N.M. Admin. Code § 20.5.108.805

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 20.5.108.805 - AUTOMATIC TANK GAUGING REQUIREMENTS FOR USTS

A. Owners and operators of underground storage tanks may use automatic tank gauging as a method of release detection if the automatic tank gauging system:

(1) tests for the loss of product and can detect a two-tenths gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the storage tank system that routinely contains regulated substances;

(2) meets inventory control or another test of equivalent performance requirements in accordance with 20.5.108.802 NMAC; and

(3) tests the storage tank system using one of the following modes:

(a) in-tank static testing conducted at least once every 30 days;

(b) continuous in-tank leak detection operating on an uninterrupted basis to determine the leak status of the tank at least once every 30 days; or

(c) continuous in-tank leak detection operating within a process that allows the system to gather incremental measurements to determine the leak status of the tank at least once every 30 days.

B. Owners and operators shall at least annually test the automatic tank gauging system for proper operation beginning three years after the effective date of these regulations. Inspections and testing shall be conducted by a person who is certified as a technician by the manufacturer of the automatic tank gauging system and meets the tester requirements in 20.5.105 NMAC. The annual tests shall, at a minimum and as applicable, include the following:

(1) automatic tank gauge and other controllers: test alarm; verify system programming and configuration; test battery backup;

(2) 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; and

(3) vacuum pumps and pressure gauges: ensure proper communication with sensors and controller.

C. Owners and operators shall use one of the following to comply with Paragraph B of this section:

1)Petroleum Equipment InstitutePublication RP 1200, "Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities"; or

2) The manufacturer's testing or inspection instructions.

D. Owners and operators shall review the monitoring reports on a monthly basis and notify the department in accordance with 20.105.18 NMAC if there is a failed or inconclusive result.

E. Owners and operators shall maintain records for all inspections and testing required in this section in accordance with 20.5.108.815 NMAC. Owners and operators shall provide the department with a report of each annual test of the automatic tank gauge system in accordance with 20.5.108.816 NMAC.

F. A one tenth gallon per hour leak test conducted by an automatic tank gauge system does not meet the requirements for tank tightness testing in 20.5.108.804 NMAC.

N.M. Admin. Code § 20.5.108.805

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXIX, Issue 14, July 24, 2018, eff. 7/24/2018