[26 Pa.B. 3073]
[Continued from previous Web Page]
Subchapter F. TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS AND FACILITIES GENERAL
Sec.
245.501. Purpose. 245.502. Scope. 245.503. Variances. 245.504. Referenced organizations. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Sec.
245.511. General operations and maintenance. 245.512. Facility operations and spill response plan. 245.513. Preventive maintenance and housekeeping requirements. 245.514. Security. 245.515. Labeling/marking of aboveground tank systems. 245.516. Recordkeeping requirements. DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION
Sec.
245.521. Performance standards for aboveground storage tanks. 245.522. New aboveground tank installations and reconstructions. 245.523. Aboveground storage tanks in underground vaults. 245.524. Aboveground tank modifications. 245.525. Ancillary equipment for aboveground storage tanks. 245.526. Piping for aboveground storage tanks. CORROSION AND DETERIORATION PREVENTION
Sec.
245.531. General corrosion and deterioration requirements. 245.532. Cathodic protection systems. 245.533. Coating exterior tank and piping surfaces. 245.534. Interior linings and coatings. RELEASE PREVENTION AND LEAK DETECTION
Sec.
245.541. Overfill prevention requirements. 245.542. Containment requirements for aboveground storage tank systems. 245.543. Leak detection requirements. ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANK INSPECTIONS
Sec.
245.551. General requirements for third party inspections. 245.552. In-service inspections. 245.553. Out-of-service inspections. 245.554. Installation and modification inspections. CLOSURE AND REMOVAL FROM SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Sec.
245.561. Permanent closure or change-in-service. 245.562. Temporary removal-from-service.
GENERAL § 245.501. Purpose.
This subchapter establishes technical standards and requirements for operations and maintenance, design, construction and installation, corrosion and deterioration prevention, release prevention and leak detection, inspection, and closure and removal from service requirements for large aboveground storage tanks and facilities regulated under the act. Regulated aboveground storage tanks are defined in § 245.1 (relating to definitions).
§ 245.502. 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 at § 245.504 (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. This subchapter does not apply to small aboveground storage tanks unless otherwise referenced in Subchapter G (relating to simplified program for small aboveground storage tanks).
§ 245.503. Variances.
When unique or peculiar circumstances make compliance with this subchapter technically infeasible or unsafe, the Department may, upon written application from the owner/operator of a storage tank system subject to this subchapter, grant a variance from one or more specific provisions of this subchapter.
(1) A variance may only be granted if the storage tank system meets alternative technical standards that fully protect human health and the environment.
(2) A written application for a variance shall be submitted to the Department and provide the following information:
(i) The facility name and identification number for which the variance is sought.
(ii) Specific sections of this subchapter from which the variance is sought.
(iii) The unique or peculiar conditions which make compliance with the sections identified in subparagraph (ii) technically infeasible or unsafe.
(iv) Evidence, including data, plans, specifications and test results, which supports an alternative design, practice, schedule or method as being at least as protective of human health and the environment as the requirements of the sections identified in subparagraph (ii).
(3) The Department will not grant a variance which would result in regulatory controls less stringent than other applicable Federal or State regulations, such as 37 Pa. Code Part I, Subpart B (relating to flammable and combustible liquids) and 40 CFR Part 112 (relating to oil pollution prevention).
(4) When granting the variance, the Department may impose specific conditions necessary to assure that the variance will adequately protect the public health, safety or welfare and the environment.
(5) The Department will provide to the applicant a written notice of approval, approval with conditions or denial.
§ 245.504. Referenced organizations.
(a) Nationally recognized associations which are referenced throughout this subchapter are as follows:
(1) American Concrete Institute (ACI).
(2) American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
(3) American Petroleum Institute (API).
(4) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
(5) American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT).
(6) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
(7) National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE).
(8) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
(9) Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI).
(10) Steel Structures Painting Council (SSPC).
(11) Steel Tank Institute (STI).
(12) 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.
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE § 245.511. General operations and maintenance.
An aboveground storage tank facility owner/operator shall implement and have onsite a written operations and maintenance plan which assures conformance with applicable safety and operational standards, compliance with applicable Federal and State regulations, and shall use appropriate work practices and procedures.
§ 245.512. Facility operations and spill response plan.
A Spill Prevention Response Plan (Plan), which addresses the requirements described in Chapter 9 of the act (35 P. S. §§ 6021.901--6021.904), shall be submitted to the Department for aboveground storage tank facilities with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 21,000 gallons. A current copy of the Plan shall be readily available at the facility at all times.
§ 245.513. Preventive maintenance and housekeeping requirements.
(a) An aboveground storage tank facility owner/operator shall establish and implement a preventive maintenance and housekeeping program which protects the integrity of the system from degradation and protects the public health and the environment.
(b) Route maintenance inspection procedures shall be established and implemented at each storage tank facility.
(1) An owner/operator is responsible to assure that a visual inspection is performed each day of normal operation. The visual inspection may be accomplished by or supplemented with electronic surveillance and shall include:
(i) A check of the facility to ensure that no potential hazardous environmental conditions exist. This includes a check for evidence of a release--for example, spill, overflow or leakage.
(ii) A check of the containment areas for accumulation of water and a confirmation that containment drain valves are secured in a closed position when not in use. If excessive water has accumulated, it shall be drained off and disposed of in accordance with applicable State and Federal requirements.
(2) An owner/operator is responsible to assure that a maintenance inspection of the facility and equipment is performed each month. The maintenance inspection shall include:
(i) An inspection of the tank system exterior surfaces for deterioration and maintenance deficiencies including a visual check for cracks, areas of wear, excessive settlement and deterioration of the foundation and supports.
