Privacy Policy

Introduction

USTEX LLC ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining transparency regarding the collection, use, and protection of your personal and operational data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website, USTex.org, and interact with our services as a specialized petroleum compliance diagnostics firm.

USTEX LLC is a Wisconsin-based specialty compliance firm (WDFI ID: 12222025104896, WIDATCP Specialty Firm #560989) specializing in Underground Storage Tank (UST) and Above-Ground Storage Tank (AST) diagnostics and regulatory compliance documentation under federal and state environmental law.

1. Data Collection

Client Onboarding and Project Information

When you engage USTEX LLC for compliance diagnostics services, we collect the following information through our digital onboarding forms:

• Legal company name and business structure
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Facility registration numbers and environmental regulatory identifiers
• Site-specific access instructions and facility contact information
• Historical compliance records and tank specifications
• Technical equipment specifications and operational parameters

Technical Diagnostics and Field Data

During site diagnostics, we generate and store GPS-stamped, unalterable digital records including:

• GPS-verified site coordinates and facility location data
• Test results, tank measurements, and diagnostic findings
• Photographic and video documentation of tanks and conditions
• Digital signatures and cryptographic verification of record authenticity
• Timestamped audit trails demonstrating record integrity

These records form the foundation of our "Compliance Shield": immutable, defensible documentation designed to protect your facility against regulatory scrutiny and demonstrate good-faith environmental stewardship.

Website and UST Tech Guide Access

Our website and UST Tech Guide (a technical regulatory reference tool hosted on Replit) may collect:

• IP addresses and device identifiers for access logs
• Browser type and usage analytics for service improvement
• Pages visited and features accessed within the Tech Guide

Financial and Billing Information

Payment processing occurs through QuickBooks and integrated payment processors. We collect:

• Billing addresses and contact information
• Invoice amounts and service descriptions
• Payment method information (handled securely by payment processors)

We do not store complete credit card details; payment processing is handled by PCI DSS-compliant third-party processors.

2. Use of Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: Conducting tank diagnostics, generating compliance documentation, and managing field operations
• Regulatory Compliance: Creating and maintaining records required under EPA 40 CFR Part 280 and Wisconsin ATCP 93 regulations
• Quality Assurance: Reviewing diagnostic accuracy, technician performance, and service quality
• Communication: Notifying you of service schedules, test results, and compliance recommendations
• Billing and Payment: Processing invoices, managing accounts receivable, and financial reporting
• Legal Compliance: Responding to regulatory audits, government investigations, and legal proceedings
• Security and Fraud Prevention: Protecting against unauthorized access, data breaches, and fraudulent activity
• Analytics and Improvement: Anonymized analysis of service trends and website performance to enhance our offerings

3. Third-Party Sharing and Operational Continuity Partners

Data We Do Not Sell

USTEX LLC does not sell, rent, or lease your personal information or operational data to third parties for marketing or commercial purposes. Your data remains yours, and we treat it as a fiduciary asset.

Operational Continuity Partners

We share specific operational information only when necessary with trusted partners to facilitate compliance and continuity of service:

Local Fleet Mechanics and Service Providers

When a facility requires emergency tank repairs or fleet maintenance as a result of our diagnostic findings, we may share limited facility information (location, tank specifications, emergency contact) with pre-approved local mechanics to enable rapid response.

Financial Lenders and Insurance Underwriters

When you authorize financing or insurance coverage related to tank remediation or facility improvements, we may share summary compliance findings and our certification status to support your loan application or policy underwriting, upon your written request.

Regulatory Agencies

We disclose compliance records to EPA, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and other regulatory agencies as legally required. You remain the owner of your compliance documentation; we simply provide timely, accurate reporting.

All third-party partners are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information and are prohibited from using it for any purpose other than those specified in this Privacy Policy.

4. Data Retention

Compliance Records

USTEX LLC retains compliance records for the periods mandated by federal and state environmental law:

• EPA 40 CFR Part 280 Records: Minimum 5 years from date of test, or per state-specific requirements (whichever is longer)
• Wisconsin ATCP 93 Records: As required by Wisconsin Administrative Code, generally 5 to 10 years depending on facility status
• Remediation Records: Until closure certification is issued and retained thereafter per state law
• Corrective Action Records: Maintained for the duration of any active corrective action program and 5 years post-closure

These retention periods ensure you have defensible documentation for audits, regulatory inquiries, and property transactions.

