Hazardous substances: underground storage tanks.

(1) Existing law generally requires a local agency, as defined, to inspect every underground tank system, as defined, that is used for the storage of hazardous substances, at least once every year. After conducting the inspection, the local agency is required to prepare a compliance report detailing the inspection and to send a copy of the report to the permitholder and the owner or operator. Existing law authorizes the local agency, instead of performing the inspection itself, to require the permitholder to employ a special inspector to conduct the annual inspection. Within 60 days of receiving a compliance report or special inspection report, the permitholder is required to file with the local agency a plan to implement all recommendations contained in the compliance report or to demonstrate why those recommendations should not be implemented. This bill would require the California Environmental Protection Agency, by June 30, 2011, and in consultation with specified entities, to implement a process by which the local agency may verify annually the accuracy of the tank number issued by the State Board of Equalization, to determine that the tank number is the correct and accurate number for the permitted tank. The bill would require the local agency, pursuant to that process, to verify annually that the tank number issued by the State Board of Equalization for the permitted tank is correct and accurate, thereby implementing a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.