Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 12, 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.
Small businesses and individuals who own or operate petroleum USTs can apply. The fund reimburses expenses from leaking UST releases. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility requirements under federal and state law.
Geographic eligibility is limited to California. The program supports environmental cleanup activities related to petroleum contamination from 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
- Application form (as specified by Water Resources Control Board)
- Documentation of cleanup expenses with receipts
- Environmental assessment report
- Proof of UST ownership or operator status
- 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% |
| 2025-2026 | 23 | 15 | 65% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Petroleum UST owners and operators in California, including small businesses and individuals. You must be responsible for maintaining a petroleum UST.
Is there a cost-share requirement?
No cost-sharing is required. The fund provides reimbursement for eligible cleanup expenses.
What expenses are covered?
Reimbursement covers expenses associated with cleanup of leaking USTs. Specific eligible activities should be confirmed with the Water Resources Control Board.
What is the funding amount available?
Awards up to $1,000,000 are available. Consult the program for specific limits on individual awards.
Is this a rolling deadline?
Yes, this is a rolling program. Applications may be accepted on an ongoing basis without a specific deadline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document all cleanup expenses with receipts and invoices. The more detailed your cost accounting, the stronger your reimbursement claim.
- Provide evidence that your UST meets federal and state financial responsibility requirements. This strengthens your eligibility.
- Work closely with the Water Resources Control Board staff early. They can clarify which expenses qualify for reimbursement.
- Include environmental assessment reports showing the contamination extent and cleanup scope. This demonstrates need.
- Submit applications promptly when ready. Rolling deadlines mean earlier submission may improve funding timeline.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants fail to document expenses thoroughly with supporting receipts and invoices. Insufficient proof that the UST requires cleanup per state regulations weakens applications. Unclear connection between claimed expenses and actual cleanup activities causes rejections.
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