Recommended Actions for Facilities with Aboveground Storage Tanks Impacted by Fire This document lists recommended activities for facilities with aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) depending on the distance of the fire and the amount of time prior to evacuation. Remember that personal safety is always of primary importance. Further guidance can be found in the document Wildfire Guide: Preparation and Recovery for Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Systems. If Evacuation is imminent S Isolate the AST by closing the valves.* if You ha ve Hours to Prepare ¦f Remove combustibles, stored equipment, drums, and other unnecessary items from the AST area. S Print an inventory and status report from the environmental monitoring system. If unavailable, note tank inventory. S Secure power at the electrical panel. Turn off the circuit breakers to all dispensers, pumps, and air compressors. Leave the AST monitoring system turned on, if possible. S Isolate the AST by closing the valves.* S Close shear valve (also known as dispenser crash or emergency valve). S Relieve pressure from aboveground piping if there is a safe way to do so. S Take photos or video of the storage system. S Install signs that the facility is closed. if You ha ve Days to Prepare S Inspect AST for key safety device functionality, especially the emergency vents. S Inspect valves on the AST to ensure the tank can be isolated.* S Remove combustibles, stored equipment, drums, and other unnecessary items from the AST area. S Print an inventory and status report from the environmental monitoring system. If unavailable, note tank inventory. S Secure power at the electrical panel. Turn off the circuit breakers to all dispensers, pumps, and air compressors. Leave the AST monitoring system turned on, if possible. S Isolate the AST by closing the valves.* S Close shear valve (also known as dispenser crash or emergency valve). S Relieve pressure from aboveground piping if there is a safe way to do so. S Take photos or video of the storage system. S Install signs that facility is closed. Prepare for Every Season S Keep the AST area clear of brush, grass, and other combustible material. Keep surrounding areas mowed and maintained. S Inspect AST for key safety device functionality, especially the emergency vents. S Inspect valves on the AST to ensure that it can be isolated.* 1 Train staff as to the location and operation of the valves that serve to isolate the AST. «EPA EPA 510-F-23-002 December 2023 ------- Recommended Actions for Facilities with Aboveground Storage Tanks Impacted by Fire Steps to Take When Returning to AST Facilities When you first return to an AST Facility: If S Visually inspect the AST, piping, and all physical components to look for signs of damage or fire effects. S Compare the system to before photos, if available. S Compare the post fire AST inventory to the before fire inventory. Then There is significant fire damage, and the tank, piping, or equipment is deformed, melted leaking, collapsed, or showing similar states of failure ¦f The system may have failed and needs to be repaired or replaced. S Complete internal tank inspection according to appropriate industry standard if tank and its associated equipment—such as piping, appurtenances, and safety equipment—remains in service. This may include an inspection by a certified AST inspector. S Complete comprehensive electrical test and inspection by a licensed electrician; replace wiring, conduits, and components as necessary. S Test all sensors, probes, alarms, and safety devices. S Replace the affected tank, piping, and equipment. S After new replacement system is installed, test the entire system, including tanks, piping, and equipment according to NFPA 30, manufacturer instructions, applicable requirements under 40 CFR part 112, Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule (see note below) if the facility is SPCC regulated or other appropriate industry standards. S If the facility has an SPCC plan required under 40 CFR part 112, amend the plan to reflect changes to the AST There is damaged paint or other evidence that the system may have been affected by fire, but the system appears otherwise intact ¦f Complete tests of tanks and piping, according to industry standards or manufacturer instructions. S Complete comprehensive electrical test and inspection by a licensed electrician; replace wiring, conduits, and components as necessary. S Test all sensors, probes, alarms, and safety devices. S Report a discharge to applicable federal, state, local, or tribal regulatory authorities. S Complete a comprehensive physical inspection of all tanks, piping, and components. There is unexplained product loss or an inventory discrepancy -r, S Hire a licensed electrician to inspect the electrical system and restore power to The system appears . ^ ^ , ,iI the system. intact, and none of the , above conditions are "'"eSt monitoring system probes, sensors, alarms, and the emergency stop switch system. present . ' , y If at any time a system is functioning incorrectly or anything fails testing, suspend all restart work until you identify and correct the source of the problem. Note: The SPCC Rule at 40 CFR Part 112, requires certain AST facilities to prepare and implement an oil discharge prevention plan. The plans may be either professional engineer certified or self-certified by the facility owner or operator. One of the requirements of plan holders is to amend their SPCC plan when there is a change in the facility design, construction, operation, or maintenance that materially affects its potential for a discharge to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. For more information on the SPCC program, go to: www.epa.gov/oil-spills-prevention-and-preparedness-regulations. x=,EPA EPA 510-F-23-002 December 2023 ------- |