[27 Pa.B. 5341]
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DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION § 245.521. Performance standards for aboveground storage tanks.
(a) Tank construction shall meet or exceed Nationally recognized industry association codes of practice. New tanks shall be installed in accordance with applicable codes of practice and consistent with manufacturer's or fabricator's specifications as specified in § 245.522 (relating to new aboveground tank installations and reconstructions).
(b) Tank modifications shall be in accordance with industry codes of practice as specified in § 245.524 (relating to aboveground tank modifications).
(c) Tanks shall be protected from corrosion and deterioration as specified in §§ 245.531--245.534 (relating to corrosion and deterioration prevention).
(d) A leak monitoring system shall be installed as specified in § 245.543 (relating to leak detection requirements).
(e) A release prevention system shall be installed as specified in §§ 245.541 and 245.542 (relating to overfill prevention requirements; and containment requirements for aboveground storage tank systems).
(f) Tanks shall be tested according to industry standards before being placed in service as specified in §§ 245.522 and 245.524 (relating to new aboveground tank installations and reconstructions and aboveground tank modifications).
(g) Tanks shall be inspected at installation, reconstruction or relocation and when a major modification is performed on a tank as specified in § 245.554 (relating to installation and modification inspections).
§ 245.522. New aboveground tank installations and reconstructions.
(a) Tanks shall be designed and constructed in accordance with an appropriate current code of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations such as UL, ACI, API, ASME, ASTM or NACE.
(b) Tanks shall have a stable foundation, capable of supporting the total weight of the tank when full of product without movement, rolling or unacceptable settling. The foundation shall minimize corrosion of the tank bottom and meet or exceed the specifications of the tank manufacturer. The foundation design and construction shall be based on sound engineering practices.
(c) Tanks shall be tested for tightness in accordance with current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations and manufacturer's specifications. If a pneumatic test is used for manufactured (shop built) tanks, the fittings, welds, joints and connections shall be coated with a soap solution and checked for leaks. Aboveground field constructed storage tanks shall be hydrostatically tested. Deficiencies shall be remedied prior to tanks being placed into service. Hydrostatic test fluids shall be discharged or disposed of in accordance with State and Federal requirements.
(d) Reconstruction of tanks shall follow the current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations. Reconstructed tanks shall be inspected and hydrostatically tested before being placed into service. Reconstructed tanks shall meet or exceed requirements specified in § 245.521 (relating to performance standards for aboveground storage tanks). Hydrostatic test fluids shall be discharged or disposed of in accordance with State and Federal requirements.
(e) Aboveground manufactured storage tanks that are relocated to another service site shall meet the performance requirements for aboveground storage tanks and shall be tested according to industry standards and inspected before being put back in service.
§ 245.523. Aboveground storage tanks in underground vaults.
The following requirements shall be met when an owner or operator chooses to install an aboveground storage tank in an underground vault.
(1) The vault shall completely enclose the tank. There may be no openings in the vault enclosure except those necessary for access to, inspection of, and filling, emptying and venting of the tank. The walls and floor of the vault shall be constructed of reinforced concrete at least 6 inches thick. The top, walls and floor shall be designed to withstand the anticipated loading including loading from traffic, soil and groundwater.
(2) The vault shall be compatible with the stored substance and have a permeability of less than 1 x 10-7 cm/sec for substance stored and be water tight.
(3) A tank shall be in its own vault. Adjacent vaults may share a common wall.
(4) There may be no backfill around the tank and there shall be sufficient space between the tank and the vault to allow inspection of the tank and ancillary equipment.
(5) A vault and its tank shall be suitably anchored to withstand uplifting by either water or released substance, including when the tank is empty.
(6) Connections shall be provided to permit venting of each vault to dilute, disperse and remove vapors prior to personnel entering the vault.
(7) A vault shall be equipped with a continuous leak detection system capable of detecting vapors and liquids including water. The detection system shall activate an alarm that automatically shuts down the dispensing system if a release occurs.
(8) A vault shall have a means for personnel entry. The entry point shall have a warning sign indicating the need for procedures for safe entry into a confined space. An entry point shall be secured against unauthorized entry and vandalism.
