How to Prepare for a State UST Inspection: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your site has underground storage tanks (USTs), you know that a surprise inspection from your state regulator can come at any time—and being unprepared can lead to costly violations or even temporary shutdowns.

At Adelphi Environmental, we help fuel site operators stay compliant and audit-ready with proactive testing, documentation, and maintenance. In this blog, we walk you through exactly how to prepare for your next state UST inspection—and pass it with confidence.

Step 1: Know What Inspectors Will Check

Every state is different, but most UST inspectors are focused on:

• Spill buckets – Are they liquid-tight and clean?

• Overfill prevention devices – Are they tested and operational?

• Corrosion protection – Have cathodic protection tests been completed on time?

• Leak detection systems – Are they working, and are test logs available?

• Monthly inspections – Are visual checks being performed and documented?

• Monitoring records – Are they complete and easily accessible?

• Testing logs – Have line/tank tightness, sensors, and secondary systems been tested per schedule?

Step 2: Review Your Testing and Inspection Schedule

One of the most common causes of violations is overdue testing. Here’s what to check:

Test or Inspection	Required Frequency
Monthly visual inspection	Every 30 days
Spill bucket integrity	Every 3 years
Cathodic protection (galvanic)	Every 3 years
Cathodic protection (impressed current)	Every 60 days + annually
Leak detection system	Annually
Tank/piping secondary containment	Every 3 years

Tip: If you can’t remember when a test was done—or can’t find the record—it’s safest to re-test before the inspector arrives.

Step 3: Organize Your Compliance Documentation

Inspectors don’t just want functioning systems—they want proof. Make sure you have:

• Inspection logs

• Testing reports (with technician signatures)

• Photographs (if available)

• Repair records or permits

• Operator training certificates

• Contact info for your compliance/testing partner

Pro tip: Store everything digitally and back it up. Adelphi provides clients with a secure, organized archive of all service records.

Step 4: Inspect the Physical Site

Do a visual walkthrough a few days before the inspection:

• Look for cracked or water-filled spill buckets

• Make sure manholes are accessible (not blocked or buried)

• Confirm that sensor alarms are working and not silenced

• Check that fill ports are labeled and secured

• Clean up fuel stains or obvious surface contamination

Step 5: Assign a Point of Contact

Designate someone on your team to greet the inspector, answer questions, and provide documentation. This person should:

• Know the location of the UST system

• Understand the basic operation of the system

• Have access to all testing records

• Be authorized to approve or schedule immediate corrective actions

Adelphi can also assist during the inspection or represent clients on-site when needed.

Bonus: Prepare for Questions About Emergency Procedures

Inspectors may ask:

• What’s your emergency response plan?

• Who do you call in case of a release?

• Where is your spill kit and fire extinguisher located?

• Have employees been trained?

Make sure your staff is briefed and signage is visible.

Don’t Wait for a Surprise Inspection to Get Ready

Adelphi Environmental offers monthly site inspections, cathodic testing, record audits, and remediation support to ensure you’re always inspection-ready.

Need help getting organized before your next inspection? Book a free consultation and we’ll walk through your site’s risk areas, testing needs, and record keeping.