N.J. Admin. Code § 7:1E-2.16

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 7:1E-2.16 - Integrity testing

(a) Aboveground storage tanks installed and in use as of July 22, 1990, with a capacity greater than 2,000 gallons, and all appurtenant piping to the first valve must have undergone integrity testing or static head testing by August 1, 1993.

(b) Aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons installed or placed into service on or after July 22, 1990 and all appurtenant piping to the first valve shall be subject to integrity testing prior to being placed into service, in accordance with the following:

1. New field-erected storage tanks shall be tested in accordance with the standard used for their construction.

2. Existing storage tanks being returned to service shall be tested in accordance with the applicable protocol in (d) through (i) below.

3. Shop-built storage tanks shall be tested after installation on site to ensure the integrity of the tank and all connections to it, using a test such as a static head test.

(c) Records of all integrity testing shall be kept in accordance with 7:1E-2.15.

(d) Field-erected steel aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons shall undergo integrity testing in accordance with the following:

1. Tanks operated at atmospheric pressure shall follow API 653 and the schedule and series of tests and inspections established in that standard, except that similar service and risk based inspection scheduling contained in API 653 are not permitted.

2. Tanks operated under pressure shall follow API 510 or ASME Section VIII, as applicable, and the schedule and series of tests and inspections established in the applicable standard.

(e) Shop-built steel aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons shall undergo integrity testing in accordance with either API 653 or SP001, incorporated herein by reference, and the schedule and series of tests and inspections established in the applicable standard, except that similar service and risk based inspection scheduling contained in API 653 are not permitted.

(f) Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons shall undergo integrity testing every five years consisting of acoustic emission testing, in accordance with ASTM E1067, in combination with internal and external inspections of the tank and all appurtenant structures by an experienced, qualified inspector.

(g) Homogenous plastic tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons shall undergo integrity testing every five years consisting of internal and external visual inspections of the tank and all appurtenant structures by an experienced, qualified inspector.

(h) For aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons that do not fall into one of the categories outlined above, or as an alternative to any integrity testing protocol established above, the owner or operator may perform integrity testing every five years in accordance with the following, as appropriate:

1. A shell thickness test and a bottom thickness test, performed to a standard such as ASME Section V, and capable of detecting corrosion, erosion or other wall or bottom thinning to less than a predetermined minimum thickness to ensure sufficient structural strength;

2. Visual inspection of the exterior of the tank, checking for cracks and leaks; and

3. Visual inspection of the foundation and ancillary equipment, such as inlet and outlet pipes and valves, checking for settlement, cracks, leaks, corrosion and other indications of structural problems.

(i) If none of the protocols for integrity testing outlined in this section are practicable for a given aboveground storage tank with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons, the owner or operator may propose a protocol to the Department, in accordance with 7:1E-1.11(e).

(j) If a tank has been tested or inspected as required by (a) through (i) above and fails to meet the applicable standards as to structural integrity or where a condition has been determined to exist for which there is no standard as set forth in (a) through (i) above, but which, in the opinion of the person performing the tests or inspection as set forth in the report, constitutes a condition which will threaten structural integrity, the tank shall be emptied and remain empty until it is repaired or replaced. Conditions threatening structural integrity may include, but are not limited to, wall thinning, leaks, or extensive corrosion, pitting, or cracking.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:1E-2.16

New Rule, R.2007 d.93, effective 4/2/2007.
See: 38 N.J.R. 4285(a), 39 N.J.R. 1253(a).