Section 245.411. Inspection frequency

(a) Inspection of tanks. Underground storage tank owners or operators shall have their underground storage tank facility inspected by a certified inspector at the frequency established in subsections (b)—(d). The inspection must include, but not be limited to, release detection, assessment of the underground storage tank system and ancillary equipment, operation of overfill and spill prevention equipment where practicable, corrosion protection testing, or verification that corrosion protection is functional, and release prevention measures.

(b) Initial inspections.

(1) Storage tank facilities with tank systems installed prior to December 1989, shall be inspected prior to October 11, 1999.

(2) Newly installed storage tank systems shall be inspected between 6 to 12 months after installation. If the facility ownership changes, an inspection of the facility shall be completed between the first 6 to 12 months of operation unless another time frame is agreed to by the Department.

(3) Storage tank facilities not inspected in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) shall have an initial inspection by October 11, 2002.

(c) Subsequent routine facility inspections.

(1) The interval between subsequent routine facility inspections may not exceed 3 years (36 months) commencing after the last inspection, except as provided in the phase-in periods in paragraph (2).

(2) On November 10, 2007, existing facilities with routine inspections scheduled more than 3 years from this date shall be inspected by the following dates, unless notified otherwise by the Department:

(i) Before August 8, 2008, if currently scheduled for inspection between November 10, 2010, and August 7, 2011, inclusive.

(ii) Before August 8, 2009, if currently scheduled for inspection between August 8, 2011, and August 7, 2013, inclusive.

(iii) Before August 8, 2010, if currently scheduled for inspection after August 7, 2013.

(d) Additional inspections and mandatory training. Inspections in addition to those in subsections (b) and (c) may be required by the Department when the prior inspection determined release detection, corrosion protection or operational violations occurred, or when the Department determines the inspections are necessary to verify compliance with this subchapter. The Department may require facility owners and operators to successfully complete a release detection or operator training course, such as those offered by PEI or professional industry trainers approved under § 245.141 (relating to training approval), when related violations are documented through an inspection. The owner or operator shall incur the costs of the training.

The provisions of this § 245.411 amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (234724).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.113 (relating to certified inspector experience and qualifications); 25 Pa. Code § 245.236 (relating to operator training); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.451 (relating to temporary closure (out-of-service)).