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 G - SIMPLIFIED PROGRAM FOR SMALL ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Section 245.616 - Inspection requirements

(a) Required inspections of small aboveground storage tank systems shall be conducted by Department-certified aboveground storage tank inspectors according to a current Nationally recognized association's code of practice or according to manufacturer's specifications and applicable engineering criteria (See § 245.612 (relating to performance and design standards).) Deficiencies noted during the inspection shall be addressed and remedied. When modifications or repairs are necessary to correct deficiencies, they shall be made in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and applicable engineering design criteria. The Department may require submission and review of documentation relating to these remedies. The associated tank handling activities are reported to the Department by a certified installer.

(b) Small aboveground field constructed storage tanks shall be inspected at installation, reconstruction or relocation and when a major modification activity is performed on the aboveground storage tank shell or the tank bottom plates.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the owner and operator of small aboveground storage tanks storing regulated substances with a capacity greater than 5,000 gallons and owners and operators of small aboveground storage tanks storing highly hazardous substances with a capacity greater than 1,100 gallons shall have in-service inspections conducted every 5 years or more often when corrosion, deterioration or other specific conditions necessitate. Other specific conditions may include maintenance practices, previous repairs, the nature of the substance stored and coatings or linings that should be considered when projecting tank service life and the next inspection interval. Internally lined tanks and flat bottom tanks without an interstice or external access to the tank bottom may require further evaluation or internal examination.

(d) In-service inspections shall evaluate the following:

(e) If agreed upon by the Department, an in-service inspection interval may be delayed under § 245.617 (relating to temporary removal from service (out-of-service)) for an aboveground storage tank that is temporarily removed from service. Prior to placing product in the aboveground storage tank, the delayed inspection shall be conducted, deficiencies noted during inspection shall be addressed and remedied, and an amended registration form shall be completed and submitted to the Department.