Class 2 and 3 Exemption Orders: 
 Environmental compliance self-evaluation

When the Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS) Regulation was introduced in 2008, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) could grant exemptions to allow time for UPSS operators to comply with the new regulatory requirements.

 

EPA records show that this site has previously been exempted, either under a Class 2 or 3 Exemption Order, from the requirements to install and test a secondary leak detection system. The EPA advises that all Class 2 and 3 Exemption Orders have expired. This means that the UPSS located on your site should now be operating with a secondary leak detection system in place and in accordance with the requirements of the UPSS Regulation. 

This self-evaluation survey has been developed to provide a quick and simple way to determine if your site is compliant with the UPSS Regulation.

  

Participating in this self-evaluation program will more likely assist you to identify any shortcomings in operating your UPSS and prompt you to take the necessary actions to correct them before they develop into environmental issues.

 

The EPA and key industry bodies, such as the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA) and the Motor Traders Association of NSW - Service Stations Association (MTA NSW - SSA), encourage participation in this program of those service station operators who were previously exempt under Class 2 or 3.   

The EPA will work with those operators who participate in this self-evaluation program to help bring them into compliance with the requirements.  

 WHO SHOULD COMPLETE THIS SELF-EVALUATION?

This self-evaluation survey should be completed by the company or person who has primary responsibility for managing and maintaining the UPSS at the site (known as the 'person responsible'). In some cases, this can be a person other than the site operator or owner.

 

HOW SHOULD THIS EVALUATION BE COMPLETED? 

Please answer all questions and prompts to the best of your knowledge as the EPA may undertake an audit of the site to verify the answers provided. There is provision for you to insert additional comments or detail where required or as requested. 

This self-evaluation should take approximately 5 to 15 minutes to complete.  

 WHAT IF YOUR EXEMPTION ORDER COVERED MULTIPLE SITES?

If your Class 2 or 3 Exemption Order covered multiple sites, you should complete one form per site. Alternatively, you could comple an Excel spreadsheet, which is designed for easy data entry for multiple sites. This can be requested at UPSSREG@epa.nsw.gov.au.