Section 245.543. Leak detection requirements

(a) Aboveground tank systems shall be provided a method of leak detection at installation that is capable of detecting a release. The leak detection method shall be monitored at least monthly and shall be installed, calibrated, operated and maintained in accordance with industry practices and manufacturer’s specifications.

(1) The area beneath the tank bottom shall be monitored for leakage by visual, mechanical or electronic leak detection methods.

(2) Observation wells outside of the secondary containment structure do not satisfy the leak detection requirements.

(b) Existing aboveground storage tank systems with secondary containment shall implement a monthly leak detection method as required by subsection (a). Monthly visual inspections shall be an acceptable method of leak detection.

(c) Existing aboveground storage tanks without secondary containment under the bottom of the tank that are in contact with the soil, such as vertical flat bottom tanks, and do not have cathodic protection or an internal lining shall be leak tested at the next scheduled in-service inspection consistent with subsection (d) and continue to be leak tested at each in-service inspection thereafter, until the tank is upgraded.

(d) Tank leak test must follow a Nationally-recognized procedure that is based on a volumetric/mass measurement, an acoustic measurement, or a soil-vapor monitoring method, such as those addressed in API Publication 334 ‘‘Guide to Leak Detection in Aboveground Storage Tanks.’’ The test shall be performed by a third-party inspector or a technician who has experience with the selected method and is qualified by the test equipment manufacturer or certified by the relevant industry association such as ASNT (See Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A) and is not an employee of the tank owner.

(e) Aboveground piping shall be visually checked for leaks in accordance with the facility operations and maintenance plan.

The provisions of this § 245.543 amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (317238).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.521 (relating to performance standards for aboveground storage tanks); 25 Pa. Code § 245.552 (relating to in-service inspections); 25 Pa. Code § 245.553 (relating to out-of-service inspections); and 25 Pa. Code § 252.3 (relating to scope).