Question 1

How often does an underground storage tank have to be tested?

Accepted Answer

Under the federal UST rule, tanks are monitored for releases every 30 days, spill prevention and release detection equipment gets a walkthrough every 30 days, release detection equipment gets an operability test every year, and spill buckets, containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring, overfill equipment, and cathodic protection are tested every three years. Pressurized piping needs an annual line tightness test unless it is monitored monthly. States with their own programmes can shorten any of these intervals.

Question 2

When was the first three-year UST test due?

Accepted Answer

For tank systems in use on or before 13 October 2015, the first spill, sump, and overfill tests were due by 13 October 2018, and every three years after that. Systems brought into use after 13 October 2015 were tested at installation, so their three-year clock runs from the install date.

Question 3

Does a state UST programme change the federal testing schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The federal rule is a floor. States with approved programmes set their own intervals above it. Connecticut, for example, requires the overfill inspection and the cathodic protection test every year instead of every three, adds a three-year secondary containment test, a monthly Class B operator inspection, and an annual third party inspection. Check your own state's rules before relying on the federal intervals.

Question 4

How long do UST test records have to be kept?

Accepted Answer

Walkthrough inspection records are kept one year, spill, sump, and overfill test results three years, annual operation test results three years, and tank tightness test results until the next test. Cathodic protection records keep the last two periodic tests and the last three equipment checks.

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