USTs It May Not Be Automatic When It Comes to Detecting Releases

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USTsIt May Not Be Automatic When It Comes to
Detecting Releases

• Presented by
• Jeffrey R. Sotek, P.E., C.S.P.
• HRP Associates, Inc.

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USTs - Background

• Definitions
• USEPA 10 of volume of storage tank and piping
  must be underground and
• Contain petroleum or certain hazardous substances

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Exemptions

• Farm and residential tanks of 1,100 gallons or
  less capacity holding motor fuel used for
  noncommercial purposes
• Tanks storing heating oil used on the premises
  where it is stored
• Tanks on or above the floor of underground areas,
  such as basements or tunnels
• Septic tanks and systems for collecting storm
  water and wastewater
• Flow-through process tanks
• Tanks of 110 gallons or less capacity and
• Emergency spill and overfill tanks.

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USEPA UST Requirements

• Spill and Overfill Protection
• Leak Detection
• Corrosion Protection

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Leak Detection

• It has slowly been recognized that the best
  hardware will not function well unless properly
  installed, programmed correctly, well monitored
  and effectively responds when an alarm is
  triggered PA DEP

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Automatic Tank Gauging Systems

• The most popular monthly monitoring method of
  detecting releases

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Why ATGs?

• Product level and temperature is monitored
  continuously and automatically analyzed
• Replaces gauge stick
• Records activities of in-service tank including
  deliveries
• Saves time and money

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Components of an ATG

• ATGs consist of
• Probe permanently installed in the tank
• Control panel contains microprocessor
• Wiring to relay information on product level and
  temperature
• Messaging Devices printer, a link to an on-site
  or off-site computer terminal, and audible/visual
  alarms

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Differences between ATG Models

• Several manufacturers
• Models differ by
• Probe Technologies Magnetostrictive, ultrasonic,
  capacitance, or mass/buoyance
• Panel Technologies Different data analysis
  software and different hardware
• Peripheral components other sensors

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What is Required?

• ATG must be installed, calibrated, operated and
  maintained properly
• ATGs must be able to detect a leak of 0.2 gallons
  per hour

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What is required?

• Monthly leak tests (leak test mode) must be
  performed to meet 0.2 gph requirement
• All monthly printouts and maintenance,
  calibration and repair records must be kept
  on-site for a year

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Vendors and Systems

• Many vendors and models
• EBW, Marconi (formerly Gilbarco), Veeder-Root,
  Omnetec)
• Systems requirement minimal product levels
  (usually greater than 50)
• Manual and continuous-in-tank systems
• Manual systems Conduct leak test every month
  when no deliveries and withdrawals occur
• Continuous-in tank systems software determines
  when enough quiet time

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Vendors and Systems

• EPA recommends all ATG systems be evaluated by
  independent third parties and certified
• Current list
• http//www.nwglde.org/

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Printouts

• Vary based on model, vendor, software
• Several reports available
• Inventory
• Monthly leak test
• Annual tightness test
• Gross Test

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Printouts
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Side Notes

• ATG generally only address the tank, dont forget
  piping
• Many leaks come from joint and connections
• ATG can be used in many ways and there are many
  ways to comply with UST requirements
• Most states have own requirements
• Many require inventory reconciliation (NY, CT,
  MI, etc.)

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News and Trends

• EPA recently issued revised performance measures
  for significant operational compliance (September
  2003).
• Next trend USTs be vapor tight as well as
  liquid tight?, CA Bill
• Some states enhancing performance

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Thank You

• Jeffrey R. Sotek, PE., C.S.P.
• Sr. Proj. Mgr.
• HRP Associates, Inc.
• 100 Saratoga Village Blvd
• Suite 27
• Malta, NY 12020
• Tel [phone]
• E jeff.sotek_at_hrpassociate.com