[27 Pa.B. 5341]
[Continued from previous Web Page] § 245.442. Requirements for petroleum underground storage tank systems.
Owners and operators of petroleum underground storage tank systems shall provide release detection for tanks and piping as follows:
(1) Tanks. Tanks shall be monitored at least every 30 days for releases using one of the methods listed in § 245.444(4)--(9) (relating to methods of release detection for tanks) except that:
(i) Underground storage tank systems that meet the performance standards in § 245.421 or § 245.422 (relating to performance standards for new underground storage tank systems; and upgrading of existing underground storage tank systems), and the monthly inventory control requirements in § 245.444(1) or (2), may use tank tightness testing (conducted in accordance with § 245.444(3)) at least every 5 years until December 22, 1998, or until 10 years after the tank is installed or upgraded under § 245.422(b), whichever is later.
(ii) Underground storage tank systems that do not meet the performance standards in § 245.421 or § 245.422 may use monthly inventory controls (conducted in accordance with § 245.444(1) or (2)) and annual tank tightness testing (conducted in accordance with § 245.444(3)) until December 22, 1998, when the tank shall be upgraded under § 245.422 or permanently closed under § 245.452 (relating to permanent closure and changes-in-service).
(iii) Tanks with a capacity of 550 gallons or less may use manual tank gauging, conducted in accordance with § 245.444(2).
(iv) Tanks with a capacity of 551 to 1,000 gallons using the longer test times specified may use manual tank gauging, conducted in accordance with § 245.444(2).
(2) Piping. Underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances shall be monitored for releases in a manner that meets one of the following requirements:
(i) Pressurized piping. Underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure shall meet the following requirements:
(A) Be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with § 245.445(1) (relating to methods of release detection for piping).
(B) Have an annual line tightness test conducted in accordance with § 245.445(2) or have monthly monitoring conducted in accordance with § 245.445(3).
(ii) Suction piping. Underground piping that conveys regulated substances under suction shall either have a line tightness test conducted at least every 3 years and in accordance with § 245.445(2), or use a monthly monitoring method conducted in accordance with § 245.445(3). Release detection is not required for suction piping that is designed and constructed to meet the following standards:
(A) The below grade piping operates at less than atmospheric pressure.
(B) The below grade piping is sloped so that the contents of the pipe will drain back into the storage tank if the suction is released.
(C) No more than one check valve is included in each suction line.
(D) Check valves are located directly below and as close as practical to or within the suction pump.
(E) A method is provided that allows compliance with clauses (B)--(D) to be readily determined.
§ 245.443. Requirements for hazardous substance underground storage tank systems.
Owners and operators of hazardous substance underground storage tank systems shall provide release detection that meets the following requirements:
(1) Release detection at existing underground storage tank systems shall meet the requirements for petroleum underground storage tank systems in § 245.442 (relating to requirements for petroleum underground storage tank systems). By December 22, 1998, all existing hazardous substance underground storage tank systems shall meet the release detection requirements for new systems in paragraph (2).
(2) Release detection at new hazardous substance underground storage tank systems shall meet the following requirements:
(i) Secondary containment systems.
(A) Secondary containment systems shall be designed, constructed and installed to:
(I) Contain regulated substances released from the tank system until they are detected and removed.
(II) Prevent the release of regulated substances to the environment at any time during the operational life of the underground storage tank system.
(III) Be checked for evidence of a release at least every 30 days.
(B) The provisions of § 264.193 (relating to secondary containment) may be used to comply with the requirements of this paragraph.
(ii) Double walled tanks shall be designed, constructed and installed to:
(A) Contain a release from any portion of the inner tank within the outer wall.
(B) Detect the failure of the inner wall.
(iii) External liners, including vaults, shall be designed, constructed and installed to:
(A) Contain 100% of the capacity of the largest tank within its boundary.
(B) Prevent the interference of precipitation or ground- water intrusion with the ability to contain or detect a release of regulated substances.
(C) Surround the tank completely making it capable of preventing lateral as well as vertical migration of regulated substances.
(iv) Underground piping shall be equipped with secondary containment that satisfies the requirements of subparagraph (i) for example, trench liners, jacketing or double-walled pipe. In addition, underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure shall be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with § 245.445(1) (relating to methods of release detection for piping).
