Timing of operator training and reciprocity

Operator training must evaluate operator knowledge in the areas described for each class of operator in accordance with subsections 1, 2, and 3 of section 33.1-24-08-45. 1. By August 8, 2012, the owner or operator of an underground storage tank system regulated by this chapter, except those excluded by regulation in subsection 2 of section 33.1-24-08-01, and those deferred by regulation in subsection 3 of section 33.1-24-08-01, shall have trained class A, class B, and class C operators for each facility owned. 2. After August 8, 2012, class A and class B operators must be trained within thirty days or another reasonable period specified by the department, after assuming operation and maintenance responsibilities of the underground storage tank system. Class C operators must be trained before assuming responsibility for responding to emergencies. 3. Training of underground storage tank system operators shall be performed by the department or by a third-party trainer approved by the department, except that a trained class A, or class B, operator may train a class C operator. 4. Training reciprocity. The department may accept operator training certification verification from other states that have equivalent operator training requirements. NOTE: The following alternate third-party methods may be used to comply with this section: a certificate issued by a nationally recognized underground storage tank operator examination approved by the department, or written proof of successful completion of an equivalent operator training and testing program that has received prior approval from the department.