Section 245.552. In-service inspections

(a) The in-service inspection must follow the guidelines of a Nationally-recognized association such as API 653, API 570 and applicable engineering criteria (See § § 245.524(b), 245.542(d)(2) and 245.543(d) (relating to aboveground tank modifications; containment requirements for aboveground storage tank systems; and leak detection requirements)).

(b) The in-service inspection must evaluate the following:

(1) Containment areas.

(2) Foundation.

(3) Tank shell.

(4) Tank roof.

(5) Appurtenances.

(6) Ancillary equipment including piping.

(7) Leak detection method.

(8) Cathodic protection system, if installed.

(9) Tank system integrity and suitability for service.

(c) Inspection information shall be submitted to the Department on a form provided by the Department and include the results of the evaluation in subsection (b) and the following:

(1) A determination of the corrosion rate of the shell and piping.

(2) A calculation of the life of the tank shell and piping based on corrosion rate.

(3) The next inspection schedule based on the API 653 calculated service life method or 1/4 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 5 years between inspections. Other site-specific conditions, for example, maintenance practices, previous repairs, the nature of the substance stored or soil conditions that may affect corrosion rate life or tank system integrity and should be considered when projecting tank service life and the next inspection interval.

(4) The recommendations for maintaining tank system integrity.

(d) Inspection intervals for in-service inspections are as follows:

(1) Aboveground tanks installed after October 11, 1997, shall be initially inspected within 5 years of installation.

(2) Existing tanks shall be initially inspected as follows:

(i) Tanks over 5 years old without a previous inspection shall be inspected by October 11, 1999.

(ii) Tanks with an inspection more than 3 years prior to October 11, 1997, shall be inspected by October 11, 2000.

(iii) Tanks with an inspection within 3 years prior to October 11, 1997, shall be inspected within 6 years of the previous inspection.

(3) Tanks shall have an in-service inspection within 1/4 of the corrosion rate life with a maximum of 5 years from the previous inspection or installation.

(4) An out-of-service inspection may replace an in-service inspection.

(5) An in-service inspection interval may be delayed under § 245.562 (relating to temporary removal-from-service) for a tank that is temporarily removed from service. The delayed inspection shall be conducted prior to placing regulated substance in a tank and returning the tank to operating status. Deficiencies noted during inspection shall be addressed and remedied and an amended registration form submitted to the Department prior to returning the tank to operating status.

(e) Inspection recommendations shall be addressed and deficiencies remedied. When substantial modifications are necessary to correct deficiencies, they shall be made in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and engineering design criteria (See § § 245.522(a) and (b), 245.524(b)(2), 245.532(b) and (c) and 245.534(c)). The Department may require submission and review of all documentation relating to these remedies. Required tank handling activities are reported to the Department by the certified installer. Tank handling activities involving major modifications shall also be inspected by a certified aboveground storage tank inspector and reported to the Department.

(f) The complete inspection report shall be kept at the facility until the next out-of-service inspection is completed.

The provisions of this § 245.552 amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (234763) to (234764).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.505 (relating to applicability); 25 Pa. Code § 245.526 (relating to piping for aboveground storage tanks); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.562 (relating to temporary removal-from-service).