Section 14a.2. Spacing between aboveground tanks

(a) The distance from shell to shell between flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks shall not be less than three feet.

(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), the distance from shell to shell between adjacent tanks shall not be less than 1/6 the sum of their diameters, except when the diameter of one tank is less than 1/2 the diameter of the adjacent tank, the distance between the two tanks shall not be less than 1/2 the diameter of the smaller tank.

(c) If a producing area for tanks storing crude petroleum has a capacity not in excess of 126,000 gallons (3,000 barrels), the distance between the tanks shall not be less than 3 feet; for tank capacities in excess of 126,000 gallons (3,000 barrels), the distance shall not be less than the diameter of the smaller tank.

(d) The distance between tanks storing unstable liquids shall not be less than 1/2 the sum of their diameters.

(e) If tanks are compacted in three or more rows, or in an irregular pattern, greater spacing or other means shall be provided at the discretion of the fire marshal so that inside tanks are accessible for fire fighting purposes.

(f) The minimum separation between a liquefied petroleum gas container and a flammable or combustible liquid storage tank shall be 20 feet. Suitable means shall be taken to prevent the accumulation of flammable or combustible liquids under adjacent liquefied petroleum gas containers, such as diking, diversion curbs, or grading. If flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks are diked, the liquefied petroleum gas containers shall be outside of the diked area wall. The foregoing provisions shall not apply when liquefied petroleum gas containers with capacities of 125 gallons or less are installed adjacent to fuel oil supply tanks with capacities of 660 gallons or less. Liquefied petroleum gas installations are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Labor and Industry.

The provisions of this § 13.2 amended June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131; transferred from 37 Pa. Code and renumbered as 34 Pa. Code § 14a.2, February 28, 2014, effective March 1, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 1233. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (259908).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 14a.1 (relating to relative location to property); 34 Pa. Code § 14a.111 (relating to storage and handling); 34 Pa. Code § 14a.141 (relating to scope and application); 34 Pa. Code § 14a.151 (relating to scope and application); and 34 Pa. Code § 14a.161 (relating to general provisions).