§ 34-1021. UST testing requirements.

(a)

Each permittee shall perform precision testing of UST systems regulated by this division on a periodic basis as required by subsection (b) of this section unless the permitted facility is exempt from such testing pursuant to Section 34-1022 of this division.

(b)

Each regulated facility shall perform precision tank testing of each permitted UST on a periodic basis according to the age and condition of each UST and the requirements of 30 TAC Chapter 334, Underground and Aboveground Storage Tanks.

(c)

Each permittee shall provide as part of the monitoring plan the name and address of the tank testing company which will be used to perform required testing, the type of test that will be performed, and the date and times when the tests will be performed. The precision tank test shall be performed on each tank by a competent, trained independent agent, who has filed a statement of operation procedures and qualifications, including third-party certifications as applicable, with the resource protection and compliance department.

(d)

For the purpose of complying with this division, a "precision tank test" is defined as a tank test which can measure leak rates of at least 0.10 gallon per hour (g.p.h.), can accurately correct measurements for tank wall deflections due to the increased hydrostatic pressure in the tank, can accurately correct measurements for changes in the specific volume of the liquid due to temperature gradients, and can detect any changes in temperature during the tank test, as identified in the National Fire Protection Association National Fire Codes, Section 329, entitled "Recommended Practices."

(e)

Each UST tested pursuant to this division shall be tested using an approved underfill method and each test shall exceed a minimum of one hour in duration. Each tank which fails a tank test shall be immediately taken out of service until proper repairs or replacement have been completed. The resource protection and compliance department shall be notified immediately of any failed tank test.

(f)

Each precision tank test shall also detect leaks in the product piping in the system. Piping shall be tested using a precision test method capable of detecting both pressure and volume changes during the test.

(g)

Release detection methods for piping should meet or exceed all requirements of 40 CFR 280.40, 280.41, and 280.44 or equivalent TNRCC requirements as provided in 30 TAC 334. The test method shall also be capable of performing the required operational test of all mechanical line leak detectors. The test method operator shall have an up to date validation document for test method. The line leak detector used in each test shall be capable of detecting a 0.010 g.p.h. release from pressurized piping at one and one half times operating pressure or a 0.025 g.p.h. release from suction piping at a minimum test pressure of 5 p.s.i.g. Additionally, the line leak detector shall be capable of determining a bleed back for each line test as a quality control function. Bleed back test tolerance is that defined by the line test equipment manufacturer. Hydrostatic tests of suction and pressurized piping shall exceed a minimum of one hour duration. Line leak detector operators shall have a valid certification from the manufacturer for operation of the line leak detector equipment.

(h)

Failure to perform UST testing as required by this section, or use of a UST system which has failed a tank or piping test before repair and reinspection shall constitute a violation of this division.

(Ord. No. 83200, § 1(App. I), 11-16-95; Ord. No. 2006-02-16-0241, § 5, 2-16-06)