(9) A suitable means to admit a fire suppression agent shall be provided for each vault.
(10) Tanks and ancillary equipment shall be installed, maintained and inspected in accordance with the requirements for aboveground storage tanks in this subchapter.
§ 245.524. Aboveground tank modifications.
(a) Modifications shall be designed and implemented in accordance with current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations such as API, ACI, ASME, ASTM or UL.
(b) Modifications shall be performed in accordance with Nationally recognized codes and manufacturer's specifications or a professional engineer's design requirements.
(c) Aboveground tanks which are modified shall be inspected and tested according to industry standards before being put in service when a major modification has been performed on the tank shell, tank roof or tank bottom. Deficiencies shall be remedied before being returned to service.
§ 245.525. Ancillary equipment for aboveground storage tanks.
(a) Ancillary equipment shall be designed and installed in accordance with Nationally recognized codes of practice and manufacturer's specifications such as API, ASME, ASTM, UL, PEI or ANSI. Ancillary equipment shall be in good working order and maintained according to manufacturer's specifications and accepted industry practices. Ancillary equipment shall be compatible with the stored substance.
(b) Tanks shall be appropriately vented to protect the tank from over pressurization and excessive vacuums. Vents shall meet or exceed the appropriate codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations such as API and NFPA. Normal venting shall allow the tank to breath when transferring the stored product. Emergency venting shall ensure that the safe pressure for the tank is not exceeded.
(c) Tank connections through which regulated substance can flow shall be equipped with an operating valve adjacent to the tank to control flow of substance. Appropriate valves shall be installed to meet or exceed current codes of practice and jurisdictional requirements. Valves shall be designed, installed and maintained according to current codes of practice.
§ 245.526. Piping for aboveground storage tanks.
(a) Piping shall be compatible with the substance stored and properly designed to resist internal and external wear, vibration and shock.
(b) New and replacement piping shall be designed, fabricated and tested in accordance with current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations such as API, ASME, ANSI, NFPA, PEI or STI. Installation of piping shall meet or exceed current codes of practice and be in strict accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Piping shall be tested for tightness before being placed in service and all deficiencies remedied.
(c) Piping installed after October 11, 1997, and in contact with the soil or an electrolyte shall be adequately protected from corrosion in accordance with current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations such as NACE or API.
(d) Piping shall be tested and inspected in accordance with current industry practices and §§ 245.552 and 245.553 (relating to in-service inspections; and out-of-service inspections).
(e) Aboveground piping shall be adequately supported and be protected from physical damage caused by freezing, frost heaving and vehicular traffic.
CORROSION AND DETERIORATION PREVENTION § 245.531. General corrosion and deterioration requirements.
(a) The tank system shall be maintained with corrosion and deterioration prevention measures.
(b) Metallic tank systems in direct contact with the soil or other electrolyte shall be evaluated by a corrosion expert to determine if cathodic protection is necessary or appropriate.
(c) Existing tank bottoms that do not meet the standards in subsection (b) shall be upgraded when the tank bottom is replaced.
§ 245.532. Cathodic protection systems.
(a) When required for corrosion prevention, on new, reconstructed or relocated tanks or the replacement of the tank bottom the cathodic protection system shall consist of one or more of the following:
(1) Sacrificial anodes and dielectrical coating.
(2) Impressed current.
(3) Another method specified in an appropriate Nationally recognized association code of practice such as API 651 or associations such as NACE.
(b) Cathodic protection systems shall be designed by a corrosion expert and maintained to provide protection against external corrosion for the operational life of the tank system.
(c) Each cathodic protection system shall have an access point which enables the owner or operator to check on the adequacy of cathodic protection. The cathodic protection systems shall be monitored periodically as determined by the corrosion system design.
(d) Tank and piping connections of two dissimilar metals which create a galvanic cell are prohibited.
§ 245.533. Coating exterior tank and piping surfaces.
