Section 245.422. Upgrading of existing underground storage tank systems

(a) Alternatives allowed. By December 22, 1998, existing underground storage tank systems shall comply with one of the following requirements:

(1) Underground storage tank system performance standards under § 245.421(b) (relating to performance standards for underground storage tank systems).

(2) The upgrading requirements in subsections (b)—(d).

(3) Closure requirements under § § 245.451—245.455 (relating to out-of-service underground storage tank systems and closure), including applicable requirements for corrective action under Subchapter D (relating to corrective action process for owners and operators of storage tanks and storage tank facilities and other responsible parties).

(b) Tank upgrading requirements. Steel tanks shall be upgraded to meet one of the following requirements in accordance with a code of practice developed by a Nationally- recognized association or independent testing laboratory:

(1) Interior lining. A tank may only be upgraded by internal lining prior to November 10, 2007. The following conditions of existing lined tanks shall be met:

(i) The lining was installed in accordance with § 245.434 (relating to repairs allowed).

(ii) Within 10 years after lining, and every 5 years thereafter, the lined tank is internally evaluated by, or under the direct onsite supervision of a certified tank liner (TL) or by a professional engineer adhering to the evaluation process developed by a National association (See API 1631 and NLPA 631) and found to be structurally sound with the lining still performing in accordance with original design specifications. The evaluation findings shall be documented on a form approved by the Department and shall be maintained at the facility for the duration of the tank’s operating life.

(iii) Lined tank systems that do not meet original design specifications or have not been evaluated as required in subparagraph (ii) shall be emptied, removed from service, and permanently closed in accordance with § § 245.451 and 245.452 (relating to temporary closure; and permanent closure and changes-in-service).

(2) Cathodic protection. A tank may be upgraded by cathodic protection if the cathodic protection system meets the requirements of § 245.421(1)(ii)(B)—(D) and the integrity of the tank is ensured using one or more of the following methods:

(i) The tank is internally inspected and assessed to ensure that the tank is structurally sound and free of corrosion holes prior to installing the cathodic protection system.

(ii) The tank has been installed for less than 10 years and is monitored monthly for releases in accordance with § 245.444(4)—(9) (relating to methods of release detection for tanks).

(iii) The tank has been installed for less than 10 years and is assessed for corrosion holes by conducting two tightness tests that meet the requirements of § 245.444(3). The first tightness test shall be conducted prior to installing the cathodic protection system. The second tightness test shall be conducted between 3 and 6 months following the first operation of the cathodic protection system.

(iv) The tank is installed at a site that is determined by a corrosion expert not to be corrosive enough to cause it to have a release due to corrosion during its operating life. Owners and operators shall maintain records that demonstrate compliance with this requirement for the remaining life of the tank.

(v) The tank is assessed for corrosion holes by a method that is determined by the Department to prevent releases in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than subparagraphs (i)—(iii).

(3) Internal lining combined with cathodic protection. A tank upgraded prior to November 10, 2007, having both internal lining and cathodic protection must meet the following:

(i) The lining was installed in accordance with the requirements of § 245.434.

(ii) The cathodic protection system meets § 245.421(b)(1)(ii)(B)—(D).

(c) Piping upgrading requirements. Metal piping and fittings that routinely contain regulated substances and are in contact with the ground must be one or more of the following: (1)

Replaced with piping meeting the requirements of new piping in § 245.421(b)(2)(i) and (ii).

(2) Cathodically protected in accordance with a code of practice developed by a Nationally-recognized association or independent testing laboratory and meets the requirements of § 245.421(b)(2)(ii)(B)—(D).

(3) Installed at a site that is determined to not be corrosive enough to cause a release due to corrosion for the remaining operating life of the piping under § 245.421(b)(2)(iii).

(d) Spill and overfill prevention equipment. To prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the underground storage tank system, existing underground storage tank systems must comply with new underground storage tank system spill and overfill prevention equipment requirements in § 245.421(b)(3) and (4).

(e) Under dispenser containment. When a vertical riser, dispenser and interconnected piping and fittings are added to a storage tank system or a dispenser is replaced, involving major modification, the dispenser must have containment (liquid-tight dispenser pan) meeting requirements in § 245.421(b)(4)(ii).

The provisions of this § 245.422 amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979; amended December 24, 2009, effective December 26, 2009, 39 Pa.B. 7190. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (331068) to (331070).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.31 (relating to underground storage tank tightness testing requirements); 25 Pa. Code § 245.110 (relating to certification of installers); 25 Pa. Code § 245.403 (relating to applicability); 25 Pa. Code § 245.432 (relating to operation and maintenance including corrosion protection); 25 Pa. Code § 245.435 (relating to reporting and recordkeeping); 25 Pa. Code § 245.442 (relating to requirements for petroleum underground storage tank systems); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.451 (relating to temporary closure).