Section 245.31. Underground storage tank tightness testing requirements

(a) Tightness testing activities shall be conducted by a Department-certified underground storage tank system tightness tester (UTT), except when performed by an owner or operator using installed automatic tank gauging or monitoring equipment meeting requirements of § 245.444(3) and (4) (relating to methods of release detection for tanks).

(b) Tightness testing is required to be conducted when it is:

(1) Used as a method of release (leak) detection as prescribed in § § 245.442(b)(1), 245.443(1), 245.444(3) and 245.445(2).

(2) Used to complete the installation of a new single wall constructed underground storage tank. The testing is an integral part of the installation process.

(3) Used in conjunction with cathodic protection upgrading as prescribed in § 245.422(b)(2)(iii) or (v) (relating to upgrading of existing underground storage tank systems).

(4) Used to test tanks repaired in response to a release as prescribed in § 245.434(5) (relating to repairs allowed).

(5) Otherwise required by the Department.

(c) Tightness testing shall be conducted in accordance with equipment manufacturer’s written instructions and using the recommended written practices, procedures and established test method protocols developed by the sources in § 245.132(a)(1) (relating to standards of performance).

(d) A failed valid tightness test will, regardless of the test method, constitute a suspected release, except as provided in § 245.304(b) (relating to investigation of suspected releases). A failed valid tightness test conducted as part of an investigation of a suspected release constitutes a confirmed release.

(e) A complete written test report shall be provided to the tank owner as documentation of test results within 20 days of the test. The test methodology, a certification that the test meets the requirements of § 245.444(3) or § 245.445(2) (relating to methods of release detection for piping), and sufficient test data, which were used to conclude that the tank passed or failed the tightness test, shall be included in the test report.

(f) Certified underground storage tank system tightness testers (UTT) shall maintain complete records of tightness testing activities for a minimum of 10 years as provided in § 245.132(a)(3) (relating to standards of performance).

(g) Tightness testing of the underground storage tank system’s piping shall be conducted by a Department-certified underground storage tank system tightness tester (UTT) after November 10, 2008.

The provisions of this § 245.31 adopted September 27, 1996, effective September 28, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4735; amended October 10, 1997, effective October 11, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5341; amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (313734) to (313735).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.102 (relating to requirement for certification); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.108 (relating to suspension of certification).