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Any underground storage tanks that routinely contain petroleum are regulated, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires owners to install release detection (or leak detection) in order to quickly find leaks before they contaminate surrounding air, ground, or water. ion spreads from the UST site. Owners are required to test for leaks. This post outlines methods for testing UST leaks using analytical standards and other methods.<\/p>\n
What methods and standards are used for Underground storage tank (UST) testing?<\/p>\n
There are a variety of methods used to test a UST to make sure it complies with local, state, and applicable federal protocols.<\/p>\n
Analytical standards are different depending on the state and sometimes locality. Standards to test against can include:<\/p>\n
Whenever testing is to be completed, it\u2019s important to have it done by someone who is an agency approved tester. To become a certified tester of USTs a person must complete the EPA\u2019s online training modules and pass the corresponding test.<\/p>\n
It is required that a UST pass what\u2019s called a tank tightness test (otherwise known as precision testing or integrity testing). As part of this test, it must be proven that there are no tank leaks that exceed more than .1 gallons per hour (gph). This test can be conducted in one of two ways: a technician manually checking it on-site, or via an automatic tank gauge that\u2019s been pre-certified to perform the test.<\/p>\n
When conducting a tank tightness test it\u2019s important to keep in mind a few factors:<\/p>\n
Due to the abundance of UST leaks, it\u2019s imperative that each UST is registered with a local regulatory authority and examined by an agency-approved tester for potential leaks. If you\u2019re an owner of a UST there\u2019s a number of requirements to ensure your UST is following federal and\/or state regulations including claiming ownership with your local agency, identifying an action plan in case of a leak, and showing certified proof of a correct installment.<\/p>\n
Under the EPA, state and local governments are in charge of overseeing and regulating underground storage tanks. This is largely due to the complex and diverse nature of UST regulation. But while federal EPA UST regulations may exist, that does not necessarily mean that all USTs have to abide by them. Rather, it\u2019s left up to specific states to decide which regulations their local USTs must follow. For instance, some farm tanks used to store motor fuel for noncommercial purposes may be exempt from federal UST regulations.<\/p>\n
According to the EPA, it\u2019s imperative that UST owners are always up to par on compliance protocols. This typically involves always being ready with a number of documents to prove active testing and compliance including:<\/p>\n
Typically around 10-15 years.<\/p>\n
After 20 years, it\u2019s a smart decision to have your oil tank removed. As soon as an oil tank reaches 15 years, it is at a higher risk of leaking or contaminating the environment which can be extremely costly and can even affect your property value. This can result from corrosion, cracks, or even loosened screws and bolts. Especially if your home no longer uses the tank, it\u2019s only a heightened risk having it in your ground.<\/p>\n
As long as one is a registered owner of a UST, it\u2019s smart to obtain records of tank release detections for as long as possible, but a general rule of thumb is 5 years.<\/p>\n