The exterior surfaces of aboveground tanks and piping shall be protected by a suitable coating which prevents corrosion and deterioration. The coating system shall be maintained throughout the entire operational life of the tank.
§ 245.534. Interior linings and coatings.
(a) Coating or lining systems may be used to protect tank interiors from corrosion. The coating or lining system shall be designed in accordance with current codes of practices such as API 652 or associations such as NACE. Any appropriate coating which is bonded firmly to the interior surfaces may be used to protect a tank from corrosion.
(b) Specific requirements are as follows:
(1) Coatings and linings shall be chemically compatible with the substance to be stored.
(2) Coating material shall be applied and cured in strict accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
(3) Surfaces shall be prepared and inspected in accordance with applicable nationally recognized codes and standards.
(4) Coatings used to protect the bottom of a tank shall extend up the side of the tank a minimum of 18 inches, while some forms of lining may cover the entire tank interior.
(5) Coatings shall be examined for blisters and air pockets, and tested for pinholes. The coating thickness shall be checked to assure compliance with manufacturer's specifications.
(6) Defects in coating or lining systems shall be repaired or corrected prior to putting the tank or system into service.
RELEASE PREVENTION AND LEAK DETECTION § 245.541. Overfill prevention requirements.
(a) Owner/operators shall ensure that releases from overfills do not occur. Transfer of stored substance may not exceed the volume available in the receiving tank and the transfer shall be adequately monitored. Immediate action shall be taken to stop the flow of regulated substance prior to exceeding tank capacity or in the event that an equipment failure occurs.
(b) Tanks installed after October 11, 1997, shall be installed with the following:
(1) A gauge or monitoring device which accurately indicates the level or volume in the tank and is visible to the individual responsible for the transfer of product. The monitoring device shall be installed, calibrated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
(2) A high-level alarm and an automatic high-level cut-off device or a high-level alarm and a manned operator shutdown procedure in operation.
(c) Existing tanks shall have a gauge or monitoring device installed by October 11, 2000.
(d) An existing tank system which is taken out of service to perform a scheduled out-of-service inspection or a major modification to the tank shall be upgraded with a high-level alarm and cut-off device or a high-level alarm and a manned operator shutdown procedure prior to being put back in service.
§ 245.542. Containment requirements for aboveground storage tank systems.
(a) Containment structures shall be compatible with the substance stored and minimize deterioration to the storage tank system.
(b) Containment areas shall be designed, maintained and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices adhering to Nationally recognized codes of practice such as NFPA, NACE, ACI or API and in compliance with State and Federal requirements.
(c) Secondary containment under the tank bottom and around underground piping shall be designed to direct any release to a monitoring point to meet leak detection requirements. Secondary containment shall be provided on a new tank at installation, and shall be provided on an existing tank at reconstruction or relocation of the tank or when the tank floor is replaced. Permeability of the secondary containment shall be less than 1x10-7 cm/sec at anticipated hydrostatic head and shall be verified at the time of installation.
(d) Aboveground tanks shall have emergency containment structures, such as dike fields, curbing and containment collection systems, which contain releases from overfills, leaks and spills, when a new tank system is installed or at the next out-of-service inspection for existing tank systems as established in § 245.553(d) (relating to out-of-service inspections).
(1) Permeability of new emergency containment structures installed after October 11, 1997, shall be less than 1 x 10-6 cm/sec at anticipated hydrostatic head and be of sufficient thickness to prevent the released substance from penetrating the containment structure for a minimum of 72 hours, and until the release can be detected and recovered.
(2) Emergency containment structures for existing aboveground storage tanks shall meet one of the following standards at the next out-of-service inspection, prior to the tank being placed back into service.
(i) The standards for new emergency containment structures for aboveground storage tanks in paragraph (1).
(ii) Verification by a professional engineer that the emergency containment structure, coupled with the tank monitoring program and response plan is capable of detecting and recovering a release and is designed to prevent contamination of the waters of this Commonwealth.
(3) All transfers of regulated substances to a tank within the emergency containment shall be monitored by designated personnel for the duration of the transfer.
(e) Emergency containment areas, such as dike fields, shall be able to contain 110% of the capacity of the largest tank in the containment area.
