What is APSA? 

The ESFD CUPA regulates aboveground storage tanks through the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA). This acronym refers to both the legislation and the resulting regulatory program.

The APSA program was created to protect public health and the environment from potential contamination or adverse effects associated with unintentional releases from the aboveground storage of petroleum-based hazardous materials and wastes.

Do I need a permit for APSA?

Your business/facility needs an APSA permit if:

• You have aboveground storage tank(s) with an aggregate storage capacity (shell capacity) of greater than or equal to (≥) 1,320 gallons of petroleum*

• The petroleum is stored in aboveground storage containers, tanks and oil-filled equipment

OR

• The petroleum is stored in a "Tank In An UnderGround Area" (TIUGA) with petroleum storage capacities of 55 gallons or greater;
• A facility with less than 1,320 gallons of petroleum storage capacity with one or more TIUGAs may also be regulated under APSA

 * In the APSA program, "petroleum" means crude oil, or a fraction thereof, that is liquid at 60 degrees Fahrenheit temperature and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute pressure (normal atmospheric pressure).

Examples of APSA-qualifying oils:

• Gasoline
• Lubrication oils
• Heating oils
• Biodiesel (does not include 100% biodiesel)
• Crude oil
• Sludge
• Mineral oil
• Oil refuse
• Diesel

To learn more about whether your facility or tanks qualify, please see:

• The US EPA SPCC Compliance Factsheet (2025) 
• The Office of the State Fire Marshal website for information on the APSA program.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website for information on SPCC requirements. 

Note: This guidance only applies to the APSA permit overseen by the Environmental Safety Division and does NOT cover permits required by other divisions or regulations.

How do I get an APSA permit?

To obtain an APSA permit, you will first submit your information in CERS. Our inspectors will review your submittal, and then we will invoice you for the appropriate permit fees. All program permits (APSA, HMBP, etc.) are consolidated into one CUPA permit. See our Billing & Permitting page for more details.

What is an SPCC Plan?

Unless exempt, a facility in the APSA program must prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan. 

See the US EPA SPCC Compliance Factsheet to understand if the SPCC regulation applies to your facility.

How do I get a Plan Check permit?

Before any work begins to install, remove or modify an aboveground storage tank (AST) system, you must:

• Apply for a Plan Check permit
• Pay the Plan Check fees
• Wait for the plans to be reviewed and approved by the El Segundo Fire Department.

The ESFD uses a third-party platform called OpenGov for plans review, permit approval, and payment processing.

To apply for a plan check permit, click here: Fire Prevention Plan Check

Where is APSA mentioned in the regulations?

• Health and Safety Code (H&SC), Chapter 6.67, Sections 25270 through 25270.13
• U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 112
• City of El Segundo, Title 5, Chapter 5