Protecting Your Stores from Compliance Failures—On Both Sides of the Fence
Running a convenience store comes with no shortage of challenges, but few are as unforgiving as underground storage tank (UST) compliance. Fines can be steep, and regulators expect not just reactive fixes but proactive prevention. Recent enforcement actions in Hawaiʻi and Indiana highlight two sides of the same risk: sometimes it’s the owner/operator who stumbles, and sometimes it’s the service company entrusted to help. Either way, the consequences are real.
In Hawaiʻi, regulators announced a $27,500 penalty against Hawaii Petroleum, LLC after determining that two 10,000-gallon underground storage tanks were installed without required permits or prior notification. The tanks went in during December 2023, but proper notifications weren’t filed until June 2024. While no leaks were reported, officials stressed that permitting and notification rules exist to protect groundwater before tanks ever go into service (KITV). This case underscores a familiar theme: when owners/operators fall behind on compliance steps, the financial and reputational costs follow quickly.
In Indiana, the risk looked different. A Valparaiso contractor working on UST projects pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was ordered to pay $123,523 in restitution to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Prosecutors found the contractor submitted false reimbursement claims for cleanup costs that were never incurred. The case, investigated by EPA and IDEM, shows another side of compliance risk: what happens when a vendor you trust isn’t acting in good faith (U.S. DOJ).
Together, these two cases highlight the same truth: compliance risks can come from anywhere. Whether it’s an owner/operator missing a requirement or a vendor failing to uphold their responsibility, the store owner is left holding the bag.
That’s why PASS exists. We built the PASS Platform to protect convenience operators on every front:
PASS Harmonics helps owner/operators manage their responsibilities—training certifications, inspections, and documentation—all in one place.
PASS Symphonics brings service companies into the same system, ensuring their inspection data and maintenance records are transparent and trackable. No more blind trust—you get accountability and visibility.
PASS Connect ties in your ATGs, automating reporting and reducing reliance on manual processes that can be overlooked or manipulated.
PASS Opus expands your compliance readiness with a wide catalog of safety and workforce training, from OSHA to HAZWOPER to alcohol and food safety certifications.
UST Operator Training remains the foundation. PASS offers Class A/B/C training in nearly every state, ensuring that operators meet regulatory requirements and understand their compliance duties from day one.
The lesson is clear: fines of $27,500 in Hawaiʻi and $123,523 in Indiana didn’t happen because of catastrophic leaks. They happened because basic compliance steps and accountability broke down. With PASS—through Harmonics, Symphonics, Connect, Opus, and Operator Training—you can protect your business from both owner/operator oversights and vendor risks, while equipping your staff with the knowledge and tools they need to stay compliant every day.
Compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. PASS gives you the training, tools, and technology to keep your stores audit-ready and your teams confident.
👉 Get in touch with PASS and see how we can help.
