1. (a) Containment sumps shall be constructed of non-corroding materials.
2. (b) Containment sumps shall be designed and manufactured expressly for the purpose of containing and detecting a release.
3. (c) Containment sumps shall be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained to prevent water infiltration.
4. (d) Electronic sensor probes used for release detection monitoring shall be located no more than two inches above the lowest point of the containment sump.

5. (e) At installation, containment sumps shall be tested for tightness after construction, but before backfilling. Tightness testing shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's written guidelines and PEI/RP100, "Recommended Practice for Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems." Other tightness test methods may be used if they are approved by the Division. In approving a containment sump tightness testing method the Division shall consider the following factors:

   1. (1) the inner surface of the sump is tested to at least four inches above the highest joint or penetration fitting, whichever is higher; and
   2. (2) the method is capable of detecting a fracture, perforation or gap in the sump within the specified test period.
6. (f) If a containment sump fails an installation tightness test, the sump shall be replaced or repaired by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized representative in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Following replacement or repair, the containment sump shall be re-tested for tightness in accordance with Paragraph (e) of this Rule.

7. (g) Containment sumps that are not monitored on an uninterrupted basis for releases using vacuum, pressure or hydrostatic interstitial monitoring methods shall be tested for tightness every three years following installation in accordance with:

   1. (1) written requirements developed by the manufacturer;
   2. (2) a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or

   3. (3) requirements determined by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the Division to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the requirements listed in Subparagraph (1) and (2) of this Paragraph.

      If a containment sump fails a periodic tightness test, the sump shall be replaced in accordance with Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Rule or repaired by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized representative in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications or a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory. Following replacement or repair, the containment sump shall be re-tested for tightness in accordance with Paragraph (e) of this Rule. The last periodic tightness test record shall be maintained at the UST site or the tank owner or operator's place of business and shall be available for inspection.

8. (h) All containment sumps shall be visually inspected at least annually in accordance with Rule .0407 of this Subchapter. Any water or regulated substance present in a sump at the time of inspection shall be removed from the sump within 48 hours of discovery. The visual inspection results shall be documented and shall be maintained for at least one year at the UST site or the tank owner's or operator's place of business and shall be available for inspection.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-215.3(a)(15); 143B-282(2)(h);
Eff. November 1, 2007;
Readopted Eff. January 1, 2021;
Amended Eff. August 23, 2022.