Federal and state laws require every owner and operator of a petroleum underground storage tank (UST) to maintain financial responsibility to pay for any damages arising from their tank operations.

The Barry Keene Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund Act of 1989 was created by the California Legislature, and is administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board, to provide a means for petroleum UST owners and operators to meet the federal and state requirements. The Fund also assists a large number of small businesses and individuals by providing reimbursement for unexpected and catastrophic expenses associated with the cleanup of leaking petroleum USTs.

In addition, the Fund also provides money to the Regional Water Quality Control Boards and local regulatory agencies to abate emergency situations or to cleanup abandoned sites that pose a threat to human health, safety, and the environment, as a result of a petroleum release from a UST.