Release Prevention for Underground Storage Tanks

Requirements for Spill Protection, Overfill Protection, and Corrosion Protection. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set underground storage tank (UST) regulations. The regulations were revised and updated in 2015. This includes a new range of requirements for spill, overfill, and corrosion protection.

What is Spill Protection?

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 A disconnected delivery hose from a fill pipe may cause spillage. Spill protection refers to the containment of the spill or drips. The containment is usually called ‘Spill Bucket’, but is also referred to as:

• Catchment Basin
• Spill Containment Manhole

Spill Bucket Requirements

• It should be sealed around the fill pipe
• It should be large enough to contain what may spill
• It must be double walled
• It should be checked at regular intervals for proper operation

What is Overfill Protection?

Overfills may occur when more is put into a container than it can hold. Overfill protection refers to controlling the flow in a container. Overfill protection devices help contain the flow by:

• Closing off the product flow
• Restricting the product flow
• Alerting the delivery operator with an alarm

These include automatic shutoff devices, overfill alarms, flow restrictors. Overfill Protection Devices Requirements

• The devices should be installed inside the tank
• The devices should trigger if the product in the UST reaches a specific amount in the tank
• Overfill prevention equipment must be examined intermittently for proper operation

What is Corrosion Protection?

Unprotected underground metal components may corrode over time. Corrosion protection refers to stopping the deterioration from happening.

Unprotected underground metal components may corrode over time. Corrosion protection refers to stopping the deterioration from happening. Click To Tweet

Metals can be protected from corrosion by:

• Cathodic protection
• Isolating the metal component

Corrosion Protection Requirements

• All new and replaced metal components must meet the secondary containment requirements
• Monitoring of holes
• Under-dispenser containments for new dispenser systems must be installed

What are correct filling practices?

To help prevent spills and overfills, UST regulations require the following correct filling practices:

• Transfer operation is monitored regularly.
• Volume available in the tank must be greater than the volume of regulated substance to be transferred.

Sources: https://www.epa.gov/ust/release-prevention-underground-storage-tanks-usts