Underground Storage Tank System Upgrades Grant Program (NV)

The Underground Storage Tank System Upgrades Grant Program in Nevada aims to assist small businesses with the financial burden of complying with federal UST regulations. Grants of up to $90,000 are available for the purchase and installation of necessary equipment, ensuring environmental safety. Approximately $2 million is anticipated annually for upgrades, prioritizing applicants based on need. Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements, including being registered with the state UST program and complying with petroleum fund enrollment.

To comply with the federal underground storage tank (UST) regulations (40 CFR, Part 280) published on July 15, 2015, the Nevada UST program amended state regulations NAC 459.9921 through NAC 459.999, inclusive. The amendments require all UST owners and operators to implement periodic testing of spill buckets, overfill equipment, and/or containment sumps in accordance with 40 CFR 280.35. This equipment must be tested every three years. If testing fails, replacement or repairs of the equipment is required.
Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 445C.310 required the Board to Review Claims to adopt regulations needed to administer a Grant Program that will minimize the economic burden of compliance with periodic testing requirements for owners and operators who have a financial need. The regulations were initially approved by the Board to Review Claims on December 14, 2017, and later amended on March 10, 2022. The grant program is outlined in state regulations NAC 445C.320 through NAC 445C.380.
What is covered?
The purchase and installation of spill buckets, tank overfill devices, containment sumps, and other equipment approved by the Division that is subject to periodic testing and may require replacement to prevent a release to the environment. For a detailed description of eligible equipment, please review the approved Equipment Cost Schedule.
The maximum grant award available for each facility is $90,000.
How much money is available for the grant program?
The amount of grant money available for UST upgrades will fluctuate annually and is dependent upon the amount of money collected by the Petroleum Fund throughout the fiscal year, the amount of reimbursement claims paid to claimants during that year, and costs associated with other state-lead cleanup projects. Based on prior reconciliation of Petroleum Fund expenditures, NDEP estimates approximately $2,000,000 will be available year to year for grant awards. If the combined amount of money requested by all grant applicants exceeds the money available for grant awards, applicants will be prioritized by need (see below). Any applicant that is not awarded a grant may apply the following year.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a grant for UST upgrades:The storage tank systems requiring upgrades must be registered with the state UST program and independently operated and owned/leased by the applicant.
The storage tanks must be enrolled in the Petroleum Fund.
The registered applicant or their business must be a small business as defined by NAC 445C.210(1)(f):Receives $4 million or less in gross annual receipts or total income
Has an annual throughput of 1 million gallons or less of total petroleum products sold at the site needing upgrades
Employs 150 or fewer employees
Is registered with the Secretary of State and in good standingThe site is in compliance with UST requirements, or a waiver has been provided by NDEP’s Administrator that the purchase and installation of the storage tank upgrades will result in the operator’s compliance with UST requirements.