Pennsylvania Code
Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Part I - Department of Environmental Protection
Subpart D - Environmental Health and Safety
Article VI - General Health and Safety
Chapter 245 - ADMINISTRATION OF THE STORAGE TANK AND SPILL PREVENTION PROGRAM
Subchapter F - TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS AND FACILITIES
RELEASE PREVENTION AND LEAK DETECTION
Section 245.543 - Leak detection requirements

(a) Aboveground storage tank systems shall be provided with a method of leak detection at installation that is capable of detecting a release. The leak detection method shall be monitored at least monthly and shall be installed, calibrated, operated and maintained in accordance with industry practices and manufacturer's specifications.

(b) Existing aboveground storage tank systems with secondary containment shall implement a monthly leak detection method as required by subsection (a). Monthly visual inspections shall be an acceptable method of leak detection.

(c) Existing aboveground storage tanks without secondary containment under the bottom of the tank that are in contact with the soil, such as vertical flat bottom tanks, that do not have cathodic protection or an internal lining shall be leak tested at the next scheduled in-service inspection consistent with subsection (d) and continue to be leak tested at each in-service inspection thereafter, until the tank is upgraded.

(d) Tank leak test must follow a Nationally recognized procedure that is based on a volumetric/mass measurement, an acoustic measurement or a soil-vapor monitoring method. The test shall be performed by a third-party inspector or a technician who has experience with the selected method and is qualified by the test equipment manufacturer or certified by the relevant industry association and is not an employee of the tank owner.

(e) Aboveground piping shall be visually checked for leaks in accordance with the facility operations and maintenance plan.