Orphan Site Cleanup Fund
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for property owners funding cleanup of unauthorized petroleum releases from underground storage tanks (USTs). Only current property owners may apply. Projects must occur at eligible sites in California.
Activities include site assessment, soil and groundwater investigations, corrective action plan preparation, UST removal, and petroleum product removal (up to 500 cubic yards). Cleanup grants also fund corrective action plan implementation and verification monitoring.
A corrective action plan must be approved by the regulatory agency before a cleanup grant is awarded. However, applicants may apply before completion of the plan.
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Program description
Senate Bill 445 (Hill, chapter 547, statutes of 2014), effective September 25, 2014, changed the OSCF eligibility criteria by not limiting the program to brownfield sites. Grant Details Grants provide funding for response actions that characterize, assess, andinvestigate an unauthorized release from petroleum USTs. These actions include apreliminary site assessment, soil and groundwater investigations, and preparation of a corrective action plan in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 16, Article 11. Grants may also provide funding for UST system removal, petroleum product removal and soil excavation, not to exceed 500 cubic yards at the eligible site. Grants also provide funding for response actions that carry out cleanup activities,implement a corrective action plans, and perform verification monitoring in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 16, Article 11. If a corrective action plan is required, the State Water Board cannot award a cleanup grant until the applicant demonstrates the corrective action plan is complete and approved by the regulatory agency. However, the applicant may apply for a cleanup grant before completion and approval of the corrective action plan. Note that only the current property owner is eligible for a Cleanup Grant.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proof of current property ownership
- Site assessment or preliminary investigation report
- Documentation of the unauthorized petroleum release
- Proposed scope of work aligned with California regulations
- Budget and cost estimate for proposed activities
Program contact
- 📧 michael.morones@waterboards.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-341-5009
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 20 | — | 0% |
| 2021-2022 | 50 | 39 | 78% |
| 2023-2024 | 12 | 36 | 300% |
| 2024-2025 | 15 | 42 | 280% |
| 2022-2023 | 14 | — | 0% |
| 2025-2026 | 22 | 39 | 177% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible for this grant?
Only current property owners of sites with unauthorized petroleum UST releases may apply. The property owner must be seeking to address contamination on their own property.
What activities can this grant fund?
Grants fund site assessment, investigations, corrective action plan preparation, UST removal, petroleum product removal (up to 500 cubic yards), and cleanup implementation. Verification monitoring is also eligible.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required to apply for this grant.
What is the timeline for decisions?
This is a rolling application program with no specified deadline. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are received.
What is the typical award amount?
Award sizes vary, but the total funding pool is $1,000,000. Specific award amounts depend on project scope and site conditions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your regional Water Quality Control Board early to confirm site eligibility and regulatory requirements before applying.
- Have clear documentation of current property ownership ready before starting the application process.
- Prepare a detailed scope of work that aligns with California Code of Regulations Title 23, Chapter 16, Article 11.
- If your corrective action plan is not yet approved, note this in the application and explain your timeline for approval.
- Budget carefully for the 500 cubic yard limit on soil excavation and petroleum removal if applicable to your site.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants without current property ownership or applicants seeking funds for sites without documented petroleum UST releases are ineligible. Applications lacking clear regulatory compliance with Title 23 requirements or without appropriate site characterization data are often rejected. Exceeding the 500 cubic yard limit for soil excavation or attempting to fund activities outside the allowable scope causes denial.
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