03.06 What are the regulatory issues for aboveground tanks Tank Volumes State and local regulations will limit the capacity of aboveground tanks?

Some local ordinances may severely limit aboveground tank capacity or even prohibit them. Special rules for fuel dispensing into motor vehicles will also limit capacities for these applications.

Tank Construction
Typically regulations will require that tanks be built to UL 142 or UL 2085 standards.

Tank Location
Regulations will specify distances of separation for aboveground tanks from buildings and property lines.

Tank Equipment
Regulations will typically require proper vent devices for aboveground tanks, overfill prevention valves, Anti-siphon and emergency valves.

Fire Protection / Suppression
Fire Protection / Suppression measures may be required by local regulations. Typical requirements may include a piping system to allow for the remote dispensing of foam by fire fighters into the tank containment area.

Leak, Spill, and Overfill Protection
Regulations leak monitoring procedures and devices. These may be visual with recordkeeping or continuous electronic monitors. Spill protection is provided by curbs and diking. Overfill protection is usually required as redundant methods such as a high level alarm device and a fill pipe overfill prevention valve.

Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans (SPCC)
SPCC Rules are US Federal and State regulations that apply to certain aboveground tanks. They were originally enacted to prevent problems at large marine oil terminals, which had the experience in several instances of discharging large volumes of oil into adjacent rivers. The regulations apply to tanks over 500 gallons where a discharge could impact a navigable waterway. Since the concept of navigable waterway is broadly interpreted, the regulations will apply to most tanks. The standards require a written plan for the facility with the plan reviewed by a professional engineer, and periodically updated.