This recommended practice covers procedures for the closure in place, removal, storage, and of-site disposal of underground storage tank (UST) systems that have contained petroleum liquids. In general, it outlines requirements, procedures, and operating conditions to be followed by contractors, engineers, and other individuals who may be involved in these practices. While this recommended practice specifcally addresses underground petroleum storage tank systems at service station facilities, the principles outlined may be applied to similar systems used at other petroleum storage facilities. In addition, the principles may be applied to specialized chemicals not specifcally addressed by this recommended practice, taking into account the appropriate diferences in physical, chemical, and human and environmental efects that may be hazardous.
Under applicable federal regulations, including 40 CFR Part 280, a UST system consists of the UST and the connected underground piping, underground ancillary equipment, and containment system, if any. The procedures outlined in this recommended practice can be applied to all portions of an UST system.
The procedures outlined in this recommended practice should be performed without entering the tank. If tank entry is required, the procedures outlined in NFPA 326, API Standard 2015, API Recommended Practice 1631, and API Publication 2217A should be followed (see also 29 CFR Part 1910.146 regarding “Permit required confned space”).