(f) Stormwater shall be removed from the emergency containment area as soon as possible or when the water is in contact with the tank or piping and prior to the capacity of containment being reduced by 10% or more. Manually operated pumps or siphons and manually operated gravity drains may be used to empty the containment. If drain valves are used they shall be secured in the closed position when not in use. Discharge or disposal of substances from the containment structure shall comply with applicable State and Federal requirements.
§ 245.543. Leak detection requirements.
(a) Aboveground tank systems installed after October 11, 1997, shall provide a method of leak detection capable of detecting a release. The leak detection method shall be monitored at least monthly and shall be installed, calibrated, operated and maintained in accordance with industry practices and manufacturer's specifications.
(1) The area beneath the tank bottom shall be monitored for leakage by visual, mechanical or electronic leak detection methods.
(2) Observation wells outside of the secondary containment structure do not satisfy the leak detection requirements.
(b) Existing aboveground storage tank systems with secondary containment shall implement a monthly leak detection method as required by subsection (a). Monthly visual inspections shall be an acceptable method of leak detection.
(c) Existing aboveground storage tanks without secondary containment under the bottom of the tank that are in contact with the soil, such as vertical flat bottom tanks, and do not have cathodic protection or an internal lining shall be tested for tightness at the next scheduled service inspection after October 11, 1997, and continue testing for tightness at each service inspection thereafter, until the tank is upgraded.
(d) Aboveground piping shall be visually checked for leaks in accordance with the facility operations and maintenance plan.
ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANK INSPECTIONS § 245.551. General requirements for third party inspections.
(a) Aboveground storage tank owners and operators shall have their storage tank systems inspected by a Department certified aboveground storage tank inspector at frequencies established in this subchapter. Inspections will check for compliance with State and Federal requirements and adherence to current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations, tank manufacturer's instructions and design engineer's specifications.
(b) Only Department certified inspectors shall be used to satisfy requirements for:
(1) In-service inspections.
(2) Out-of-service inspections.
(3) Installation and modification inspections.
§ 245.552. In-service inspections.
(a) The in-service inspection shall follow the guidelines of a Nationally recognized association such as API 653 and API 570.
(b) The in-service inspection shall evaluate the following:
(1) Containment areas.
(2) Foundation.
(3) Tank shell.
(4) Tank roof.
(5) Appurtenances.
(6) Ancillary equipment including piping.
(7) Leak detection method.
(8) Cathodic protection system, if installed.
(c) Inspection information shall be submitted to the Department on a form provided by the Department and shall include the results of the evaluation in subsection (b) and the following:
(1) A determination of the corrosion rate of the shell and piping.
(2) A calculation of the life of the tank shell and piping based on corrosion rate.
(3) The next inspection schedule based on 1/4 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 5 years.
(4) The recommendations for maintaining tank system integrity.
(d) Inspection intervals for in-service inspections are as follows:
(1) Aboveground tanks installed after October 11, 1997, shall be initially inspected within 5 years of installation.
(2) Existing tanks shall be initially inspected as follows:
(i) Tanks over 5 years old without a previous inspection shall be inspected by October 11, 1999.
(ii) Tanks with an inspection more than 3 years prior to October 11, 1997, shall be inspected by October 11, 2000.
(iii) Tanks with an inspection within 3 years prior to October 11, 1997, shall be inspected within 6 years of the previous inspection.
(3) Tanks shall have an in-service inspection within 1/4 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 5 years from the previous inspection or installation.
(4) An out-of-service inspection may replace an in-service inspection.
(e) Inspection recommendations shall be addressed.
(f) The complete inspection report shall be kept at the facility until the next out-of-service inspection is completed.
§ 245.553. Out-of-service inspections.
(a) Inspections shall follow the guidelines of a Nationally recognized association such as API 653, API 570 or ASME.
(b) The out-of-service inspection shall evaluate the following:
(1) Containment areas.
(2) Foundation and supports.
(3) Tank shell.
(4) Tank roof.
(5) Tank bottom.
(6) Appurtenances.