(v) Other methods of release detection may be used if owners and operators:
(A) Demonstrate to the Department that an alternate method can detect a release of the stored substance as effectively as any of the methods allowed in § 245.444(2) (9) can detect a release of petroleum.
(B) Provide information to the Department on effective corrective action technologies, health risks and chemical and physical properties of the stored substance, and the characteristics of the underground storage tank site.
(C) Obtain approval from the Department to use the alternate release detection method before the installation and operation of the new underground storage tank system.
§ 245.444. Methods of release detection for tanks.
Each method of release detection for tanks used to meet the requirements of § 245.442 (relating to requirements for petroleum underground storage tank systems) shall be conducted in accordance with the following:
(1) Inventory control. Product inventory control, or another test of equivalent performance, shall be conducted monthly to detect a release of at least 1.0% of flow-through plus 130 gallons on a monthly basis in the following manner:
(i) Inventory volume measurements for regulated substance inputs, withdrawals and the amount still remaining in the tank are recorded each operating day.
(ii) The equipment used is capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank's height to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.
(iii) The regulated substance inputs are reconciled with delivery receipts by measurement of the tank inventory volume before and after delivery.
(iv) Deliveries are made through a drop tube that extends to within 1 foot of the tank bottom.
(v) Product dispensing is metered and recorded within an accuracy of at least 6 cubic inches for every 5 gallons of product withdrawn.
(vi) Dispenser meters shall be calibrated.
(vii) The measurement of any water level in the bottom of the tank is made to the nearest 1/8 of an inch at least once a month.
(2) Manual tank gauging. Manual tank gauging shall meet the following requirements:
(i) Tank liquid level measurements are taken at the beginning and ending of a period of at least 36 hours during which no liquid is added to or removed from the tank.
(ii) Level measurements are based on an average of two consecutive stick readings at both the beginning and ending of the period.
(iii) The equipment used is capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank's height to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.
(iv) A leak is suspected and subject to Subchapter D (relating to corrective action process for owners and operators of storage tanks and storage tank facilities and other responsible parties) if the variation between beginning and ending measurements exceeds the weekly or monthly standards in the following table:
Minimum Weekly Standard Monthly Standard Periodic Tightness Nominal Tank Capacity
Duration of Test (one test) (average of) four tests Test Required 550 gallons or less 36 hours 10 gallons 5 gallons No 551--1,000 gallons:
64" diameter tank44 hours 9 gallons 4 gallons No 551--1,000 gallons:
48" diameter tank58 hours 12 gallons 6 gallons No 551--1,000 gallons 36 hours 13 gallons 7 gallons Yes 1,001--2,000 gallons
36 hours 26 gallons 13 gallons Yes (v) Only tanks of 550 gallons or less nominal capacity may use this as the sole method of release detection. Tanks of 551 to 2,000 gallons may use the method in place of manual inventory control in paragraph (1). Tanks of greater than 2,000 gallons nominal capacity may not use this method to meet the requirements of this section.
(3) Tank tightness testing. Tank tightness testing, or another test of equivalent performance, shall be capable of detecting a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product while accounting for the effects of thermal expansion or contraction of the product, vapor pockets, tank deformation, evaporation or condensation, and the location of the water table.
(4) Automatic tank gauging. Equipment for automatic tank gauging that tests for the loss of product and conducts inventory control shall meet one of the following requirements:
(i) The automatic product level monitor test can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product.
(ii) For tank gauges installed prior to December 22, 1990, that do not meet the requirements of subparagraph (i), inventory control, or another test of equivalent performance, shall also be conducted in accordance with paragraph (1).
(5) Vapor monitoring. Testing or monitoring for vapors within the soil gas of the excavation zone shall meet the following requirements:
(i) The materials used as backfill are sufficiently porous--for example, gravel, sand or crushed rock--to readily allow diffusion of vapors from releases into the excavation area.
(ii) The stored regulated substance, or a tracer compound placed in the tank system, is sufficiently volatile for example, gasoline--to result in a vapor level that is detectable by the monitoring devices located in the excavation zone in the event of a release from the tank.
(iii) The measurement of vapors by the monitoring device is not rendered inoperative by the groundwater, rainfall or soil moisture or other known interferences so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days.
