§ 245.616. Inspection requirements.
(a) Required inspections of small aboveground storage tank systems shall be conducted by Department-certified aboveground storage tank inspectors according to a current Nationally recognized association’s code of practice or according to manufacturer’s specifications and applicable engineering criteria (See § 245.612 (relating to performance and design standards).) Deficiencies noted during the inspection shall be addressed and remedied. When modifications or repairs are necessary to correct deficiencies, they shall be made in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and applicable engineering design criteria. The Department may require submission and review of documentation relating to these remedies. The associated tank handling activities are reported to the Department by a certified installer.
(b) Small aboveground field constructed storage tanks shall be inspected at installation, reconstruction or relocation and when a major modification activity is performed on the aboveground storage tank shell or the tank bottom plates.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the owner and operator of small aboveground storage tanks storing regulated substances with a capacity greater than 5,000 gallons and owners and operators of small aboveground storage tanks storing highly hazardous substances with a capacity greater than 1,100 gallons shall have in-service inspections conducted every 5 years or more often when corrosion, deterioration or other specific conditions necessitate. Other specific conditions may include maintenance practices, previous repairs, the nature of the substance stored and coatings or linings that should be considered when projecting tank service life and the next inspection interval. Internally lined tanks and flat bottom tanks without an interstice or external access to the tank bottom may require further evaluation or internal examination.
(1) Aboveground storage tanks installed after December 22, 2018, shall be initially inspected within 5 years of installation.
(2) Existing aboveground storage tank systems with scheduled in-service inspections after December 21, 2023, 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.
(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 leak detection records and maintenance checklists.
(7) Cathodic protection system, if installed.
(8) Coatings and protections from deterioration.
(9) Tank system integrity and suitability for service.
(e) If agreed upon by the Department, an in-service inspection interval may be delayed under § 245.617 (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.
Source The provisions of this § 245.616 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 (331123) to (331125).
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.113 (relating to certified inspector experience and qualifications); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.617 (relating to temporary removal from service (out-of-service)).
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