Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 5, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for petroleum underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators in California who need financial assistance for cleanup costs. Applicants must own or operate petroleum USTs and have experienced unauthorized releases requiring remediation. The fund reimburses eligible cleanup expenses to help meet federal and state financial responsibility requirements. Small businesses and individuals are the primary beneficiaries of this program.
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Program description
The UST Cleanup Fund provides a means for petroleum UST owners and operators to meet the federal and state requirements of maintaining financial responsibility to pay for damages arising from unauthorized releases from their petroleum USTs. The Fund assists a large number of small businesses and individuals by providing reimbursement for expenses associated with the cleanup of leaking USTs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proof of UST ownership or operational authority
- Documentation of unauthorized release
- Itemized cleanup expense records and receipts
- Environmental assessment or contamination report
- Financial responsibility documentation
Program contact
- 📧 Bridget.Freeborn@waterboards.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-341-5771
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 38 | 18 | 47% |
| 2024-2025 | 18 | 11 | 61% |
| 2022-2023 | 50 | 14 | 28% |
| 2020-2021 | 35 | — | 0% |
| 2021-2022 | 35 | — | 0% |
| 2025-2026 | 23 | 15 | 65% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible for this fund?
Petroleum UST owners and operators who have experienced unauthorized releases. Small businesses and individuals managing petroleum tanks can apply.
What expenses does the fund cover?
Reimbursement for cleanup costs associated with leaking USTs. Expenses must relate to remediation of unauthorized releases.
How much funding can I receive?
Awards can reach up to $1,000,000. Actual funding depends on project scope and cleanup costs incurred.
Is there cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required. The fund provides reimbursement for eligible cleanup expenses.
When can I apply?
The fund operates on a rolling basis with no specified deadline. Applicants can submit requests as needed throughout the year.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Document all cleanup costs carefully with receipts and invoices. Clear expense records strengthen reimbursement requests.
- Demonstrate that your UST release meets federal and state definitions of unauthorized. Compliance documentation is key to approval.
- Contact the State Water Resources Control Board early. Staff can clarify what expenses qualify for reimbursement.
- Prepare records showing your ownership or operational responsibility for the UST. Proof of control is required for eligibility.
- Include environmental assessment reports with your application. Third-party documentation of contamination supports your claim.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Missing detailed expense documentation or receipts. Incomplete proof of UST ownership or operational control. Seeking reimbursement for ineligible costs unrelated to authorized cleanup work.
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