Owners and operators of underground storage tank systems shall ensure that repairs will prevent releases due to structural failure or corrosion as long as the underground storage tank system is used to store regulated substances. The repairs must meet the following requirements:

1. (1) Repairs involving a tank handling activity shall be performed by or under the direct, onsite supervision and control of a certified installer.
2. (2) Repairs to underground storage tank systems shall be properly conducted in accordance with a code of practice developed by a Nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory.
3. (3) Metal pipe sections and fittings that have released product as a result of corrosion or other damage shall be replaced. Noncorrodible pipes and fittings may be repaired; repairs shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. (4) Repairs to secondary containment areas of tanks and piping, containment sumps and spill prevention equipment shall be tested for tightness according to the manufacturer’s instructions, a code of practice developed by a Nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory prior to returning the underground storage tank system to operating status. All other repairs to tanks, containment sumps and piping shall be tightness tested in accordance with § § 245.421(b)(4)(ii), 245.444(2) and 245.445(2) (relating to performance standards for underground storage tank systems; methods of release detection for tanks; and methods of release detection for piping), respectively, prior to placing the underground storage tank system back into service except as provided as follows:

   1. (i) The repaired tank is internally inspected in accordance with a code of practice developed by a Nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory.
   2. (ii) Another test method is used that is determined by the Department to be at least as protective of human health and the environment as listed in subparagraph (i).
5. (5) Within 6 months following the repair of a cathodically protected underground storage tank system, the cathodic protection system shall be tested in accordance with § 245.432(a)(2) and (3) (relating to operation and maintenance including corrosion protection) to ensure that it is operating properly.
6. (6) Underground storage tank system owners and operators shall maintain records of each repair, including those in response to a release, for the remaining operating life of the underground storage tank system.

Source

The provisions of this § 245.434 amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979; amended December 21, 2018, effective December 22, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 7875. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (331075) to (331076).

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.422 (relating to upgrading of existing underground storage tank systems); 25 Pa. Code § 245.432 (relating to operation and maintenance including corrosion protection); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.435 (relating to reporting and recordkeeping).