Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for petroleum underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators in California. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility for their USTs and have expenses related to cleanup of leaking tanks. Small businesses and individuals are eligible. The fund reimburses costs associated with unauthorized releases from petroleum USTs.
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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 operation
- Documentation of unauthorized release
- Itemized cleanup expense records
- Receipts and invoices for reimbursement
- Evidence of financial responsibility compliance
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% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Petroleum UST owners and operators with leaking tanks needing cleanup reimbursement. Small businesses and individuals are eligible.
What costs can be reimbursed?
Expenses related to cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks. Reimbursement covers costs from unauthorized petroleum releases.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No, cost sharing is not required for this grant.
How much funding is available?
Up to $1,000,000 per award. Contact the Water Resources Control Board for current funding levels.
What is the application deadline?
Rolling deadline. Applicants can submit applications on an ongoing basis. Check with the agency for submission procedures.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with documentation of your UST and any unauthorized releases that occurred. Clear records of tank ownership strengthen your application.
- Gather all invoices and receipts for cleanup-related expenses. Detailed cost breakdowns are essential for reimbursement approval.
- Connect with the Water Resources Control Board early to understand current funding availability. Rolling deadlines mean you need timely submission.
- Include evidence of financial responsibility compliance with both federal and state requirements. Regulatory documentation matters.
- Be thorough in documenting the scope and timeline of cleanup work performed. Completeness increases approval likelihood.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Incomplete expense documentation or missing receipts for cleanup costs. Failure to demonstrate compliance with federal and state financial responsibility requirements. Unclear connection between claimed expenses and the specific unauthorized UST release.
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