17.56.401    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL UST SYSTEMS

(1) Owners and operators of new and existing UST systems shall provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that:

(a) can detect a release from any portion of the tank and the connected underground piping that routinely contains product;

(b) is installed and calibrated, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;

(c) meets the performance requirements in ARM 17.56.407 or 17.56.408, with any performance claims and their manner of determination described in writing by the equipment manufacturer or installer. In addition, methods listed in ARM 17.56.407(1)(b) through (d), (h) and (i); in ARM 17.56.408(1)(a) and (b); or in ARM 17.56.1601 must be capable of detecting a leak rate or quantity specified for that method in ARM 17.56.407(1)(b) through (d), (h) and (i); in ARM 17.56.408(1)(a) and (b); or in ARM 17.56.1601 with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05; and

(d) beginning on October 13, 2021, the release detection method or a combination of methods must be operated and maintained, and electronic and mechanical components must be tested for proper operation, in accordance with one of the following:

(i) manufacturer's instructions;

(ii) a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory;

(iii) the Petroleum Equipment Institute Publication RP1200 "Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities;" or

(iv) requirements determined by the department to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the two options listed in (d)(i) and (d)(ii).

(2) A test of the proper operation of leak detection equipment must be performed at least annually and, at a minimum, as applicable to the facility, cover the following components and criteria:

(a) automatic tank gauge and other controllers:

(i) test alarm;

(ii) verify system configuration; and

(iii) test battery backup.

(b) probes and sensors:

(i) inspect for residual buildup;

(ii) ensure floats move freely;

(iii) ensure shaft is not damaged;

(iv) ensure cables are free of kinks and breaks; and

(v) test alarm operability and communication with controller.

(c) automatic line leak detector:

(i) test operation to meet applicable criteria in ARM 17.56.408(1)(a) by simulating a leak.

(d) vacuum pumps and pressure gauges:

(i) ensure proper communication with sensors and controller.

(e) hand-held electronic sampling equipment associated with groundwater and vapor monitoring:

(i) ensure proper operation.

(3) When a release detection method operated in accordance with the performance standards in ARM 17.56.407 and 17.56.408 indicates a release may have occurred, owners and operators shall notify the department in accordance with subchapter 5.

(4) Any UST system that cannot apply a method of release detection that complies with the requirements of this subchapter must complete the closure procedures in ARM Title 17, chapter 56, subchapter 7.

 

History: 75-11-505, MCA; IMP, 75-11-505, MCA; NEW, 1989 MAR p. 1912, Eff. 11/23/89; TRANS, from DHES, 1995 MAR p. 2259; AMD, 2003 MAR p. 1079, Eff. 5/23/03; AMD, 2010 MAR p. 1888, Eff. 8/27/10; AMD, 2016 MAR p. 1694, Eff. 9/24/16; AMD, 2018 MAR p. 1954, Eff. 10/6/18.