(7) Ancillary equipment including piping.
(8) Leak detection method.
(9) Cathodic protection system, if installed.
(10) Internal linings and coatings, if installed.
(c) Inspection information shall be submitted to the Department on a form provided by the Department and shall include the results of subsection (b) and the following:
(1) A determination of the corrosion rate for tank shell, bottom plates and piping.
(2) A calculation of the tank life and piping life based on the corrosion rate.
(3) The schedule for next out-of-service inspection, based on 1/2 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 20 years between inspections.
(4) The recommendations for maintaining tank system integrity and meeting performance standards.
(d) Inspection intervals for out-of-service inspections are as follows:
(1) Tanks installed after October 11, 1997, shall be initially inspected based on measured or similar service corrosion rates. When the corrosion rate is unknown the tanks actual bottom thickness shall be determined by inspection within 10 years of installation to determine the corrosion rate.
(2) Existing tanks shall be initially inspected as follows:
(i) If corrosion rates are not known, tanks shall be inspected within 10 years of installation or by October 11, 2000, whichever is later.
(ii) If corrosion rates can be determined or are known, tanks shall be inspected at 1/2 the corrosion rate life from installation or previous out-of-service inspection or by October 11, 2000, whichever is later.
(3) Tanks shall have an out-of-service inspection at 1/2 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 20 years from the last out-of-service inspection.
(e) Deficiencies shall be remedied before the tank is returned to service.
(f) Aboveground storage tanks which can be completely examined from the exterior are exempt from out-of-service inspections except for tanks that are internally lined.
(g) The completed inspection report for out-of-service inspections shall be kept with the facility records under § 245.516 (relating to recordkeeping requirements).
§ 245.554. Installation and modification inspections.
(a) Aboveground storage tank systems shall be inspected by a Department certified inspector at the time of installation in accordance with § 245.522 (relating to new aboveground tank installations and reconstructions), and current Nationally recognized association's code of practice and manufacturer's specifications. The inspection report shall be kept for the operational life of the tank.
(b) Major modifications shall be inspected by a Department certified inspector at the time of modification under § 245.524 (relating to aboveground tank modification) and a current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations prior to being put back in service. The inspection report shall be kept for the operational life of the tank.
(c) Tanks which are relocated or reconstructed shall be inspected by a Department certified inspector and tested for tightness in accordance with § 245.522 (relating to new aboveground tank installations and reconstructions) and current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations prior to being put in service. The inspection report shall be kept for the operational life of the tank.
CLOSURE AND REMOVAL FROM SERVICE REQUIREMENTS § 245.561. Permanent closure or change-in-service.
Before permanent closure or change-in-service is completed, owner/operator shall comply with the following:
(1) At least 30 days before beginning either a permanent closure or change-in-service to an unregulated tank, or within a lesser time as determined by the Department, owner/operator shall notify the Department of its intent to permanently close or change-in-service from a regulated tank to an unregulated tank, unless the action is in response to a corrective action or waived by the Department.
(2) The owner/operator shall submit an amended registration form to the Department indicating the change in tank status within 30 days after the change in tank status.
(3) The owner/operators shall complete a site assessment to measure for the presence of any release from the storage tank system and a closure report. The assessment of the site shall be made after the notification. The results of the site assessment and the closure report shall be retained for 3 years.
(4) If contaminated soil, sediment, surface water or groundwater, or free product is discovered or confirmed by either direct observation or indicated by the analytical results of sampling, the owner/operator shall proceed with the corrective action as required in Subchapter D (relating to corrective action process for owners and operators of storage tanks and storage tank facilities and other responsible parties) or, if applicable, in accordance with remedial action agreements.
(5) Regulated substance and contents removed from the tank system including piping shall be reused, treated or disposed of in a manner consistent with applicable State and Federal waste management requirements.
(6) Tank systems shall be cleaned, rendered free of hazardous vapors and ventilated if left onsite or tank systems shall be emptied and removed from the site in a manner consistent with current industry practices and Bureau of Land Recycling and Waste Management requirements such as Chapters 263 and 299 (relating to transporters of hazardous waste; and storage and transportation of residual waste).
