Section 245.616. Inspection requirements

(a) Required inspections of small aboveground storage tanks shall be conducted by Department-certified aboveground storage tank inspectors according to a current Nationally-recognized association’s code of practice such as API, STI or ASME or according to manufacturer’s specifications and applicable engineering criteria (See § 245.612 (relating to performance and design standards)). Deficiencies noted during the inspection shall be addressed and remedied. When substantial modifications are necessary to correct deficiencies, they shall be made in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and applicable engineering design criteria. The Department may require submission and review of documentation relating to these remedies. The associated tank handling activities are reported to the Department by a certified installer.

(b) Small aboveground field constructed storage tanks shall be inspected at installation, reconstruction or relocation and when a major modification activity is performed on the tank shell or the tank bottom plates.

(c) The owner/operator of small aboveground storage tanks storing regulated substances with a capacity greater than 5,000 gallons and owner/operator of small aboveground storage tanks storing highly hazardous substances with a capacity greater than 1,100 gallons shall have in-service inspections conducted every 10 years or more often when corrosion, deterioration or other specific conditions necessitate. Other specific conditions may include maintenance practices, previous repairs, the nature of the substance stored and coatings or linings that should be considered when projecting tank service life and the next inspection interval. Internally lined tanks and flat bottom tanks without an interstice or external access to the tank bottom may require further evaluation or internal examination. Inspections shall be phased in for tanks without a previous inspection as follows:

(1) New tanks shall be initially inspected within 10 years of installation.

(2) Existing tanks, less than 10 years old without a previous inspection, shall be inspected by October 13, 2003, or 10 years from the date of installation, whichever is later.

(3) Existing tanks over 10 years old, without a previous inspection, shall be inspected by October 11, 2002.

(4) When an inspection is delayed under § 245.614 (d)(3) (relating to requirements for closure) for a tank in temporary removal-from-service status, the inspection shall be completed and deficiencies remedied prior to returning the tank to operational service.

(d) In-service inspections must evaluate the following:

(1) Containment areas.

(2) Foundation and tank supports.

(3) Tank shell and tank roof, where a roof exists.

(4) Appurtenances.

(5) Ancillary equipment including piping.

(6) Leak detection method, including monthly leak detection records and maintenance checklists.

(7) Cathodic protection system, if installed.

(8) Coatings and protections from deterioration.

(9) Tank system integrity and suitability for service.

The provisions of this § 245.616 amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (317240) and (313747).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.605 (relating to applicability); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.614 (relating to requirements for closure).