YQA 26 Fuel System Regulatory Issues

26.1 What are the regulatory and code requirements for underground tanks?

All states regulate underground fuel tank installation and operation. The regulations have their basis in the federal underground tank rules that were first established in 1988 and phased in through 1998. The regulations include technical requirements for fuel tanks and piping as well as financial responsibility requirements. Technical requirements include: leak detection, corrosion priotection, and spill and overfill protection. Many states have special technical requirements that are in addition to the standard regulations. California rules would be inclusive of most of the special requirements that can be encountered. Their regulations include:

  1. Pre-qualification approval of all equipment and materials used in underground fuel tank systems.
  2. Full secondary containment of all tanks and piping.
  3. Fill pipes and spill container located within secondary containment sumps. All tank openings including tank gauging within secondary containment sumps.
  4. Periodic testing of secondary containment piping, sumps, tanks, and tank monitors.
  5. Double wall construction for tank sumps and piping transition sumps.
  6. Double containment of vent piping.
  7. Continuous positive monitoring of tank, pipe, and sump secondary containment by vacuum, pressure, or hydrostatic method.
  8. Precision leak detection testing after installation and backfill using tracer gas method.
26.2 What are the regulatory and code requirements 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 record keeping 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.
26.3 What are the regulatory and code requirements for tanks in buildings?

National Building and Fire Codes address the use of fuel tanks in buildings. These codes are often modified for the particular requirements of individual States or Local authorities. NFPA Standards include requirements for storage tank buildings. These are separate structures for the special purpose of fuel storage. These rules are not in general applicable to fuel storage and use within commercial buildings. The principals addressed are:

  • Tank Design Standards
  • Tank Venting
  • OverfillPrevention
  • Secondary Containment
  • QuantityRestrictions
  • Location within Buildings
  • Piping Systems in Buildings
  • Fire Protection
26.4 What are the special requirements for underground tanks in California?

California regulations include:

  1. Pre-qualification approval of all equipment and materials used in underground fuel tank systems.
  2. Full secondary containment of all tanks and piping.
  3. Fill pipes and spill container located within secondary containment sumps. All tank openings including tank gauging within secondary containment sumps.
  4. Periodic testing of secondary containment piping, sumps, tanks, and tank monitors.
  5. Double wall construction for tank sumps and piping transition sumps.
  6. Double containment of vent piping.
  7. Continuous positive monitoring of tank, pipe, and sump secondary containment by vacuum, pressure, or hydrostatic method.
  8. Precision leak detection testing after installation and backfill using tracer gas method.