- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
- DTSC (Department of Toxic Substances Control).
- CalEPA (California Environmental Protection Agency).
- Local CUPAs (Certified Unified Program Agencies).
- Local fire departments.
- Regional water quality control boards.
Hazardous Waste Tank Certification
Hazardous waste tank systems in California must be assessed and certified by a Professional Engineer (PE) per Title 22 regulations. CDMS offers Tank and Containment Assessment & Certification, ensuring compliance with DTSC standards through a PE-stamped report. Let CDMS handle your hazardous waste tank certifications.

Regulatory bodies
Who needs it
Certifications are most commonly required by those facilities treating hazardous waste under Tiered Permitting, which requires that the treatment system and all ancillary piping be certified by a professional engineer at least every 5 years.
This assessment will consider if the tank and secondary containment tank is adequately designed and constructed, condition of the tanks, the materials being used in the tanks, piping, secondary containment, seismic bracing, etc.
Regulation reference
- 40 CFR Parts 264-265.
- Title 22, CCR, Div 4.5.
- Title 23, CCR, Chapter 16 – CDFW Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act.
- Title 27, CCR, Div 1, Subdiv 4 – DTSC permitting of hazardous waste facilities.
- Health and Safety Code Ch 6.7.
- Local Fire Codes.
- Conditional Use Permits.
What our service provides:
CDMS deliver a Tank and Containment Assessment and Certification of hazardous waste tank systems to comply with the requirements of Title 22, Section 66265.193. Tank and containment certifications will be provided by our Professional Engineers (PE) registered with the State of California.

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What tanks require hazardous waste certification in California?
Tanks that store hazardous wastes for over 90 days require certification per Title 22 CCR. This includes storage and treatment tanks.
How often do hazardous waste tanks need inspection and certification?
Initial certification is required before use. Tanks must then be recertified every 5 years at a minimum.
Can we self-certify our hazardous waste tanks?
No, an independent state-registered Professional Engineer (PE) must perform certifications. Please Contact Us to get support or request a Hazardous Waste Tank Certification assessment. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists is ready to assist you.
What standards are used to certify hazardous waste tanks?
Title 22 CCR standards on tank construction, leak detection, corrosion protection, etc. Professional Engineer (PEs) will check for defects.
Does secondary containment need certified too?
Yes, secondary containment must be included in the certification to ensure proper capacity and integrity.
What if we find deficiencies or leaks during inspection?
Any deficiencies must be repaired immediately. New certification is required prior to putting tank back into service.
What types of tanks require certification?
All tanks including fixed roof, closed-top portables, tank systems, external floating roofs, etc.
Do underground storage tanks need certified separately?
Yes, underground tanks have separate regulatory certification standards per CCR Title 23.
Can we get certified while a tank is still in service?
Yes, in-service certifications are allowed but may be limited by access and crude oil levels.
Are air emission control devices part of certification?
Yes, devices like floating roofs and vapor recovery must be certified functionally sound.
What specific areas of the tank are inspected?
Shell, foundation, roof, structure, rivets, welds, piping, gauges, venting, etc.
Is tank certification different than tank integrity testing?
Yes, integrity testing checks for leaks. Certification is a complete assessment of design.
Do tanks need to be cleaned prior to inspection?
Not fully cleaned, but openings must be accessible and surfaces visible for inspection.
Is there a certification report provided after inspection?
Yes, the Professional Engineer (PE) will provide a detailed Certification Report with photos, deficiencies, repair records, etc.
What if a tank fails the certification inspection?
Immediate repairs are required. The tank cannot be used for hazardous waste until the Professional Engineer (PE) certifies corrections were made.
Can I review a sample certification report?
Yes, Professional Engineer (PEs) can provide a template report to review typical content.
Are inspection records maintained for regulatory oversight?
Yes, records must be kept for duration of operation and for facility closure.
How soon after repairs can a tank be re-certified?
After repairs, the Professional Engineer (PE) must re-inspect prior to certifying the tank as compliant.
How long does a typical tank inspection take?
Anywhere between 3 hours and 2+ days depending on tank size, number of tanks, and ease of access.
Is there an appeals process if I disagree with inspection findings?
There is no formal appeals process. However, the Professional Engineer (PE) may reconsider based on any evidence you provide.