process that is disrupting your business.
Shortages in UST Supply are Driving New Regulatory Challenges
In a unique turn of events, supply chain issues have posed an intriguing challenge to underground storage tank owners and operators nationwide.
Know Your UST Program: Michigan
The Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority (MUSTA) program has been open since 2014. Any release that has been discovered and reported on or after 12/30/2014 is eligible for the MUSTA program. There is a $10 thousand deductible and a $1 million cap for all eligible releases.
The state’s other UST program, the Legacy Release Program (LRP) was created in 2017. Unlike MUSTA, LRP was specifically created for releases that were discovered, reported, and not closed before 12/30/2014. There is no deductible in the LRP, however, there is a 50% copay on all approved costs, as well as a $50 thousand cap per release.
Is There a Red Tag in Your Future?
No time to waste for tank owners to meet the deadline for Single Wall Tank compliance and avoid penalties and funding issues for releases. Avoid a red-tagged tank and learn more about financial help available for eligible small businesses.
Community Support in 2020
Over the course of this last year, our team had the opportunity to support many wonderful community organizations. Below are just some of the ways we got involved. If you’re looking for ways to help families struggling with hunger, communities trying to overcome resource hurdles in education, or want to send well wishes to service men and women across the globe, please consider some of these fine organizations as options.
NO Certificate of Compliance = NO Reimbursement?
Massachusetts UST owners are often surprised when they receive whole or partial claim denials from the UST Cleanup Fund, especially when they are completing remedial activities at a property they no longer own. While they may be following all rules and regulations for cleanup, it may still not be enough to ensure timely reimbursement for otherwise eligible cleanup costs.
Old USTs? New CO Policies Offer Incentives
As an underground storage tank (UST) owner or operator, you know the lurking prospect of discovering a release upon equipment upgrade or tank removal and the potential cost to your business through business disruption or costly clean-up activities. To encourage compliance for operating fuel-dispensing facilities and to promote the environmental benefits of removing tank systems without replacing, Colorado’s Petroleum Storage Tank Committee is now offering incentives to defray the often-unanticipated costs of cleaning up a new release. Continue reading to learn more about how these incentives can minimize the cost to your business and how Pinnacle EMS can help you leverage this program while focusing on your business.
Michigan's New Legacy Release Program
Michigan’s legislators and governor have approved House Bill 4583, which requires creation of the Legacy Release Program (LRP). Due to a surplus in the Refined Petroleum Fund, owners and operators with legacy releases could now have access to funding.
Illinois EPA Change in Claim Reviews
In the last couple of months, Pinnacle EMS has seen a concerted change to the way the Illinois EPA (IEPA) is reviewing reimbursement submittals against approved budgets. Approved budgets became a requirement of the regulations on 6/8/2010. Until very recently, when the IEPA reviewed a claim, they would consider the approved budget in its entirety, rather than in a line by line fashion.
Good News in Indiana! Changes to UST Cleanup Reimbursement Law
Effective July 1, 2017, Indiana House Bill 1495 will benefit claimants of the Excess Liability Trust Fund (ELTF). Costs paid by the claimant to technicians for services performed in preparation of the claimant’s ELTF claim will be reimbursable. So, reasonable costs for obtaining professional assistance with claims will no longer be an out-of-pocket expense for claimants.