[27 Pa.B. 5341]
[Continued from previous Web Page]
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS § 245.611. Testing requirements for new and substantially modified small aboveground storage tanks.
(a) Tanks installed after October 11, 1997, shall be tested for tightness in accordance with current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations and manufacturer's specifications, except for manufactured, shop built tanks that meet the requirements of subsection (b). The testing shall be completed, as part of the installation process, prior to putting the tank in service.
(b) Manufactured, shop built tanks that are initially tested after full assembly at the plant do not require additional testing at installation if the manufacturer certifies that the tank was tested at the plant and the manufacturer's installation instructions do not specify additional testing.
(c) Tanks that receive major modifications to the tank shell or the tank bottom shall be tested for tightness, in accordance with current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations or manufacturer's specifications, prior to being returned to service.
§ 245.612. Performance and design standards.
(a) Tanks shall be designed, constructed and installed or modified in accordance with current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations such as API, ASME, ASTM, ANSI, STI and UL and the manufacturer's specifications.
(b) Tanks shall have a stable support or foundation capable of adequately supporting the total weight of the tank and its contents when in use. The support or foundation shall meet or exceed the specifications of the tank manufacturer and be designed and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices.
(c) Ancillary equipment, including piping, shall be designed, installed and modified in accordance with current codes of practice developed by Nationally recognized associations such as API, SSPC, NACE, ASME, PEI and UL and the manufacturer's specifications. Ancillary equipment shall be compatible with the substance stored and shall be adequately protected from corrosion, excessive wear and deterioration. Protective coatings shall be maintained throughout the entire operational life of the storage tank system.
(d) Tanks installed after October 11, 1997, shall be installed with secondary containment in or under the tank bottom to provide monitoring capability to satisfy leak detection requirements in § 245.613 (relating to monitoring standards) and emergency containment to contain possible releases, such as overfills, leaks and spills. Emergency containment shall be sufficiently impermeable to contain any potential release for a minimum of 72 hours and until the release can be detected and fully recovered in an expeditious manner.
(e) Existing tanks which do not meet the requirements specified in subsection (d) shall be upgraded with secondary containment by October 11, 2007, and emergency containment by October 11, 2000.
(f) Tanks installed in underground vaults after October 11, 1997, and used for dispensing Class I and Class II motor fuels shall comply with § 245.523 (relating to aboveground storage tanks in underground vaults).
(g) The exterior of the tank system shall be protected by an appropriate coating or paint which shall be maintained throughout the entire operational life of the tank system.
(h) Tanks which are internally lined shall comply with § 245.534 (relating to interior linings and coatings).
(i) Tanks shall be labeled or marked in a manner consistent with industry standards and which provides for identifying the regulated substance stored from outside the containment area.
§ 245.613. Monitoring standards.
(a) By October 12, 1998, a method of leak detection shall be in use and monitored at least monthly. An automatic sensing device, mechanical device or other appropriate method may be used. This method, at a minimum, shall provide a visual examination of the storage tank system by the owner/operator or designated representative. If releases are detected, they shall be corrected and the provisions of 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.
(b) The owner/operator shall assure that a maintenance and general operations check of the storage tank system is performed at least monthly. Deficiencies noted during the check shall be corrected. The small aboveground storage tank general operations and maintenance checklist provided by the owner/operator shall be used to document the monthly operations and maintenance check. The operations and maintenance check shall include:
(1) A visual examination of the tank system for deterioration, including, but not limited to, the tank, piping, ancillary equipment, foundation and safety equipment.
(2) A check of the containment areas for accumulation of water and removal of water as necessary.
(3) Confirmation that containment drain valves are secured in the closed position when not in use.
(4) Monitoring of the leak detection system.
(5) A check of vents for restrictions.
(6) A check of ancillary equipment for operational malfunctions.
(7) An investigation of conditions that may be a fire or safety hazard, or pose an environmental hazard.
(8) Observation for evidence of a release of regulated substance from the tank system.
§ 245.614. Requirements for closure.
(a) Tank systems shall be cleaned, rendered free from hazardous vapors and ventilated if left onsite or 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).
(b) The owner shall conduct a visual examination of the surface, soil and area surrounding and underlying the storage tank system for obvious indications or evidence of a release of regulated substance.
(1) If a release is suspected, it shall be investigated in accordance with § 245.304 (relating to investigation of suspected releases).
(2) If a release is confirmed, it shall be reported to the appropriate Department regional office responsible for the county in which the tank is located in accordance with § 245.305 (relating to reporting releases).
(c) The owner shall complete and submit an amended tank registration form to the Department within 30 days of:
(1) The completion of permanent closure.
(2) Change-in-service status of the tank.
(3) Temporary removal from service.
(d) Temporary removal from service requires that the owner/operator empty the tank system of regulated substances and conduct a visual examination of the area surrounding the tank as required in subsection (b), excluding the surface and soil underlying any tank bottom in contact with the ground. A tank may be considered to be in a temporary removal from service status when the tank is emptied and intended to remain out of use for 1 year or more.
(1) Temporary removal from service may not exceed 5 years.
(2) Monitoring standards in § 245.613 (relating to monitoring standards) are not required when a tank is reported to the Department as temporarily removed from service.
(3) Inspection of tanks temporarily removed from service shall be performed in accordance with § 245.616 (relating to inspection requirements).
§ 245.615. Recordkeeping requirements.
(a) The owner/operator shall maintain required storage tank system records. If records are maintained offsite, the records shall be easily obtained and provided to the Department upon request.
(b) The following records shall be maintained for the operational life of the tank unless otherwise stated:
(1) Original tank and system installation records and design specifications. This requirement is limited to records currently available for tank systems existing prior to October 11, 1997.
(2) Records of modification to the tank or storage tank system.
(3) The permits issued under Subchapter C (relating to permitting of underground and aboveground storage tank systems and facilities).
(4) Current registration certificates.
(5) Monthly leak detection records and maintenance checklists for the past 12 months.
(6) Third-party inspection reports.
§ 245.616. Inspection requirements.
(a) Required inspections of small aboveground storage tanks shall be conducted by Department certified aboveground storage tank inspectors according to a current Nationally recognized association's code of practice such as API and ASME and according to manufacturer's specifications. Deficiencies noted during the inspection shall be addressed.
(b) After October 11, 1997, small aboveground field constructed storage tanks shall be inspected at installation, reconstruction or relocation and when a major modification activity is performed on the tank shell or the tank bottom plates.
(c) The owner/operator of small aboveground storage tanks storing regulated substances with a capacity greater than 5,000 gallons and owner/operator of small aboveground storage tanks storing highly hazardous substances with a capacity greater than 1,100 gallons shall have in-service inspections conducted every 10 years or at 1/4 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 10 years between inspections. Inspections shall be phased in for tanks without a previous inspection as follows:
(1) New tanks shall be initially inspected within 10 years of installation.
(2) Existing tanks, less than 10 years old without a previous inspection, shall be inspected by October 13, 2003, or 10 years from the date of installation, whichever is later.
(3) Existing tanks over 10 years old, without a previous inspection, shall be inspected by October 11, 2002.
(d) In-service inspections shall evaluate the following:
(1) Containment areas.
(2) Foundation and tank supports.
(3) Tank shell and tank roof, where a roof exists.
(4) Appurtenances.
(5) Ancillary equipment including piping.
(6) Leak detection method, including monthly leak detection records and maintenance checklists.
(7) Cathodic protection system, if installed.
(8) Coatings and protections from deteriorations.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 97-1653. Filed for public inspection October 10, 1997, 9:00 a.m.]
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
