Md. Code Regs. 26.10.05.01

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 10, May 17, 2024

Section 26.10.05.01 - Release Detection: General Requirements for All UST Systems

A. An owner and an operator of a UST system shall provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that:

(1) Can detect a spill, release, or discharge from any portion of the UST and the connected underground piping;

(2) Is installed and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;

(3) Is operated and maintained in accordance with:

(a) The manufacturer's instructions;

(b) A code of practice incorporated by reference under COMAR 26.10.01.03; or

(c) Requirements determined by the Department to be not less protective of human health and the environment than §A(3)(a) or (b) of this regulation;

(4) Meets the performance requirements in Regulations .02 and .05 of this chapter, or COMAR 26.10.12 for a UST system with a field-constructed tank or an airport hydrant system, as applicable, with performance claims verified by the manufacturer's specifications; and

(5) Is capable of detecting a leak at a rate or quantity specified in this chapter with a probability of detection of not less than 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of not more than 0.05.

B. Beginning January 12, 2009, an owner and an operator of a UST system installing a new or replacement UST system shall monitor the UST system for a spill, release, or discharge at least monthly by interstitial monitoring in accordance with Regulation .05G of this chapter.

C. Release Detection Operability Test. An owner and an operator of a UST system shall:

(1) Have the electronic and mechanical components of a release detection method tested for proper operation in accordance with:

(a) The manufacturer's instructions;

(b) A code of practice incorporated by reference under COMAR 26.10.01.03; or

(c) Requirements determined by the Department to be not less protective of human health and the environment than §C(1)(a) or (b) of this regulation;

(2) Perform an operability test of each electronic and mechanical component of a release detection method used at a regulated substance storage facility in accordance with the following criteria:

(a) For the automatic tank gauge and other controllers:

(i) Test the alarm;

(ii) Verify the system configuration; and

(iii) Test the battery backup;

(b) For the probes and sensors:

(i) Inspect the equipment for residual buildup;

(ii) Ensure the floats move freely;

(iii) Ensure the shafts are not damaged;

(iv) Ensure the cables are free of kinks and breaks; and

(v) Test the alarm operability and communication with the controller;

(c) Test the operation of the automatic line leak detector to meet the criteria in Regulation .02D(2) of this chapter by simulating a leak;

(d) Ensure the proper communication of the vacuum pumps and pressure gauges with the sensors and controller; and

(e) Ensure the proper operation of the hand-held electronic sampling equipment associated with groundwater monitoring;

(3) Perform the operability tests required by §C(1) and (2) of this regulation at least annually; and

(4) Maintain the following records to show compliance with §C(1)-(3) of this regulation:

(a) A list of each component tested;

(b) Whether each component tested meets criteria specified or needs to have action taken; and

(c) A description of any action taken to correct an issue.

D. Notifications.

(1) An owner and an operator of a UST system shall notify the Department in accordance with COMAR 26.10.08.01 when a release detection method operated in accordance with one of the following performance standards indicates that a spill, release, or discharge may have occurred:

(a) Regulation .05 of this chapter; or

(b) If the UST system has a field-constructed tank or an airport hydrant system, COMAR 26.10.12.

(2) If an owner, an operator, and a person in charge of a UST system changes the method of release detection used, the owner, the operator, and the person in charge of the UST system shall provide the Department written notification within 30 days of the change.

E. An owner and an operator of a UST system that cannot apply a method of release detection that complies with the requirements of this chapter shall close the UST system in accordance with procedures in COMAR 26.10.10.

F. An owner and an operator of a previously deferred UST system described in COMAR 26.10.02.01A(4)-(6) and COMAR 26.10.12 shall meet the requirements of this chapter not later than October 13, 2022.

G. A person may not tamper with, or render inaccurate, any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this chapter.

Md. Code Regs. 26.10.05.01

Regulation .01 amended effective February 18, 2002 (29:3 Md. R. 224)
Regulation .01A amended effective January 12, 2009 (36:1 Md. R. 25); adopted effective 49:12 Md. R. 642, eff. 6/13/2022