Underground Storage Tanks

If you install an UST system after December 22, 1988, it must meet the requirements for correct installation, leak detection, and spill, overfill, and corrosion protection.

UST systems must be correctly installed. Some states may require that UST installers be certified (in addition to being qualified) to conduct this type of work. You should check with your state or territorial UST program to be sure that you follow the appropriate regulations.

Installation problems result from careless installation practices that do not follow standard industry codes and procedures. Improper installation is a significant cause of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) and steel UST failures, particularly piping failures. Installation includes excavation, tank system siting, burial depth, tank system assembly, backfilling around the tank system, and surface grading.

Many mistakes can be made during installation. For example, mishandling of the tank during installation can cause structural failure of FRP tanks or damage to steel tank coatings and cathodic protection. Improper layout of piping runs, incomplete tightening of joints, inadequate cover pad construction, and construction accidents can lead to failure of delivery piping.

You need to make sure that installers carefully follow the correct installation procedures called for by industry codes. Additional information on these industry codes should be obtained from the appropriate trade association.

Federal regulations for installation of tanks and piping (40 CFR Part 280.20 (d) and (e)) require that:

• [paragraph (d)] all tanks and piping must be properly installed in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association of independent testing laboratory and in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
• [paragraph (e)] certify on a notification form that one or more of the following methods of certification, testing, or inspection is used to demonstrate compliance with part (d), above:
  1. the installer has been certified by the tank and piping manufacturers; or
  2. the installer has been certified or licensed by the implementing agency; or
  3. the installation has been inspected and certified by a registered professional engineer with education and experience in UST system installation; or
  4. the installation has been inspected and approved by the implementing agency; or
  5. all work listed in the manufacturer's installation checklists has been completed; or
  6. the owner and operator have complied with another method for ensuring compliance with paragraph (d) of that is determined by the implementing agency to be no less protective of human health and the environment.

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