MPMA Latest News & Events
UST Operator Certification Update
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency sent this bulletin at 02/10/2012 02:07 PM CST
This is a reminder that if you own and/or operate a facility that has underground storage tanks, your site must have a certified class A operator, class B operator, and class C operator. The class A operator and class B operator have to pass a test in order to be certified. Class C operators are trained by the class A and class B operators.
If your facility is located in area code 612, 651, 763, or 952, you had to pass the test by August 8, 2011. If you have not taken this test, please do so immediately.
If your facility is located in area code 218, 320, or 507, you have to pass the test by August 8, 2012.
In order to pass the test, you have to achieve a score of 75% or better. If you do not pass the test, you will have to attend and MPCA approved training course. Minnesota Petroleum Marketers has an approved UST Training program contact the Association office. (651)484-7227
The link is found on the underground storage tank systems webpage. The address is www.pca.state.mn.us/ust. To get to the test click on the "Exam for class A and class B operators of underground storage tanks" link. Fact sheets and the question and answer manual (Underground Storage Tanks in Minnesota: Answers to Commonly asked Questions) can be found on this page. The test is open book. Feel free to use the fact sheets and question and answer manual as an aid.
If you have any questions, please email Jake Mueller at jacob.mueller@state.mn.us or call 651-336-8098. You are unable to respond to this message.
Thank you.
CDL Self-Certification
Beginning January 30, 2012, commercial driver’s will need to certify the following information with Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS):
The type of driving you are engaged in (interstate or intrastate) and Whether or not you are subject to or exempt from the medical examination requirements of 49 CFR part 391 or Minnesota Statutes, chapter 221.
In preparation for this, DVS has sent out a News Release (attached) and updated the DVS Website with CDL Medical Self-Certification information. That information is available at:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/commercial-driver-license-medical-self-certification.aspx
More info..Winter Sesaonal Load Limit
SEASONAL LOAD LIMIT NOTIFICATION
Winter Load Increases will begin on unrestricted highways in the CENTRAL FROST ZONE at 12:01 AM on Saturday, January 21, 2012.
Winter Load Increases will begin on unrestricted highways in the METRO, SOUTH and SOUTHEAST FROST ZONES at 12:01 AM on Monday, January 23, 2012.
Winter Load Increases are already in effect for the NORTH and NORTH-CENTRAL FROST ZONES.
Vehicles will be allowed to operate up to 10 percent over the standard legal maximum loads on unrestricted highways during the Winter Load Increase period. However, trucks must comply with current registration weight laws and not exceed registered gross weight tolerances. Please check with local agencies (cities, counties and townships) prior to increasing any weights on their routes. The sign erected on the roadway governs the load limit in effect. A Winter Weight Increase Permit is required to take advantage of the 10 percent weight increase on Interstate Highways.
For questions about legal weight/size trucking, call:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - State Patrol - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
(651) 405-6171 (select Option 3, Option 3)
For questions about over legal weight/size "heavy haul" trucking, call:
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations - Oversize/Weight Permits
(651) 296-6000
Pavement structures achieve increased strength to carry heavier loads at a cumulative freezing index greater than 280-Fahrenheit degree-days based on three-day weather forecasts. Minnesota State law allows a 10 percent weight increase on unrestricted highways when the index is achieved for a given frost zone.
Winter Load Increases starting and ending dates are based on how weather is affecting roadway strength. These dates are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. Therefore, the ending date for Winter Load Increases is variable and drivers MUST check for updates throughout the year. Vehicle operators are required to check with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) for the exact start and end dates.
All changes are made with a minimum three calendar-day notice.
For the most current information, please go to Mn/DOT’s automated 24-hour message center at (800) 723-6543 for the USA and Canada, or locally at (651) 366-5400 for the Minneapolis/St Paul area. This information is also published on the Mn/DOT Seasonal Load Limits website at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/materials/