Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) Grants
Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) Grants support California small businesses in removing, replacing, or upgrading petroleum tanks to meet regulatory requirements.
Funder: California State Water Resources Control Board
Due Dates: Within 180 days of noncompliance notice (if applicable) | June 30, 2025 (applications seeking reimbursement for specified prior costs)
Funding Amounts: $3,000–$70,000 in standard grants; up to $140,000 for qualifying remote public fueling stations
Summary: RUST grants help eligible California small businesses remove, replace, or upgrade petroleum underground storage tanks to meet regulatory requirements.
Key Information: Work cannot begin until the State Water Board has executed a grant agreement.
Description
The California State Water Resources Control Board’s RUST program helps small-business owners and operators bring petroleum underground storage tank (UST) systems into compliance. Grants support the costs necessary to remove, replace, or upgrade project tanks. Typical work includes replacing single-walled tanks or piping with double-walled equipment, installing containment sumps or under-dispenser containment, adding electronic monitoring systems, and conducting enhanced leak detection tests.
The program also supports removal of single-walled systems, which were required to be permanently closed by December 31, 2025. A grant can be combined with a RUST loan if an applicant qualifies for both. Grant-funded work must be performed by a contractor with current, active California contractor licenses.
