This issue focuses on the new testing requirements associated with the new storage tank rules that went into effect in January 2017.

Our previous issue of the Petro Pulse that reviewed all the new rules can be found here. 

We are here to assist, so please reach out to any of our contacts listed at the bottom of the newsletter with any questions, comments or ideas.

New DEP Website and Email Addresses!

We have redesigned our website to make sure it’s functional, visually appealing and easy to use. As part of the redesign, we implemented a new, easy-to-remember web domain: www.floridadep.gov. 

To be consistent with the new web address, DEP is also changing email addresses from dep.state.fl.us to floridadep.gov.

For example, John.Doe@dep.state.fl.us will now be John.Doe@floridadep.gov. For a while, both email domain addresses will work, but please go ahead and update your contact lists with this change.

Integrity Test Method -

Hydrostatic Test Procedure

1. Fill component with water.
    - Spill bucket – to 1.5 inches from the top
    - Sump – a minimum of four inches above the
      highest sump penetration or sidewall seam
2. Measure the stick vertically from the lowest point
    in the bucket/sump, to above the water level;
    document the measurement.
3. After one hour, document the ending water level
    measurement.
4. Remove all the water from the sump/spill bucket
    and determine if the fluid is hazardous waste
    before disposal.
    - Test water that has no sheen on it is not
      considered hazardous waste can be reused for
      other testing.
    - Test water that is determined to be hazardous
      waste must be hauled away by a registered
      hazardous waste transporter. A list of
      transporters can be found here.
5. The test fails for each component if the water level
    drops more than 1/8 (0.125) inch.
6. Any integrity test that results in a failure is
    considered an incident. This incident will need to
    be reported, an Incident Notification Form
    completed and an investigation of the incident
    conducted.

Integrity Test Method -

Vacuum Test Procedure for Single-Walled Spill Bucket

1. Clean and remove any liquid or debris.
2. Repair any loose or broken components.
3. Make sure the fill cap is secure and leak-tight or
    use a plumber’s plug in the fill riser.
4. Ensure the drain valve is also leak-tight, or it can
    be removed and permanently plugged.
5. Seal the test cover to the top of the spill bucket.
6. Apply a vacuum of 30 inches of water column and
    close the valve. Be sure the reading is in water
    column and not mercury.
7. Document the initial pressure reading.
8. Hold the pressure for one minute and document
    the final pressure reading.
9. A final pressure reading of 26 inches water
    column or greater, passes the test.

Integrity Testing

All dispenser liners, sumps and spill buckets, need to have routine hydrostatic tests.

Single-walled components should have been tested by Jan. 11, 2018 and will need to be tested again every year. 

Double-walled components, below-grade piping sumps and below-grade dispenser sumps will need to be tested by Oct. 13, 2018, and again every three years.

According to underground storage tank rule Chapter 62-761, the integrity testing needs to be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or by following the direction provided in PEI/RP1200-12, 2012 Edition. Be sure to maintain records of the testing results for review during your next routine inspection.

Overfill Protection

Tanks installed after Jan. 11, 2017, are required to have an overfill device that:

• Automatically shuts off at no more than 95 percent full
• Has a flow restrictor that restricts flow at 90 percent full
• Alerts the transfer operator when the tank is 90 percent full

Exemption – Underground storage tanks with a capacity less than 2,000 gallons that don’t receive deliveries by a joined tight fill adaptor connection and are never filled beyond 80 percent capacity.

Flow Restrictors

Ball float valves are no longer an option for new installations. Other methods such as shut-off valves or alarms are now required. Flow restrictors also need to be tested annually to verify they are operating correctly.

Annual Testing

All level gauges, measuring devices, high-level warning alarms and high-level liquid flow cutoff controllers are required to be tested every year. Be sure to keep copies of testing results for review during future inspections.

Quick Links

For your convenience, here are some quick links to well referenced sites:

• Storage Tank Compliance page 

• Rules, Guidelines & Forms  

• Announcements - Outreach Opportunities

• ESSA Business Portal (Tank Registration or to Pay Registration Fees)

• Operator Training                 

• Approved Equipment (EQ List)