(iv) The level of background contamination in the excavation zone will not interfere with the method used to detect releases from the tank.
(v) The vapor monitors are designed and operated to detect any significant increase in concentration above background of the regulated substance stored in the tank system, a component of that substance or a tracer compound placed in the tank system.
(vi) In the underground storage tank excavation zone, the site is evaluated to ensure compliance with the requirements in subparagraphs (i)--(iv) and to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells that will detect releases within the excavation zone from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product.
(vii) Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering in accordance with § 245.432(5) (relating to operation and maintenance including corrosion protection).
(6) Groundwater monitoring. Testing or monitoring for liquids on the groundwater shall meet the following requirements:
(i) The regulated substance stored is immiscible in water and has a specific gravity of less than one.
(ii) Groundwater is never more than 20 feet from the ground surface and the hydraulic conductivity of the soils between the underground storage tank system and the monitoring wells or devices is not less than 0.01 cm/sec-- for example, the soil should consist of gravels, coarse to medium sands, coarse silts or other permeable materials.
(iii) The slotted portion of the monitoring well casing shall be designed to prevent migration of natural soils or filter pack into the well and to allow entry of regulated substances on the water table into the well under both high and low groundwater conditions.
(iv) Monitoring wells shall be sealed from the ground surface to the top of the filter pack.
(v) Monitoring wells or devices intercept the excavation zone or are as close to it as is technically feasible.
(vi) The continuous monitoring devices or manual methods used can detect the presence of at least 1/8 of an inch of free product on top of the groundwater in the monitoring wells.
(vii) Within and immediately below the underground storage tank system excavation zone, the site is evaluated to ensure compliance with subparagraphs (i)--(v) and to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells or devices that will detect releases from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product.
(viii) Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering in accordance with § 245.432(5).
(7) Interstitial monitoring. Interstitial monitoring between the underground storage tank system and a secondary barrier immediately around or beneath it may be used, but only if the system is designed, constructed and installed to detect a leak from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product and also meets one of the following requirements:
(i) For double-walled underground storage tank systems, the sampling or testing method can detect a release through the inner wall in any portion of the tank that routinely contains product.
(ii) For underground storage tank systems with a secondary barrier within the excavation zone, the sampling or testing method used can detect a release between the underground storage tank system and the secondary barrier.
(A) The secondary barrier around or beneath the underground storage tank system consists of artificially constructed material that is sufficiently thick and impermeable, at least 10-6 cm/sec for the regulated substance stored, to direct a release to the monitoring point and permit its detection.
(B) The barrier is compatible with the regulated substance stored so that a release from the underground storage tank system will not cause a deterioration of the barrier allowing a release to pass through undetected.
(C) For cathodically protected tanks, the secondary barrier shall be installed so that it does not interfere with the proper operation of the cathodic protection system.
(D) The groundwater, soil moisture or rainfall will not render the testing or sampling method used inoperative so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days.
(E) The site is assessed to ensure that the secondary barrier is always above the groundwater and not in a 25-year floodplain, unless the barrier and monitoring designs are for use under these conditions.
(F) Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering in accordance with § 245.432(5).
(iii) For tanks with an internally fitted liner, an automated device can detect a release between the inner wall of the tank and the liner, and the liner is compatible with the substance stored.
(8) Statistical Inventory Reconciliation (SIR). SIR shall meet the performance standards of paragraph (9)(i) for monthly monitoring.
(i) The owner or operator shall follow the instructions of the SIR manufacturer's protocol.
(ii) A separate report for each tank monitored shall be maintained by the owner/operator in accordance with § 245.446(2) (relating to release detection recordkeeping). Each report shall meet the following requirements:
(A) Owners and operators shall have reports available within 7 days of the end of the monitored period.
(B) A valid report shall include the calculated leak rate, positive for out of tank and negative for into tank, minimum detectable leak rate (MDL), leak detection threshold, probability of detection (Pd) and probability of false alarm (Pfa) which the supplied data supports.
(C) A valid report shall also include one of the following test results:
(I) If the calculated leak rate, absolute value, is less than the leak threshold and the MDL is less than or equal to the certified performance standard (paragraph (3), paragraph (9)(i) or § 245.445(2) (relating to methods of release detection for piping)), the test result is ''pass.''
