Kansas Compliance Guide
Complete guide to Kansas UST compliance including KDHE Storage Tank Section requirements, operator training, contractor licensing, and KDA Weights & Measures.
Quick Reference
KDHE Storage Tanks
(785) 296-1678Free Training
1-800-530-5683Operator Training
Every 4 years
Regulations
KAR 28-44
Recent Regulatory Changes
- July 1, 2024:Storage Tank Act (KSA 65-34) amendments effective - removed "annual" permit requirement for flexibility
- July 6, 2020:Amended Storage Tank Regulations went into effect
- 2015:EPA amended 40 CFR 280 and 281, requiring KDHE to update Kansas regulations
Regulatory Agencies & Resources
Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE)
Bureau of Environmental Remediation - Storage Tank Section
UST registration, leak detection, corrective action, operator training
Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA)
Weights & Measures Program
Dispenser accuracy, pump calibration, fuel quality
Tank Management Services (TMS)
UST Operator Training Provider
Free operator training for Kansas UST owners/operators
Free Operator Training Available
UST Operator Training is free if you own or operate USTs in Kansas. KDHE will not issue operating permits without completed operator training.
Operator Training Requirements
Per the Energy Policy Act of 2005, KDHE requires all UST operators to complete training. Employees must be trained in one of three classification areas and recertified every 4 years.
Class A Operator
Overall responsibility for UST system compliance at the owner/operator level
- •Must complete KDHE-approved training
- •Responsible for facility-wide compliance oversight
- •Re-certification required every 4 years
- •KDHE will not issue permits without training
Class B Operator
Day-to-day operation and maintenance of UST systems
- •Must complete KDHE-approved training
- •Implements applicable UST requirements
- •Responsible for daily operations
- •Re-certification required every 4 years
Class C Operator
Employees who control fuel transfer and monitor for releases
- •Must complete training on emergency procedures
- •Typically station attendants and clerks
- •Re-certification required every 4 years
- •Must know how to respond to emergencies
UST Compliance Requirements
Kansas storage tank requirements are regulated under KAR 28-44, adopting most federal regulations from 40 CFR 280.
Registration & Permitting
- ✓All UST systems (10%+ volume below ground) must be registered with KDHE
- ✓Operating permit required - apply through KEIMS online system
- ✓2024 legislation removed annual permit requirement for flexibility
- ✓Permit renewals must be submitted through KEIMS
- ✓KDHE will not issue permits to owners without operator training
Release Detection
- ✓Release detection equipment required for all UST systems
- ✓Regular testing of detection equipment required
- ✓Monthly monitoring records required
- ✓Procedures for suspected releases must be documented
- ✓Kansas adopts most federal regulations from 40 CFR 280
Financial Responsibility
- ✓Financial assurance required for cleanup costs
- ✓Required for third-party liability
- ✓May use insurance, letter of credit, or other approved mechanisms
- ✓Must be demonstrated before permit issuance
Equipment Standards
- ✓Spill prevention equipment required
- ✓Overfill prevention equipment required
- ✓Corrosion protection required for tanks and piping
- ✓Equipment must meet federal 40 CFR 280 standards
- ✓Amended regulations effective July 6, 2020
Contractor Licensing Requirements
Licensed Contractor Required
- •Only Kansas licensed contractors can install UST systems
- •Only Kansas licensed contractors can remove UST systems
- •Only Kansas licensed contractors can repair UST systems
- •Filter changes, visual inspections, and basic cleaning may be done by owner/operator
Tasks Requiring Licensed Contractor
- •Any work affecting equipment in dispenser cabinet
- •Any underground equipment work
- •Tank installation or removal
- •Piping installation or repair
- •Release detection equipment installation
KEIMS - Online Compliance System
The Kansas Environmental Information Management System (KEIMS) is KDHE's online system for managing compliance documents.
- •Centralizes compliance paperwork
- •Allows multiple parties to connect (owners, operators, contractors, regulators)
- •Storage tank permit renewals must be submitted through KEIMS
Helpful Resources
Kansas UST Manual for Owners and Operators
Complete guide covering equipment, testing, training, releases, and financial responsibility
KEIMS - Kansas Environmental Information Management System
Online system for permit renewals and compliance document management
UST Compliance Calendar 2024-2025
Annual compliance calendar for Kansas UST owners
Guidance Document for New UST Owners
Help for new owners navigating regulations and requirements
Enforcement
The KDHE Storage Tank Section has developed an enforcement policy to aid tank owners, operators, UST contractors, and fuel distributors in understanding penalties for non-compliance.
- •Penalty matrix ensures consistency and fairness
- •Actions considered on an individual basis
- •Covers statutes, regulations, rules, and orders
Other State Guides
Related Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements directly with KDHE and KDA. Regulations may change. Last updated: 12/27/2025.