§ 245.552. In-service inspections.
(a) The in-service inspection must follow the guidelines of a Nationally recognized association such as API 653, API 570 and applicable engineering criteria (See § § 245.524(b), 245.542(d)(2) and 245.543(d) (relating to aboveground tank modifications; containment requirements for aboveground storage tank systems; and leak detection requirements).)
(b) The in-service inspection must 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.
(9) Tank system integrity and suitability for service.
(c) Inspection information shall be submitted to the Department on a form provided by the Department and 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 the API 653 calculated service life method or 1/4 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 5 years between inspections. Other site-specific conditions, for example, maintenance practices, previous repairs, the nature of the substance stored or soil conditions that may affect corrosion rate life or tank system integrity and should be considered when projecting tank service life and the next inspection interval.
(4) The recommendations for maintaining tank system integrity.
(d) Except as provided in paragraphs (5) and (6), inspection intervals for in-service inspections are as follows:
(1) Aboveground storage tanks shall be initially inspected within 5 years of installation.
(2) Aboveground storage 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.
(3) An out-of-service inspection may replace an in-service inspection.
(4) An in-service inspection interval, if agreed upon by the Department, may be delayed under § 245.562 (relating to temporary removal from service (out-of-service)) for an aboveground storage tank that is temporarily removed from service. Prior to placing product in the aboveground storage tank, the delayed inspection shall be conducted, deficiencies noted during inspection shall be addressed and remedied, and an amended registration form shall be completed and submitted to the Department.
(5) Aboveground storage tanks in underground vaults shall have in-service inspections conducted as follows:
(i) Aboveground storage tanks with a capacity greater than 5,000 gallons shall have in-service inspections conducted within 6 and 12 months of installation and at least every 3 years thereafter.
(ii) Aboveground storage tanks storing highly hazardous substances with a capacity greater than 1,100 gallons shall have in-service inspections conducted within 6 and 12 months of installation and at least every 3 years thereafter.
(iii) More frequent in-service inspections may be required by the Department when a prior inspection identifies corrosion, deterioration or other violations of this subchapter.
(6) Existing aboveground storage tanks in underground vaults with scheduled in-service inspections after December 21, 2021, shall be inspected by the next currently scheduled in-service inspection date, unless notified otherwise by the Department. Subsequent in-service inspections shall be conducted in accordance with this section.
(e) Inspection recommendations shall be addressed and deficiencies remedied. When modifications or repairs are necessary to correct deficiencies, they shall be made in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and engineering design criteria (See § § 245.522(a) and (b), 245.524(b)(2), 245.532(b) and (c) and 245.534(c).) The Department may require submission and review of all documentation relating to these remedies. Required tank handling activities are reported to the Department by the certified installer. Tank handling activities involving major modifications shall also be inspected by a certified aboveground storage tank inspector and reported to the Department.
(f) The complete inspection report shall be kept at the facility until the next out-of-service inspection is completed.
Source The provisions of this § 245.552 amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979; amended December 21, 2018, effective December 22, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 7875. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (331110) to (331112).
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.113 (relating to certified inspector experience and qualifications); 25 Pa. Code § 245.526 (relating to piping for aboveground storage tanks); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.562 (relating to temporary removal from service (out-of-service)).
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