UST Release Detection This document provides compliance tips for owners and operators of underground storage tanks regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (i.e., USTs in Indian country). It does not replace the federal UST regulation. Additional information can be found at epa.gov/ust. WHAT IS RELEASE DETECTION? UST release detection (also called leak detection) is an electronic or manual method or combination of methods that help you quickly detect releases from your tank. The EPA requires owners and operators to detect releases from any portion of their UST that routinely contains regulated substances WHAT TYPE OF UST RELEASE DETECTION CAN I USE? If your UST was installed or replaced on or before April 11, 2016, you can use: ¦ automatic tank gauging. ¦ continuous in-tank leak detection. ¦ tank tightness test and inventory control (can only be used for 10 years after tank installation). ¦ another method approved by the implementing agency. If your UST was installed or replaced after April 11, 2016, you can only use secondary containment with interstitial monitoring. Install a release detection method on your UST and check it at least every 30 days. ¦ Printed copies of electronic monthly leak detection records. ¦ Written logs of manual monthly interstitial monitoring checks. ¦ Inventory records. ¦ Records of the 30-day visual equipment inspection, and annual walkthrough inspections. ¦ Records of annual release detection equipment test. statistical inventory reconciliation (SIR) interstitial monitoring, groundwater monitoring, vapor monitoring. manual tank gauging (for tanks 2,000 gallons or less). Read more about release detection in Straight Talk on Tanks at epa.gov/ust/release-detection- underground-storage-tanks-and- piping-straight-ta Ik-tanks. WHAT RECORDS SHOULD I KEEP? EPA 510-F-24-004 July 2024 ------- HOW DO I ENSURE THAT RELEASE DETECTION IS WORKING PROPERLY? If You Use This: Do This: (As Applicable) Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) Automatic Tank Gauge ===± Overfill Alarm JL ? 'S« CD CD CD CD 5;|S In-Tank Inventory Probe Product Level Float Water Level t Float Install printer paper. Make sure ATG is connected, working, and properly programmed. Make sure probe is working properly. For static testing, allow enough down time between fuel delivery and testing. Make sure adequate product is in the tank for testing. Make sure alarms function properly. Releases may go undetected if you ignore or disable the alarms. Respond to and investigate any alarms or flashing lights. Interstitial monitoring c Make sure sensor is present, properly installed, and working. If the interstitial sensor alarms, contact your service provider to find the source of the alarm and replace malfunctioning electronic sensors. If not using sensor, look for liquid at the lowest point of the UST containment and record the results. Vapor or groundwater monitoring ¦ Make sure the well and well cover is installed so that leaks cannot enter the monitoring well. ¦ Make sure the well caps are secure. ¦ Make sure the well caps are not damaged. If you use vapor monitoring or groundwater monitoring, you must keep records of a site assessment showing that the monitoring system is set up properly. Inventory control and tightness test Make sure gauge stick is not warped; its ends are not worn, broken, or shortened; and markings are clearly legible. Record readings daily. Reconcile data at the end of each month. Use water finding paste to check for water on the tank bottom and record the reading. Conduct an annual tightness test. o Have enough product in the tank to perform leak test. EPA 510-F-24-004 July 2024 ------- |