Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 695 - RULES FOR UNDERGROUND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE STORAGE FACILITIES
Appendix 096-695-H - Requirements for Closure of Underground Hazardous Substance Storage Facilities by Removal

1. All tanks shall be rendered safe for cleaning and removal by appropriate methods in accordance with appropriate industry standards and all applicable state and federal regulations.

2. The top of the tank shall be exposed.

3. All piping shall be drained and flushed into the tank or another suitable container such that no waste liquid or product is released to the environment.

4. All liquid which can be pumped out, shall be removed, and any liquids which cannot be used for their originally intended purpose shall be disposed of in accordance with the Department's Hazardous Waste Management Rules Chapters 850, 851, 853 and 857, and Hazardous Matter Rules, Chapters 800 and 801. UL approved explosion proof equipment shall be used to remove Class One liquids. Hoses to remove product shall be inserted to the low end of the tank which may still contain product.

5. The fill (drop) tube shall be removed. Fill, gauge, and product lines shall be disconnected and plugged. All tank openings which will not be used in the inerting procedure shall also be plugged. Only the vent line will remain connected and open until the inerting procedure is complete.

6. All tanks which contain class one liquids shall be inerted by a method approved by the Department prior to entering, cleaning or removal of the tank from the ground. The owner or operator is responsible for developing methods for inerting the tank.

7. All holes, including corrosion holes, shall be plugged or capped before the tank is moved from the site, except that one 1/8 inch vent hole shall be left to prevent the tank from being subjected to an excessive pressure differential caused by extreme temperature changes.

8. If transported, the tanks shall be scraped to remove all loose backfill material adhering to the tank.

9. All tanks removed from the ground, regardless of condition, shall be labeled with the following information:

Tank Has Contained (chemical name), a hazardous substance

NOTE: Federal regulations under the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation ( 49 CFR Section 172.500 et seq.) also require that tanks which have not been purged but are being transported must be properly placarded on the ends and sides with a 'Flammable' placard with the appropriate UK Number attached.

10. If transported, the tank shall be secured on a truck such that the 1/8 inch vent hole is located on the uppermost point on the tank.

11. All piping shall be removed from the ground whenever practicable. Piping that cannot be removed will be blown clear of residual product with an inert gas and securely plugged at all ends. All necessary precautions to prevent spillage or ignition in the entire area shall be taken.

12. All tanks must be cleaned in accordance with Section 13. Cleaning and temporary storage are not allowed in a sensitive geological area unless they are done at the site of removal.

13. The only acceptable means of disposal of underground hazardous substance storage tanks are: (a) sale to a junk or scrap dealer; (b)disposal by a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility; (c) disposal by a licensed underground oil storage tank disposal facility; or (d) other techniques for disposal of tanks, provided the expressed written approval of the Department of Environmental Protection and the State Fire Marshal's office has been obtained.

14. Tanks will be stored with all bung holes open and positioned at a 45 degree angle down from horizontal to prevent rain from entering the tank and to allow vapors to escape; or, if escaping vapors represent a safety or health hazard, the tank may be stored in a vertical position with all bung holes cloyed except for a one eighth (1/8) inch vent hole to relieve excess pressure due to temperature changes.

15. Alternative methods to those specified in this appendix may be used with written permission from the Department and local public safety officials if they will provide equal or better protection of public health, safety, welfare, or the environment.