Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-6-15-.14

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 11, August 30, 2024

Section 335-6-15-.14 - General Release Detection Requirements For All UST Systems

(1) Owners and operators of UST systems must provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that:

(a) Can detect a release from any portion of the underground storage tank and the connected underground piping that routinely contains product;

(b) Is installed, calibrated, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, including routine maintenance and service checks for operability or running condition;

(c) Is operated and maintained, and electronic and mechanical components are tested for proper operation, in accordance with one of the following: manufacturer's instructions; a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or requirements determined by the Department to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the two options listed above. A test of the proper operation must be performed at least annually and must cover the following components and criteria:

1.Automatic Tank Gauge and Other Controllers. Beginning on October 13, 2018 and thereafter; test alarm, verify system configuration, test battery backup;

2.Probes and Sensors. Beginning on October 13, 2018 and thereafter; inspect for residual buildup, ensure floats move freely, ensure shaft is not damaged, ensure cables are free of kinks and breaks, test alarm operability and communication with controller, ensure that they are positioned properly;

3.Automatic Line Leak Detector. Test operation to meet criteria in rule 335-6-15-.18(a) by simulating a leak;

4.Vacuum Pumps and Pressure Gauges. Beginning on October 13, 2018 and thereafter; ensure proper communication with sensors and controller; and

5.Hand-held Electronic Sampling Equipment Associated with Groundwater and Vapor Monitoring. Beginning on October 13, 2018 and thereafter; ensure proper calibration and operation.

6. Any release detection component that fails an operational test must be repaired or replaced and reteseted within 30 days of the repair.

(d) Meets the performance requirements in rules 335-6-15-.17, 335-6-15-.18, or 335-6-15-.48, as applicable, with any performance claims and their manner of determination described in writing by the equipment manufacturer or installer. In addition, the methods must be capable of detecting the leak rate or quantity specified for that method in rules 335-6-15-.17(b), (c), (d), (h) and (i), 335-6-15-.18(a) and (b), and 335-6-.48 with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05.

(2) When a release detection method operated in accordance with the performance standards in rules 335-6-15-.17, 335-6-15-.18, or 335-6-15-.48 indicates a release may have occurred, owners and operators must notify the Department in accordance with rule 335-6-15-.20.

(3) Any UST system that cannot apply a method of release detection that complies with the requirements of this chapter must temporarily close the UST system in accordance with rule 335-6-15-.33 and must permanently close the UST system in accordance with rules 335-6-15-.34 through 335-6-15-.37 except as follows:

(a) For UST systems storing fuel solely for the use of emergency power generators installed before August 6, 2007, paragraph (3) of this rule applies beginning on December 8, 2020 and thereafter. For UST systems with field-constructed tanks, and UST systems with airport hydrant fuel distribution systems, paragraph (3) of this rule applies beginning on October 13, 2018 and thereafter.

(4) Owners or operators of UST systems storing fuel solely for the use of emergency power generators installed before August 6, 2007, UST systems with airport hydrant fuel distribution systems, and UST systems with field-constructed tanks shall submit to the Department a description of the type of release detection method or methods which will be used at each site at which the UST system is located. This description and any required plans and specifications required by rule 335-6-15-.08 shall be submitted 30 days prior to the implementation of release detection requirements for these systems as described in rules 335-6-15-.03(1)(a)1. and 2.

(5) Release detection on UST systems employing vapor monitoring, groundwater monitoring, or interstitial monitoring using a secondary barrier, shall be installed in accordance with the plans and specifications required by rule 335-6-15-.08.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-6-15-.14

Effective April 5, 1989. Amended: Filed August 28, 2003; effective October 2, 2003. Amended: Filed March 21, 2008; effective April 25, 2008.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVI, Issue No. 02, November 30, 2017, eff. 12/8/2017.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVII, Issue No. 01, October 31, 2018, eff. 12/7/2018.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XL, Issue No. 05, February 28, 2022, eff. 4/14/2022.

Authors: Sonja Massey, Curt Johnson, Lee Davis, Vernon H. Crockett

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-36-3.