(II) If the calculated leak rate, absolute value, is greater than the leak threshold, the test result is ''fail.''
(III) If the MDL exceeds the certified performance standard and the calculated leak rate is less than the leak threshold, the test result is ''inconclusive.'' An inconclusive result is considered a suspected leak and shall be investigated in accordance with § 245.304 (relating to investigation of suspected releases).
(9) Other methods. Other types of release detection methods, or a combination of methods, may be used if the owner or operator can demonstrate to the Department that one of the following exists:
(i) It can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate or a release of 150 gallons within a month with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05.
(ii) It can detect a release as effectively as any of the methods allowed in paragraphs (3)--(8). In comparing methods, the Department will consider the size of release that the method can detect and the frequency and reliability with which it can be detected. If the method is approved, the owner and operator shall comply with conditions imposed by the Department on its use to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.
§ 245.445. Methods of release detection for piping.
Each method of release detection for piping used to meet the requirements of § 245.442 (relating to requirements for petroleum underground storage tank systems) shall be conducted in accordance with the following:
(1) Automatic line leak detectors. Methods which alert the operator to the presence of a leak by restricting or shutting off the flow of regulated substances through piping or triggering an audible or visual alarm may be used only if they detect leaks of 3 gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch line pressure within 1 hour. An annual test of the operation of the leak detector shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
(2) Line tightness testing. A periodic test of piping may be conducted only if it can detect a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at 1 1/2 times the operating pressure.
(3) Applicable tank methods. The methods in § 245.444(5)--(9) (relating to methods of release detection for tanks) may be used if they are designed to detect a release from any portion of the underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances.
§ 245.446. Release detection recordkeeping.
Underground storage tank system owners and operators shall maintain records in accordance with § 245.435 (relating to reporting and recordkeeping) demonstrating compliance with the applicable requirements of §§ 245.441--245.446 (relating to release detection). These records shall include the following:
(1) Written performance claims pertaining to a release detection system used, and the manner in which these claims have been justified or tested by the equipment manufacturer or installer, shall be maintained for the entire time the release detection system is in use at the facility.
(2) The results of any sampling, testing or monitoring shall be maintained for at least 1 year, except that the results of tank tightness testing conducted in accordance with § 245.444(3) (relating to methods of release detection for tanks) shall be retained until the next test is conducted.
(3) Written documentation of all calibration, maintenance and repair of release detection equipment permanently located onsite shall be maintained for at least 1 year after the servicing work is completed. Schedules of required calibration and maintenance provided by the release detection equipment manufacturer shall be retained for the entire time the equipment is in use at the facility.
OUT-OF-SERVICE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SYSTEMS AND CLOSURE § 245.451. Temporary closure.
(a) When an underground storage tank system is temporarily closed, owners and operators shall continue operation and maintenance of corrosion protection in accordance with § 245.432 (relating to operation and maintenance including corrosion protection), and release detection in accordance with §§ 245.441--245.446 (relating to release detection). Subchapter D (relating to corrective action process for owners and operators of storage tanks and storage tank facilities and other responsible parties) shall be complied with if a release is suspected or confirmed. Release detection is not required as long as the underground storage tank system is empty. The underground storage tank system is empty when all materials have been removed using commonly employed practices so that no more than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of residue, or 0.3% by weight of the total capacity of the underground storage tank system, remain in the system.
(b) When an underground storage tank system is temporarily closed for 3 months or more, owners and operators shall also comply with the following requirements:
(1) Vent lines shall be open and functioning.
(2) All other lines, pumps, manways and ancillary equipment shall be capped and secure.
(c) When an underground storage tank system is temporarily closed for more than 12 months, owners and operators shall permanently close the underground storage tank system if it does not meet either performance standards in § 245.421 (relating to performance standards for new underground storage tank systems) for new underground storage tank systems or the upgrading requirements in § 245.422 (relating to upgrading of existing underground storage tank systems), except that the spill and overfill equipment requirements do not have to be met. Owners and operators shall permanently close the substandard underground storage tank systems at the end of this 12 month period in accordance with §§ 245.452--245.455, unless the Department provides an extension of the 12-month temporary closure period. Owners and operators shall complete a site assessment in accordance with § 245.453 (relating to assessing the site at closure or change-in-service) before an extension may be applied for.
