Md. Code Regs. 26.10.04.02

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 26.10.04.02 - Operation and Maintenance of Corrosion Protection

A. An owner and an operator of a metal UST system with corrosion protection shall:

(1) Comply with the requirements of this regulation to prevent a spill, release, or discharge due to corrosion until the UST system is permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service pursuant to COMAR 26.10.10.02;

(2) Operate and maintain a corrosion protection system to continuously provide corrosion protection to the metal components of the UST system in contact with the ground, including soil and backfill material, or continuous or intermittent water; and

(3) If the UST system is protected by an impressed current system, design the UST system so that the impressed current source cannot be deenergized at any time, except to perform service work on the UST system or the impressed current system.

B. Inspections. An owner and an operator of a UST system equipped with a cathodic protection system shall comply with all of the following inspection requirements:

(1) Determine if the cathodic protection system is adequate and complies with the requirements of this regulation by using criteria established in a NACE or STI code of practice incorporated by reference under COMAR 26.10.01.03;

(2) Inspect the UST system for proper operation by having a qualified cathodic protection tester:

(a) Test a field-installed cathodic protection system within 6 months of installation, and at least annually thereafter; and

(b) Test a factory-installed cathodic protection system within 6 months of installation, and at least once every 3 years thereafter;

(3) If a qualified cathodic protection tester determines the cathodic protection system is inadequate per a NACE or STI code of practice:

(a) Notify the Department of the failed test in compliance with the suspected spill, release, or discharge reporting requirements in COMAR 26.10.08.01; and

(b) Repair the cathodic protection system in accordance with a NACE or STI code of practice within 60 days of the failed test; and

(4) If the UST system is designed with an impressed current system:

(a) Inspect the UST system at least every 60 days to ensure that the impressed current system is functioning properly; and

(b) Have a complete assessment of the impressed current system performed by a corrosion expert:

(i) When the impressed current system reaches 5 years of age, and at least every 5 years after the most recent assessment; and

(ii) In accordance with the guidance as established under a NACE code of practice.

C. An owner and an operator of a UST system equipped with a cathodic protection system shall:

(1) In accordance with Regulation .05C of this chapter, maintain and upon request by the Department provide records of the operation and maintenance of the cathodic protection system that demonstrate compliance with performance standards of this regulation; and

(2) Include in the records required to be maintained under §C(1) of this regulation the following information:

(a) The results of the last three inspections and the last assessment of an impressed current system conducted in accordance with §B(4) of this regulation; and

(b) The results of testing from the last two inspections of a cathodic protection system conducted in accordance with §B(2) of this regulation.

Md. Code Regs. 26.10.04.02

Regulation .02F, G amended effective February 18, 2002 (29:3 Md. R. 224); adopted effective 49:12 Md. R. 642, eff. 6/13/2022