Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund
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 for leaking UST cleanup and helps meet federal and state financial responsibility requirements. Eligible parties must demonstrate they own or operate a petroleum UST requiring remediation.
Activities supported include assessment, remediation, and cleanup of petroleum UST releases. The fund covers costs directly tied to addressing unauthorized releases from petroleum systems. This is a reimbursement program, so applicants must have incurred eligible cleanup expenses.
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 for leaking UST cleanup and helps meet federal and state financial responsibility requirements. Eligible parties must demonstrate they own or operate a petroleum UST requiring remediation.
Activities supported include assessment, remediation, and cleanup of petroleum UST releases. The fund covers costs directly tied to addressing unauthorized releases from petroleum systems. This is a reimbursement program, so applicants must have incurred eligible cleanup expenses.
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
Details
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 for leaking UST cleanup and helps meet federal and state financial responsibility requirements. Eligible parties must demonstrate they own or operate a petroleum UST requiring remediation.
Activities supported include assessment, remediation, and cleanup of petroleum UST releases. The fund covers costs directly tied to addressing unauthorized releases from petroleum systems. This is a reimbursement program, so applicants must have incurred eligible cleanup expenses.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proof of UST ownership or operation
- Documentation of unauthorized release
- Itemized cleanup expense receipts and invoices
- Remediation records and contractor information
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 fund?
Petroleum UST owners and operators, including small businesses and individuals. You must own or operate a petroleum underground storage tank in California.
What expenses does the fund cover?
Reimbursement for cleanup costs related to leaking petroleum USTs. Eligible expenses relate directly to remediation of unauthorized releases.
Is there a deadline?
The fund operates on a rolling basis, meaning applications are accepted on an ongoing schedule. Check with California's State Water Resources Control Board for current submission procedures.
How much funding is available per award?
Award amounts are not specified in the program description. Contact the administering agency for typical funding levels and limits.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No cost-sharing requirement exists for this program. The fund provides full reimbursement for eligible cleanup expenses.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Document all cleanup costs carefully with receipts and invoices to support your reimbursement claim.
- Verify your UST qualifies as a petroleum system under state and federal definitions before applying.
- Ensure your cleanup activities comply with California environmental regulations and standards.
- Contact the State Water Resources Control Board early to confirm your specific cleanup expenses are eligible.
- Keep detailed records of the unauthorized release and all remediation steps taken to support your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting incomplete expense documentation or invoices without proper itemization. Failing to verify the UST qualifies as eligible under state/federal rules. Claiming costs for cleanup activities that don't meet regulatory standards or weren't performed by qualified contractors.
Similar grants
- CLOSED Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program FY21 — Department of Parks and Recreation (California)
- CLOSED California Creative Corps – Administering Organization Grant — CA Arts Council (California)
- CLOSED 2022-23 Domestic Violence Assistance (DV) Program RFP — Governor's Office of Emergency Services (California)
- CLOSED 2022-23 (Round 9) Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) Agricultural Conservation Acquisition Grants — Department of Conservation (California)
- CLOSED 2023 Bachelor of Science Nursing Loan Repayment Program — Department of Health Care Access and Information (California)