§ 245.452. Permanent closure and changes-in-service.
(a) At least 30 days before beginning either permanent closure or a change-in-service under subsections (b) (d), or within another reasonable time determined by the Department, owners and operators shall notify the Department on a form provided by the Department of their intent to permanently close or make the change-in-service, unless the action is in response to corrective action. The required assessment of the excavation zone under § 245.453 (relating to assessing the site at closure or change-in-service) shall be performed after notifying the Department but before completion of the permanent closure or a change-in-service.
(b) To permanently close a tank, owners and operators shall ensure that the tank is empty and clean in accordance with a Nationally recognized code of practice such as API 2015 by removing the liquids and accumulated sludges. Tanks taken out of service permanently shall also be either removed from the ground or filled with a nonshrinking, inert solid material.
(c) Replacement of the underground piping connected to a storage tank shall be considered a permanent closure of that part of the underground storage tank system. The requirements applicable to permanent closure of an underground storage tank system also apply to the permanent closure of system piping.
(d) Before a change-in-service, owners and operators shall ensure that the tank is empty and clean in accordance with a Nationally recognized code of practice such as API 2015 by removing the liquid and accumulated sludge, and conduct a site assessment in accordance with § 245.453 (relating to assessing the site at closure or change-in-service).
(e) An amended registration shall be submitted by the owner to the Department.
(f) A properly completed closure report is required to permanently close a site, including a change-in-service. A copy of the completed closure report shall be submitted to the Department when requested.
§ 245.453. Assessing the site at closure or change-in-service.
(a) Before permanent closure or a change-in-service is completed, owners and operators shall measure for the presence of a release where contamination is most likely to be present at the underground storage tank site. Owners and operators shall sample for releases in a manner consistent with the Department, technical document entitled Closure Requirements for Underground Storage Tank Systems.
(b) If contaminated soils, contaminated groundwater or free product as a liquid or vapor is discovered under subsection (a), or by another manner, owners and operators shall begin corrective action in accordance with Subchapter D (relating to corrective action process for owners and operators of storage tanks and storage tank facilities and other responsible parties).
§ 245.454. Applicability to previously closed underground storage tank systems.
When directed by the Department, the owner and operator of an underground storage tank system permanently closed before December 22, 1988, shall assess the excavation zone and close the underground storage tank system in accordance with this subchapter if the underground storage tank system is, in the judgment of the Department, posing a current or potential threat to human health and the environment.
§ 245.455. Closure records.
Owners and operators shall maintain records in accordance with § 245.435 (relating to reporting and recordkeeping) that are capable of demonstrating compliance with closure requirements under this subchapter. The results of the excavation zone assessment required in § 245.453 (relating to assessing the site at closure or change-in-service) shall be maintained for at least 3 years after completion of permanent closure or change-in-service in one of the following ways:
(1) By the owners and operators who took the underground storage tank system out of service.
(2) By the current owners and operators of the underground storage tank system site.
(3) By mailing these records to the Department if they cannot be maintained at the closed facility.
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
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
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
245.531. eneral 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
245.541. Overfill prevention requirements. 245.542. Containment requirements for aboveground storage tank systems. 245.543. Leak detection requirements. ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANK INSPECTIONS
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
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.
An initial Spill Prevention Response Plan (Plan) and any future updates, which address the requirements described in Chapter 9 of the act (35 P. S. §§ 6021.901-- 6021.904) and this chapter, 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) Routine 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 once every 72 hours. 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 the leak detection system.
(v) The monthly maintenance inspection report shall be completed and signed by the individual who conducted the 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 regulated 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) Any variance issued for the tank system under § 245.503 (relating to variances).
(3) The permits issued under Subchapter C (relating to permitting of underground and aboveground storage tank systems and facilities).
(4) Tank handling activity installation, relocation, reconstruction and major modification inspection results.
(5) The notices of reportable releases submitted under § 245.305 (relating to reporting releases).
(6) Applicable manufacturer's documentation for the tank system and any ancillary equipment.
(7) Third party out-of-service inspection reports.
(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) A properly completed closure report and results of the site assessment conducted at permanent closure or change-in-service under § 245.561 (relating to permanent closure or change-in-service).
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