D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 20, r. 20-6000

Current through Register Vol. 72, No. 2, January 10, 2025

Rule 20-6000 - RELEASE DETECTION - GENERAL PROVISIONS

6000.1

The owner or operator of each new or existing UST system shall utilize a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that meets the requirements of this section.

6000.2

The release detection method(s) utilized shall be suitable for the UST system according to the manufacturer's certification of performance.

6000.3

The owner or operator of each UST system shall comply with the release detection requirements for piping set forth in § 6004.

6000.4

If the owner or operator of any UST system cannot utilize a method of release detection that complies with the requirements of this chapter, the owner or operator shall close the UST in accordance with Chapter 61.

6000.5

Each release detection system shall be capable of detecting a release from any portion of the tank and also from the connected underground piping that contains or conveys a regulated substance.

6000.6

Each release detection system, including electronic and mechanical components, shall be installed, calibrated, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, including routine maintenance and service checks for operability or running condition.

6000.7

Each release detection system shall meet the applicable performance requirements for the particular system in §§ 6004 through 6013.

6000.8

An owner or operator shall not install a release detection system unless the equipment manufacturer or installer provides written performance claims, including a description of the manner in which the claims were derived or tested.

6000.9

Each release detection method or system shall be capable of detecting the leak rate or quantity specified for the method in this chapter, with a probability of detection of at least ninety-five percent (95%) and a probability of false alarm of no more than five percent (5%).

6000.10

The Department will not approve a leak detection method or system that does not meet the requirements of this section, presents a safety hazard, or lacks performance data proving the reliability of the method under normal installation and operating conditions.

6000.11

When a release detection system does not perform in accordance with the manufacturer's performance requirements or the requirements of this chapter, the owner or operator shall repair or replace the release detection system within forty-five (45) days of the date of improper performance in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless an alternate release detection system that complies with the requirements of this chapter is in use.

6000.12

The owner or operator shall notify the Department within twenty-four (24) hours of the expiration of the forty-five (45) day period set forth in § 6000.11 if the release detection system is not repaired or replaced, and shall comply with the temporary closure requirements set forth in § 6100, unless an alternate release detection system that complies with the requirements of this chapter is in use.

6000.13

When a release detection method operated in accordance with the performance standards of §§ 6004 through 6013 indicates that a release may have occurred, the owner or operator shall notify the Department in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 62.

6000.14

The owner or operator of an UST system shall operate and maintain the release detection system, and test electronic and mechanical components, in accordance with one of the following:

(a) The manufacturer's instructions;

(b) Petroleum Equipment Institute Recommended Practice RP1200, "Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities"; or

(c) An alternative industry standard or code of practice approved by the Department in accordance with § 5506.

6000.15

The owner or operator shall have a certified UST System Technician or UST System Tester test the proper operation of the release detection system at least annually, including, as applicable to the facility:

(a) For automatic tank gauge and other controllers: test alarm, verify system configuration, and test battery backup;

(b) For probes and sensors: 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;

(c) For automatic line leak detectors: test whether they meet the criteria in §§ 6004.3 and 6004.4 by simulating a leak;

(d) For vacuum pumps and pressure gauges: ensure proper communication with sensors and controller; and

(e) For hand-held electronic sampling equipment associated with groundwater and vapor monitoring: ensure proper operation.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 20, r. 20-6000

Final Rulemaking published at 40 DCR 7835, 7866 (November 12, 1993); as amended by final rulemaking published at 46 DCR 7699 (October 1, 1999); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 56 DCR 6678 (August 21, 2009); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 1778 (2/21/2020)

AUTHORITY: Unless otherwise noted, the authority for this chapter is § 13 of the District of Columbia Underground Storage Tank Management Act of 1990, as amended, D.C. Law 8-242, D.C. Code § 6-995.1 et seq. (1995 Repl. Vol.), Mayor's Order 91-160 dated October 9, 1991; and the District of Columbia Water Pollution Control Act of 1984, D.C. Law 5-188, D.C. Code § 6-921 (1995 Repl. Vol.), Mayor's Order 85-152 dated September 12, 1985.