Inspection Issue Categories
Once a year, every PMMIC insured site will receive an inspection report that details every deficiency our loss control inspection team identified, if any. Each item is categorized based on the seriousness of the issue, but what do those categories mean? What kinds of deficiencies fit into these categories? Below, we break down each inspection deficiency category and offer a little insight into our extensive loss control process.
Compliance/Cancellation Items
This category is for the most serious, high priority deficiencies, like impaired/damaged leak detection equipment, damaged spill basins, or leaking equipment. These issues typically represent an immediate threat to the integrity of your UST system. Policyholders are given 60 days to address the issue, as stated on the Response Form and the Notice of Cancellation enclosed with the inspection report.
If not addressed, it could result in underwriting (renewal) delays or cancellation of your policy. In Iowa, these items are provided to DNR to meet the regulatory requirement if part of biennial compliance inspection and often require correction by the DNR. Once addressed, the insured will receive a Rescission of Cancellation Notice, which means that PMMIC is satisfied with the response and the cancellation notice that was sent with the inspection report has been withdrawn.
Compliance/Other Items
The most common issues in the compliance/other category are typically related to liquid in spill containments. Other examples include missing registration tags or a leaking dispenser filter with secondary containment. These issues will not result in policy cancellation if not corrected, but will be provided to DNR to meet the regulatory requirement if part of a biennial compliance inspection at an Iowa Facility. Correction may be required by the DNR.
Other Items
These issues will not result in policy cancellation if not corrected, but will be provided to DNR to meet the regulatory requirement if part of a biennial compliance inspection at an Iowa facility. However, they aren’t classified as “compliance” issues. Typically, these items are things like an alarm displaying as active on the leak detection equipment or a damaged, missing, or improperly installed component, like a liquid sensor (unless for SCIM). While not considered serious, these items often indicate the potential for a costly problem down the road.
Recommendation Items
These items do not require response or correction; PMMIC is simply recommending that they be addressed. A lot of the time, these items are simple fixes that demonstrate top-notch facility maintenance and operation. Some of the most common recommendation items are related to dispenser hoses or filters.