CERS NextGen Project Update

What’s in this Edition

In this month’s CUPA Connection Newsletter, we highlight several topics that are shaping the next generation of CERS including:

• • Key insights from the recent CUPA/PA survey
  • Summary of upcoming New Data Screens and Fields
  • Newly added Frequently Asked Questions for CUPAs and businesses

Stay informed and connected as we continue building the future of CERS together.

CERS Modernization Milestones: Phase 1 Wrapping Up and Phase 2 Kickoff – Early 2026

The Project Team is pleased to share that Phase 1 development of the next generation of CERS, encompassing core functionality for Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), nearly complete. End-to-end testing is underway to allow final refinements and the highest level of quality for implementation.

Planning for Phase 2 commenced in November, with development work set to begin in early 2026. This phase will expand functionality to include the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA), California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CalARP), Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP), and Hazardous Waste Generator Program.

Watch for upcoming Townhall sessions, where the Project Team will share more details about plans for solution enhancements.

CERS NextGen Collaboration Results – Your Feedback in Action

Survey Participation

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement Survey. Conducted from mid-September through October, in response to UPA requests for greater visibility into the CERS NextGen Project, the survey achieved a strong 64% response rate. Your feedback provided many insightful ideas for the Project Team and developers to consider.

Key Findings – Part 2

Identifying Previous Submittals for Reuse:  Respondents highlighted key attributes that make it easier to locate the most current historical submittal to use as a template for a new submittal. These inputs will guide improvements to template functionality.

Compliance Summary Data: The top four types of summary data rated most useful when viewing a facility’s compliance profile are illustrated below. Many respondents agreed that applying all four is preferred.

Enabling Compliance: New Data Input screens and Data Fields in the Next Generation of CERS

As part of the ongoing modernization of CERS, the Project Team is introducing a range of new data fields and screens designed to improve accuracy, usability, and compliance tracking. These enhancements reflect direct input from stakeholders and will make it easier for regulators, facilities, and program administrators to capture and manage critical information.

Test Results – New Functionality in the Next Generation of CERS

Pass/fail outcomes and test dates for Underground Storage Tanks will be uploaded directly into the next generation of CERS through the new UST testing screen.  The new functionality provides regulators and businesses quick, centralized access to historical results. This eliminates the need to search through off-system paperwork and makes it easier to comply with the 30-day filing requirement.  In the event of a test failure or violation, new test results can then be submitted  promoting accuracy and transparency.

New Designated Operator (DO) Screen

A new screen in the next generation of CERS allows Businesses to record information for up to 25 DOs on a new easy-to-use screen. 

New Page for Monitoring Panels and Sensors

The next generation of CERS includes a dedicated screen for entering monitoring data directly into the new system from the Monitoring Certification Form for each site.  This provides a secure and permanent record for each site that remains intact, until it is changed by the owner or transferred to a new owner.

Installation Certificate of Compliance

The next generation of CERS also has a dedicated screen for entering data from the Installation Certificate directly into the new system for a new tank installation or a tank replacement.

Other New Data Fields and Screens

The screenshots above highlight just a portion of the enhanced functionality in the next generation of CERS. More of these will be featured in future Newsletters and Townhall meetings:

• CalARP Program Level – Improves facility classification under the California Accidental Release Prevention Program.
• Last RMP Data – Enhances visibility into the most recent Risk Management Plan submissions
• UDC Count – Tracks Under Dispenser Containment (UDC) count.
• Contingency Plan Entry Option – Enables direct data entry of emergency response planning.

These additions promote data integrity, streamline compliance oversight, and provide stakeholders with more actionable insights. Future newsletters and Townhall meetings will continue to showcase new capabilities as development progresses.

Other Ways to Get Involved

CERS NextGen Q&A