Arkansas Compliance Guide
Complete guide to Arkansas UST compliance including ADEQ Regulated Storage Tanks program, contractor licensing, operator training, and DFA Weights & Measures.
Quick Reference
Recent Updates
- January 11, 2024:RST Compliance moved to new E & E SEEK system for all forms and payments
- January 7, 2021:EPA final approval of Arkansas state UST program revisions
Regulatory Agencies
Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment (ADEE)
Division of Environmental Quality - Regulated Storage Tanks
UST registration, leak detection, corrective action, contractor licensing
rst@adeq.state.ar.usArkansas Department of Finance & Administration
Weights & Measures Section
Dispenser accuracy, pump calibration, fuel quality testing
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Emergency Response
After-hours release reporting, emergency response
SEEK Compliance Portal
As of January 11, 2024, all RST compliance has moved to the E & E SEEK system. Use SEEK to submit forms, track testing requirements, make registration payments, and view facility data.
- •Owners, operators, and contractors can connect to sites
- •Fees must be paid before submissions are processed
- •Online payment through SEEK preferred
Operator Training Requirements
Arkansas requires operators at all UST facilities to be trained and certified by ADEQ. Class A operators must demonstrate general knowledge of federal and state UST system requirements.
Class A Operator
Overall facility compliance oversight
- •Must be ADEQ-certified
- •General knowledge of federal and state UST requirements
- •Responsible for operation, maintenance, and recordkeeping
- •One per facility required
Class B Operator
Day-to-day operation and maintenance
- •Must be ADEQ-certified
- •Implements applicable UST requirements
- •Responsible for daily operations
- •May be same person as Class A
Class C Operator
Controls fuel transfer and monitors for releases
- •Trained on emergency procedures
- •Typically station attendants
- •Must know how to respond to emergencies
- •Training by Class A/B operator
Contractor Licensing Requirements
The UST Licensing Program ensures tank systems are installed, repaired, upgraded, closed, and tested properly to protect public health and Arkansas lands and waters.
UST Contractor Licensing
- •Required for all UST system work in Arkansas
- •Companies and individuals must be licensed
- •License required for install, repair, upgrade, close, or test
- •Exam offered 3rd Thursday each month at ADEE HQ (9 AM)
- •Allow approximately 3 hours for licensing exam
Licensed Work Categories
- •Installation of new UST systems
- •Repair and upgrade of existing systems
- •Closure (removal or in-place)
- •Testing of UST systems
- •Person must be licensed in specific category for work performed
Licensing Exam: Held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9 AM at ADEE Headquarters (5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock). Allow approximately 3 hours for the exam.
UST Compliance Requirements
Arkansas regulations are found in APC&EC Regulation 12, which adopts federal 40 CFR 280 and 281 by reference.
Registration & Fees
- ✓All UST systems must be registered with ADEQ
- ✓Annual registration fees required
- ✓Fees must be paid before submissions are processed
- ✓AST registration optional (for Trust Fund eligibility)
- ✓Submit through SEEK online portal
Release Detection
- ✓Release detection methods must meet EPA requirements
- ✓Tank tightness testing at specified intervals
- ✓Monthly monitoring records required
- ✓Spill prevention equipment required
- ✓Overfill prevention equipment required
Financial Assurance
- ✓Financial assurance demonstration required
- ✓Most owners use Arkansas Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund
- ✓Trust Fund covers confirmed petroleum releases only
- ✓Applies to both UST and registered AST systems
Release Reporting
- ✓Releases must be reported to ADEQ immediately
- ✓After-hours: Report to ADEM at (501) 683-6705
- ✓Written follow-up within 3 business days of verbal notice
- ✓ADEM notifies DEQ Emergency Response Section
Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund
The Arkansas Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund is the financial assurance method used by most UST owners and operators in Arkansas.
- ✓Covers confirmed releases from petroleum UST and registered AST systems
- ✓Provides financial assurance for corrective action
- !AST owners may choose to register for Trust Fund eligibility
- ✗Only confirmed petroleum releases are eligible
Compliance Inspections
DEQ's Office of Land Resources (OLR) Regulated Waste Operations staff inspect underground storage tanks to determine compliance with state and federal laws.
- •Inspections determine compliance with state and federal laws
- •Staff respond to public complaints
- •Respond to facilities reporting suspected or confirmed releases
- •Compliance assistance available to regulated community
Helpful Resources
SEEK Compliance Portal
Online system for forms, permit renewals, and fee payments (effective Jan 11, 2024)
UST Operator Training Study Guide
Study materials for operator certification exam
RST Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Arkansas storage tank requirements
Compliance Inspections Information
What to expect during DEQ compliance inspections
Other State Guides
Related Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements directly with ADEQ and DFA. Regulations may change. Last updated: 12/27/2025.