§ 245.437. Periodic testing.
(a) Owners and operators of underground storage tank systems shall ensure installed equipment for release detection and prevention is operating properly by meeting all of the following requirements:
(1) Containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping in accordance with § 245.444(6) (relating to methods of release detection for tanks) and spill prevention equipment must meet one of the following:
(i) When the containment sump or spill prevention equipment is double-walled, the integrity of both walls shall be periodically monitored by maintenance walkthrough inspections as required under § 245.438 (relating to periodic operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections). If walkthrough inspections are discontinued, the owner and operator shall comply with subparagraph (ii) and conduct a test within 30 days of the last inspection.
(ii) Containment sumps and spill prevention equipment shall be tested at least once every 3 years to ensure the equipment is liquid-tight by using vacuum, pressure or liquid.
(2) Overfill prevention equipment shall be evaluated at least once every 3 years. At a minimum, the evaluation shall ensure that overfill prevention equipment is set to activate at the correct level specified in § 245.421(b)(3) (relating to performance standards for underground storage tank systems) and must activate when the regulated substance stored reaches that level.
(3) Electronic and mechanical components of release detection equipment shall be tested for proper operation at least annually. At a minimum, required tests, as applicable to the facility, shall cover all of the following components and criteria:
(i) Automatic tank gauges and other controllers must be tested by:
(A) Testing alarm.
(B) Verifying system configuration.
(C) Testing battery backup.
(ii) Probes and sensors shall be tested by:
(A) Inspecting for residual buildup.
(B) Ensuring that floats move freely.
(C) Ensuring the shaft is not damaged.
(D) Ensuring cables are free of kinks and breaks.
(E) Testing alarm operability or running condition and communication with controller.
(iii) Automatic line leak detectors shall be tested to meet criteria in § 245.445 (relating to methods of release detection for piping) by simulating a leak.
(iv) Vacuum pumps and pressure gauges shall be tested to ensure proper communication with sensors and controller.
(v) Handheld electronic sampling equipment associated with groundwater and vapor monitoring shall be tested to ensure proper operation.
(b) Owners and operators of underground storage tank systems shall ensure tests and evaluations required under this section are performed in accordance with one of the following criteria:
(1) Requirements developed by the manufacturer.
(2) Code of practice developed by a Nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory.
(3) Requirements determined by the Department to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2).
(c) Owners and operators shall comply with the periodic testing requirements in this section as follows:
(1) For underground storage tank systems installed on or before December 22, 2018, owners and operators shall ensure tests and inspections as required under this section are performed prior to the next required underground storage tank inspection occurring after December 22, 2019, or not later than December 21, 2021, whichever occurs first.
(2) For underground storage tank systems installed after December 22, 2018, these requirements apply at installation.
(d) Test liquids used to perform tests as required in this chapter shall be reused, treated or disposed in accordance with applicable requirements in Chapters 91, 92a, 260a—270a and 287—299.
Source The provisions of this § 245.437 adopted December 21, 2018, effective December 22, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 7875.
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.403 (relating to applicability); 25 Pa. Code § 245.421 (relating to performance standards for underground storage tank systems); 25 Pa. Code § 245.435 (relating to reporting and recordkeeping); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.451 (relating to temporary removal from service (out-of-service)).
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