Q: What are the inspection requirements for Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)?

A: Owners and operators must conduct monthly and annual walk-through inspections. Monthly walk-through inspections must observe spill prevention equipment and release detection equipment for the following:

• Spill prevention equipment: visually check for damage, remove liquid or debris, check for and remove obstructions in fill pipe, check the fill cap to make sure it is securely on the fill pipe, and check for leaks in interstitial area (if double-walled spill prevention equipment used).
• Release detection equipment: check that equipment is operating with no alarms or unusual conditions, and ensure records of testing are reviewed and current.

UST systems that receive deliveries at intervals greater than every 30 days may conduct a walk-through before each delivery.

Annual walk-through inspections must observe the following:

• Containment sumps: visually check for damage, check for leaks to the containment area or environment, remove liquid or debris, and check for leaks in interstitial area (if double-walled spill prevention equipment used).
• Hand-held release detection equipment: check tank gauge sticks or groundwater bailers and other devices.

Walk-through inspections may also be made according to a standard code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory that checks comparable equipment or by the implementing agency.

Recordkeeping

Owners and operators must maintain walk-through inspection records for 1 year. Records must contain information on each area checked; whether the area was acceptable or needed action taken; the corrective action taken, if necessary; and delivery records if equipment is inspected less than every 30 days due to infrequent deliveries.

Governing laws and regulations:

40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 280.36