Section 245.452. Permanent closure and changes-in-service

(a) At least 30 days before beginning either permanent closure or a change-in-service under subsections (b) (d), or within another reasonable time determined by the Department, owners and operators shall notify the Department on a form provided by the Department of their intent to permanently close or make the change-in-service, unless the action is in response to corrective action. The required assessment of the excavation zone under § 245.453 (relating to assessing the site at closure or change-in-service) shall be performed after notifying the Department but before completion of the permanent closure or a change-in-service.

(b) To permanently close a tank, owners and operators shall ensure that the tank is empty and clean in accordance with a Nationally recognized code of practice such as API 2015 by removing the liquids and accumulated sludges. Tanks taken out of service permanently shall also be either removed from the ground or filled with a nonshrinking, inert solid material.

(c) Replacement of the underground piping connected to a storage tank shall be considered a permanent closure of that part of the underground storage tank system. The requirements applicable to permanent closure of an underground storage tank system also apply to the permanent closure of system piping.

(d) Before a change-in-service, owners and operators shall ensure that the tank is empty and clean in accordance with a Nationally recognized code of practice such as API 2015 by removing the liquid and accumulated sludge, and conduct a site assessment in accordance with § 245.453.

(e) An amended registration shall be submitted by the owner to the Department.

(f) A properly completed closure report is required to permanently close a site, including a change-in-service. A copy of the completed closure report shall be submitted to the Department when requested.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.422 (relating to upgrading of existing underground storage tank systems); 25 Pa. Code § 245.432 (relating to operation and maintenance including corrosion protection); 25 Pa. Code § 245.425 (relating to reuse of removed tanks); 25 Pa. Code § 245.435 (relating to reporting and recordkeeping); 25 Pa. Code § 245.441 (relating to general requirements for underground storage tank systems); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.451 (relating to temporary closure).