(7) Tanks to be permanently closed and left onsite shall be legibly marked with the date of permanent closure.
(8) The State Fire Marshal shall be notified if the tank is under a fire marshal permit.
(9) Tanks that are to be closed in place shall:
(i) Be rendered inoperable and incapable of storing liquid substance.
(ii) Be secured against unauthorized entry.
(iii) Meet the requirements specified in paragraphs (1)--(8).
§ 245.562. Temporary removal-from-service.
(a) The owner/operator shall complete and submit an amended registration form to the Department within 30 days after the change in tank status.
(b) A tank system shall be emptied and regulated substances and contents shall be reused, treated or disposed of in accordance with State and Federal requirements.
(c) A tank shall be secured against unauthorized entry and all piping entering or exiting the tank, excluding vents, shall be capped or blinded.
(d) Tank integrity shall be maintained throughout the temporary removal-from-service time and the tank shall be protected against flotation.
(e) Inspection requirements shall be maintained as specified in §§ 245.551 245.554 (relating to aboveground storage tank inspections).
(f) Tanks which are temporarily removed-from-service for 5 years or longer shall meet the requirements for permanent closure.
Subchapter G. SIMPLIFIED PROGRAM FOR SMALL ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS GENERAL
Sec.
245.601. Purpose. 245.602. Scope. 245.603. General storage tank facility requirements. 245.604. Referenced organizations. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sec.
245.611. Testing requirements for new and substantially modified small aboveground storage tanks. 245.612. Performance and design standards. 245.613. Monitoring standards. 245.614. Requirements for closure. 245.615. Recordkeeping requirements. 245.616. Inspection requirements.
GENERAL § 245.601. Purpose.
This subchapter establishes a simplified program of technical standards and requirements for small aboveground storage tanks not exceeding 21,000 gallons capacity and regulated under the act. Regulated aboveground storage tanks are defined in § 245.1 (relating to definitions).
§ 245.602. Scope.
The standards and requirements established in this subchapter shall be applied through the use of appropriate current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations such as, but not limited to, those referenced in § 245.604 (relating to referenced organizations) and through the use of manufacturer's specifications and sound engineering practices. This subchapter is not intended to supersede other State and Federal regulations or jurisdictional requirements when they are more restrictive than the requirements in this part. For certain types of tanks this subchapter may make reference to the requirements for aboveground storage tanks in Subchapter F (relating to technical standards for aboveground storage tanks and facilities).
§ 245.603. General storage tank facility requirements.
(a) The owner/operator of aboveground storage tank facilities with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 21,000 gallons shall develop and adhere to a Spill Prevention Response Plan (Plan) which addresses the requirements described in Chapter 9 of the act (35 P. S. §§ 6021.901--6021.904). The Plan shall be provided to the Department and updated as necessary. A current copy of the Plan shall be readily available at the storage tank facility at all times.
(b) The owner/operator of aboveground storage tank facilities is responsible to assure that appropriate security measures and procedures based on the facility location are established and implemented to protect the environment and the public. These security measures may include, but are not limited to, fencing, lighting, access control, locked entrances and securing of valves, drains and dispensers.
§ 245.604. Referenced organizations.
(a) Nationally recognized associations which are referenced throughout this subchapter are as follows:
(1) American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
(2) American Petroleum Institute (API).
(3) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
(4) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
(5) National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE).
(6) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
(7) Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI).
(8) Steel Structures Painting Council (SSPC).
(9) Steel Tank Institute (STI).
(10) Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
(b) Nationally recognized codes and standards shall be used in conjunction with manufacturer's specifications to comply with this subchapter. When used to meet the technical standards and requirements of this subchapter, the most current or latest edition of the codes and standards shall be applied. Other Nationally recognized codes and standards, not referenced in this part, may also be used to comply with this subchapter, when appropriate.
(c) When Nationally recognized codes and standards are updated, facilities or storage tank systems installed to previously existing standards prior to the update will not automatically be required to be upgraded to meet the new standard.
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