California Designated Operator Practice Exam

What must the owner or operator do within 48 hours of receiving an inconclusive SIR report?

1. Inspect all accessible portions of the UST system

2. Conduct a complete inventory audit

3. Provide a written report to the local agency

4. Stop all fuel deliveries until resolved

The correct answer is: Inspect all accessible portions of the UST system

The correct action that the owner or operator must take within 48 hours of receiving an inconclusive Statistical Inventory Reconciliation (SIR) report is to inspect all accessible portions of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) system. This requirement is established to ensure any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly to prevent leaks or spills from occurring. The inspection allows the owner or operator to examine the condition of the UST system, including the tanks, piping, and any ancillary equipment. An inconclusive SIR report indicates that there may be discrepancies in inventory data that could signal a leak or other operational problem. By conducting a thorough inspection, the operator can gather crucial information and determine whether further actions, such as repairs or more detailed investigations, are necessary. In contrast, while a complete inventory audit or providing a written report to the local agency might be considered necessary steps in managing UST compliance, these actions typically follow the initial inspection. Stopping fuel deliveries could be an extreme response and is not the immediate action mandated by regulation. Therefore, inspecting all accessible portions is the prioritized response to ensure system integrity and compliance with environmental regulations.