Billing and Financial Records

Invoices and payment records are retained for 7 years to comply with federal tax and accounting standards.

Website and Analytics Data

General website usage data and server logs are retained for 12 months to identify performance issues and security threats.

Deletion of Non-Regulatory Data

Upon request and absent a legal hold or regulatory requirement, we will delete personal information that is not subject to retention mandates. Contact us at privacy@us-tex.com to request deletion of non-compliance data.

5. Data Security and Zero Incident Digital Culture

Security Infrastructure

USTEX LLC maintains a "Zero Incident" digital security culture. All sensitive information is protected through:

• Encryption in Transit: TLS 1.2+ encryption for all data transmitted between your devices and our servers
• Encryption at Rest: AES-256 encryption for sensitive compliance records and facility identifiers stored on our systems
• Site Facility ID Protection: Enhanced encryption protocols for facility registration numbers and GPS coordinates
• Access Controls: Role-based access restrictions limiting employee access to only the data necessary for their functions
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Required for all administrative accounts accessing compliance databases
• Audit Logging: Comprehensive logging of all access to sensitive records for forensic review
• Regular Security Assessments: Periodic penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate risks

Incident Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach or security incident, we will:

• Investigate and contain the breach within 24 hours
• Notify affected clients within 30 days of discovery (or as required by applicable law)
• Provide clear guidance on protective steps and monitoring resources
• Cooperate fully with regulatory agencies and law enforcement

Facility Data Integrity

Our GPS-stamped, cryptographically verified records are designed to be tamper-proof. All changes to compliance documentation are logged with timestamps and approver information, ensuring the integrity of your "Compliance Shield."

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Wisconsin and US Privacy Rights

• Right to Access: Request a copy of personal information we hold about you
• Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of non-regulatory personal information (compliance records subject to legal holds will not be deleted)
• Right to Data Portability: Request your information in a structured, portable format
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of promotional communications (though service-critical notifications will continue)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@us-tex.com with a clear description of your request. We will verify your identity and respond within 30 days.

7. Regulatory Defensibility and Audit Requirements

EPA 40 CFR Part 280 Compliance

We maintain records in compliance with EPA 40 CFR Part 280 (Underground Storage Tanks) requirements, including:

• Release detection records and system test documentation
• Integrity and tightness test certifications
• Corrosion protection and cathodic system records
• Maintenance and operational logs

Wisconsin ATCP 93 Compliance

We comply with Wisconsin Administrative Code § ATCP 93 (Petroleum Storage Tank Requirements), ensuring:

• Facility registration and reporting accuracy
• Compliance with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) requirements
• Maintenance of audit trails for all regulatory filings

Audit Access and Cooperation

Your compliance records are maintained in a format that permits rapid disclosure to EPA, WDNR, and other regulatory bodies conducting environmental audits. We cooperate fully with all regulatory inquiries and maintain records with the integrity necessary to withstand forensic examination.

8. Cookies and Website Tracking Technologies

USTex.org may use cookies and similar tracking technologies for the following purposes:

• Session Management: Maintaining your login session and authentication status
• Analytics: Understanding website usage patterns and identifying performance improvements
• Preferences: Storing your display preferences and language selection

You may manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit access to certain website features. We do not use cookies for behavioral advertising or third-party tracking.

9. Third-Party Links and External Websites

USTex.org may contain links to external websites, such as regulatory agency sites, environmental databases, and industry resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external site before providing information.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by posting the revised policy on this website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of USTex.org following such notification constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. For significant changes affecting the handling of compliance records, we will provide direct written notice to affected clients.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, concerns about our data practices, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:

USTEX LLC
Jackson, Wisconsin
WDFI ID: 12222025104896
WIDATCP Specialty Firm #560989
Email: privacy@us-tex.com
Website: USTex.org

We will respond to privacy inquiries within 30 business days.

Last Updated: March 2026
This Privacy Policy is part of the USTEX LLC commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and respect for your operational data and privacy.