Title: Overview of 3rd Party Inspection Program for USTs
1Overview of 3rd Party Inspection Program for
USTs
2Why An Inspection Program
- The ADEC observed numerous problems with the
management of underground storage tank (UST)
systems throughout the state. - These problems were usually the result of poor
operation and maintenance practices, and/or
general equipment failure.
3Inspection Requirement
- In 1999, the ADEC adopted new regulations which
required the inspection of regulated UST systems - Starting in 2000, tank owners were required to
have an operational inspection of USTs at their
facility every three years to receive a "tag" to
operate the tanks.
4What tanks require inspection?
- Inspection is required for all currently in use
and temporarily out of use tank systems. - This includes all government USTs.
- This includes tanks as well as piping.
- Only tanks subject to UST regulations need to be
inspected. Residential heating oil tanks are
exempt.
5When Should Tanks Be Inspected?
- Once every 3 years, an owner or operator must
hire a certified UST Inspector to ensure the UST
system is in compliance with release detection,
spill and overfill prevention and corrosion
protection. - "In compliance" means that all your equipment is
present, maintained and operating properly. - Tanks may be inspected from April 30th to August
31st. - Inspectors can inspect, repair and fill out the
inspection report.
6How does the "Tag" work?
- Once ADEC reviews your inspection results, we
will issue you an operating tag or renewal decal
within 30 days. - All inspection forms are due to ADEC no later
than September 30th. - By November 1st, the tag or renewal decal must be
posted where your petroleum distributor can see
it prior to delivery, or you may not permit the
delivery of fuel into the tank.
7Operational Tag
8How do I find an Inspector?
- ADEC no longer maintains a list of persons
qualified to perform inspections but provides a
link to the Division of Occupational Licensing
at - http//www.state.ak.us/dec/spar/csp/inspector.htm
- It is the responsibility of the UST Owner or
Operator to pay for the inspector.
9UST Operations and Maintenance Manual
- ADEC has created a UST Operations and Maintenance
Manual - This manual provides a comprehensive, easy to
read list of requirements, a series of
operational checklists, and general advice on how
to operate and maintain your UST system on a
routine basis. - This can be downloaded from the link
- http//www.state.ak.us/dec/spar/csp/o_m.htm
10What happens if I don't have 12 months of leak
detection records?
- If you pass inspection, but do not have 12 months
worth of leak detection records, further
follow-up will be required. - ADEC has drafted a Fact Sheet with the terms of
LD Probation. It is available on our web page at
http//www.state.ak.us/dec/spar/csp/ust.htmproba
tion
11LD Probation Dont Forget
- Both you and your inspector must sign the LD
Probation Agreement on the Operational Inspection
Form Certification Section (See Inspection Form) - Request that your inspector consolidate and
review LD records and submit to ADEC in one
packet. - Review LD Probation Fact Sheet.
12What happens if my tank cannot pass inspection,
Or if my tank doesn't get inspected?
- Your tank will not be allowed to receive fuel
after your current tag expires. Once the tank has
successfully passed all inspection requirements,
you will receive a decal to renew your existing
tag. - You will not need to do an inspection if you
decommission the tank, in accordance with 18 AAC
78, prior to the inspection due date. - If your expired tag is not renewed, your facility
name will be posted on ADECs Storage Tank web
site, so that delivery drivers know your tank is
not permitted to receive fuel.
13Deadlines
- Check your existing tag(s) to see when it
expires. - If it expires Oct. 31, 2004, then have your tank
inspected between April 30 to August 31, 2004 - All inspection forms are due to ADEC no later
than September 30, 2004. - Post your renewal tag decal by November 1st in a
conspicuous location where the fuel driver can
see it, or you may not permit the delivery of
fuel.
14What Have We Learned?
- ADEC inspections have shown that many UST
systems, even those with new tanks, are not being
operated properly. - Often equipment is found not functioning, broken,
or simply missing. - Many tank owners still cannot detect leaks,
spills or rust at their UST systems
15Common Violations
- The first inspection cycle is now complete and
the most common violations are - no Leak Detection records
- no Cathodic Protection records
- spill buckets full of debris, water, and fuel
- sumps contain water and
- sump sensors are set too high.
16We have also learned. . .
- Most tank systems have had at least one problem
discovered during inspection that required
fixing. The sooner you inspect, the more time you
have to correct any problems. - Inspect Early Those who wait until the end of
the inspection season may have difficulty finding
an available inspector, and having repairs
completed timely. - To save time and , be prepared for the
inspector. Have as-built drawings, Leak Detection
and Cathodic Protection records available. Dont
waste time during the inspection looking for
paperwork.
17Underground Storage Tank Facility and Leaking UST
Search
- To obtain a list of tanks at your facility, use
the UST database search at this link. - http//info.dec.state.ak.us/SPAR/CSP/UST/Search/
- Have this list of tanks ready for the inspector.
It must be included with the inspection form when
submitted to ADEC.
18Paperwork Streamlining
- Check your facility print-out to make certain
information is accurate. - Some changes can be made on the tank printout,
such as tank capacity, product or LD method. - Provide an explanation of the change on the
print-out. - Both owner and inspector must initial each
change. - Other changes, such as tank status (i.e. TOS or
closed), or change of ownership will require
filing new forms which can be obtained at
http//www.state.ak.us/dec/spar/csp/forms.htmust
19Financial Responsibility
- Starting January 1, 1998, UST owners and
operators were required to show annual proof of
Financial Responsibility (FR) to ADEC - State or federal government owners are exempt
from showing proof of FR requirements - An owner is required to have FR to be in
compliance, but failure to submit FR will not
cause you to fail your operations inspection
20Financial Responsibility cont.
- If you have not yet submitted proof of FR to
ADEC, submit ASAP or with your inspection form - Maintain a copy of your FR documents on-site or
at the owner/operators work place in case you
are audited - For additional information, visit this link
http//www.state.ak.us/dec/spar/csp/fr.htm
21More Web Page Links Resources
- Storage Tank Home Page http//www.state.ak.us/dec
/spar/csp/tanks.htm - Third Party Inspection http//www.state.ak.us/dec
/spar/csp/third.htm - Forms http//www.state.ak.us/dec/spar/csp/forms.h
tmust - The National Work Group on Leak Detection
Evaluations (NWGLDE) List of Leak Detection
Evaluations for USTs is available at this link - http//www.nwglde.org/
22Agency Phone Contacts
- David Allen (907) 269 - 7537
- Email David_Allen_at_dec.state.ak.us
- Linda Nuechterlein 907-269-7530
- E-Mail Linda_Nuechterlein_at_dec.state.ak.us
- Jackie Poston, Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) 271-5083 - If need, Sharon Sadlon at Ahtna Government
Services, Inc 907-561-2705 - E-Mail ssadlon_at_ahtnagov.com