(ii) Ancillary equipment and appurtenances shall be visually checked for operational malfunctions.
(iii) An inspection of containment and transfer areas for cracks, defects and fire hazards.
(iv) A check of overfill prevention equipment and monitoring of leak detection system.
(v) The monthly maintenance inspection report shall be completed and signed by the individual who conducted the visual inspections and maintained for 1 year.
(3) An owner/operator is responsible to establish a process to assure that storage tank vents are operational and free of restrictions.
(c) Housekeeping practices shall be established and implemented in a manner that reduces the possibility of accidental spills and safety hazards to plant or facility personnel.
§ 245.514. Security.
An owner/operator 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 and procedures may include, but are not limited to, fencing, lighting, access control, locked entrances and securing of valves and dispensers.
§ 245.515. Labeling/marking of aboveground tank systems.
(a) An owner/operator is responsible to assure aboveground tank systems are labeled/marked in accordance with industry standards and in compliance with Federal and State requirements. Tank labels/marks shall be easily legible from outside the containment area and shall be capable of readily identifying the regulated substance stored.
(b) The owner/operator shall be capable of readily identifying the substances transferred in the piping system and be able to determine flow control points, including pumps, valves and dispensers through labeling or other suitable means.
§ 245.516. Recordkeeping requirements.
(a) Owners and operators of aboveground tank facilities shall maintain required records. If records are maintained offsite, the records shall be easily obtained and provided to the Department upon request.
(b) Permanent records for new systems and available records for existing systems shall be maintained for the operational life of the tank system and retained for a minimum of 1 year after the tank system has been removed. Permanent records include the following:
(1) Original installation and modification of tank system design specifications.
(2) Site specific Department correspondence and documentation.
(3) Federal and State regulatory permits.
(4) Tank handling activity installation and major modification inspection results.
(5) Reportable releases.
(c) Temporary records shall be maintained as follows:
(1) The current registration certificate.
(2) The leak detection records for the past 12 months.
(3) The last two results of cathodic protection monitoring, when a cathodic protection system is in use.
(4) The routine monthly maintenance inspections for the past 12 months.
(5) The last third party in-service inspection report.
(6) The last third party out-of-service inspection report.
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 §§ 245.551--245.554 (relating to aboveground storage tank inspections).
(g) Tanks shall be inspected at installation, reconstruction or relocation and when a major modification is performed on a tank.
§ 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.
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) A tank shall be in its own vault. Adjacent vaults may share a common wall.
(d) 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.
(e) A vault and its tank shall be suitably anchored to withstand uplifting by either water or released substance, including when the tank is empty.
(f) Connections shall be provided to permit venting of each vault to dilute, disperse and remove vapors prior to personnel entering the vault.
(g) 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.
(h) 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.
(i) A suitable means to admit a fire suppression agent shall be provided for each vault.
(j) 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 ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) 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) After ____ (Editors's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal), new or replacement piping installed beneath the surface (underground) shall have secondary containment with leak detection.
(e) Existing piping in contact with the soil or an electrolyte, or installed beneath the surface and not meeting the standards in subsections (c) and (d) shall be tested and upgraded as follows:
(1) Begin annual testing for tightness by ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 3 years after the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) and continue annual testing until piping is upgraded.
(2) Upgrade to standards in subsections (c) and (d) when the piping system is replaced or by ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 10 years after the effective date of the adoption of this proposal), whichever occurs first.
(f) 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, 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) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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 ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) 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 ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 3 years after the effective date of the adoption of this proposal).
(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 and loading areas shall have emergency containment structures, such as dike fields curbing and containment collection systems, which contain releases from overfills, leaks and spills, when the tank system is installed or at the next out-of-service inspection. Permeability of emergency containment shall be less than 1x10-6 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.
(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 State and Federal requirements.
§ 245.543. Leak detection requirements.
(a) Aboveground tank systems installed after ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) 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 which are not in direct contact with the containment structure, such as saddle mounted horizontal tanks, shall implement a monthly leak detection method as required in subsection (a) by ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 1 year after the effective date of the adoption of this proposal).
(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 ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) 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 by the Department. 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 ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) 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 ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 2 years after the effective date of the adoption of this proposal).
(ii) Tanks with an inspection more than 3 years prior to ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) shall be inspected by ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 3 years after the effective date of the adoption of this proposal).
(iii) Tanks with an inspection within 3 years prior to ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) 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 10 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 ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to the effective date of the adoption of this proposal) shall be initially inspected within 10 years of installation.
(2) Existing tanks shall be initially inspected as follows:
(i) Tanks without a previous out-of-service inspection and over 10 years old shall be inspected by ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 3 years after the effective date of the adoption of this proposal).
(ii) Tanks without a previous out-of-service inspection and between 5 to 10 years old shall be inspected by ____ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 5 years after the effective date of the adoption of this proposal).
(iii) Tanks installed or inspected within the past 5 years shall be inspected within 10 years from the date of installation or the last inspection.
(3) Tanks shall have an out-of-service inspection at 1/2 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 10 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 until the next out-of-service inspection is completed and submitted to the Department.
§ 245.554. Installation and modification inspections.
(a) Aboveground storage tank systems shall be inspected by a Department certified inspector at the time of installation according to a current Nationally recognized association's code of practice and manufacturer's specifications, and 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 according to current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations. 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 and submit a site assessment and closure report to the Department to measure for the presence of any release from the storage tank system. The assessment of the site shall be made after the notification and prior to submitting the closure report.
(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.
(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 above- ground storage tank inspections).
(f) Tanks which are temporarily removed-from-service for 5 years or longer shall meet the requirements for permanent closure.
(Editor's Note: Subchapter G is new. It has been printed in regular type to enhance readability.)
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