Aboveground Storage Tank Requirements (AST)
Any storage container of at least 55 gallons that is completely aboveground, partially buried (<10%), or located in a bunker or subterranean vault is considered an aboveground storage tank, or AST. The majority of storage tanks hold petroleum products, so ASTs pose a significant threat to the environment. To prevent leaks, ASTs are regulated by the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) rule. This course will summarize the SPCC regulations that apply to aboveground storage tanks.
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Course Details
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify an aboveground storage tank
- Explain the SPCC rule and how it applies to aboveground storage tanks (ASTs)
- Outline secondary containment requirements
- Describe inspection and integrity testing requirements
- Explain safe methods for transferring product into an aboveground storage tank
- List acceptable overfill protection options
- Detect leaks and spills
- Summarize the purpose and components of a spill response plan
Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an aboveground storage tank?
Any storage container of at least 55 gallons that is completely aboveground, partially buried (<10%), or located in a bunker or subterranean vault is considered an aboveground storage tank.
How are aboveground storage tanks regulated?
Facilities with a single storage with a capacity greater than 660 gallons, a total aboveground storage capacity of at least 1,320 gallons, or combined underground storage capacity greater than 42,000 gallons are subject to the Spill Protection, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) rule.
How can ASTs be protected against corrosion?
Cathodic protection is one way to prevent corrosion.
How often should ASTs be inspected?
The SPCC rule doesn’t define inspection frequencies, but industry standards can be used to develop appropriate inspection schedules.
What should be included in a Spill Response Plan?
A spill response plan should include information that will help minimize the effects of a spill, such as the storage tank locations and capacities, delivery frequencies, location of sensitive areas (wetlands) and appropriate spill response procedures and materials.
Sample Video Transcript
An inspection program should include inspection procedures and frequency, the equipment to be inspected, and the people who will perform the inspections. This program must be documented in the facilities SPCC plan. Inspections should focus on tank foundations, connections, coatings, tank walls, the piping system and accessories such as valves and sensors. Both external inspections conducted when the tank is in use and internal inspections when the tank is out of service are needed to discover tank issues. Tracking tank inventory is another method to make sure there are no leaks and the correct amount of product has been purchased and delivered. Inventory data should be collected and reconciled on a regular basis. Typically, inventory data is collected daily and then reconciled monthly.
Additional Resources
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – www.epa.gov
- Aboveground Storage Tanks – https://www.epa.gov/ust/aboveground-storage-tanks
- Regulatory information – https://www.epa.gov/regulatory-information-topic/regulatory-information-topic-land-and-cleanup
