UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST)
It is required that petroleum storage tanks and filling stations be licensed and regulated to conform with minimum standards that meet basic safety, health, operational and environmental protection.
CONSTRUCTION
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UST shall as a minimum requirement be single walled of rolled carbon steel plates welded together.
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All storage tanks at retail dispensing sites shall be placed underground.
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The tank shall have a protective coating. As a minimum requirement, the tank shall be painted with a primer, and then coated with epoxy, coal tar epoxy or similar bituminous coating. Where the water table is high, additional protective coating measures must be undertaken.
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An environmental impact assessment shall be done before construction of UST, filling stations and storage tanks is permitted.
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A site soil analysis should be done to determine the type of soil, density, resistively bearing pressure and depth of water table.
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Where aggressive soils have been encouraged and where the water table is high, cathodic protection should be used for single steel walled tanks. Otherwise, secondary contained tanks, i.e., a double-walled steel tank, double walled fiberglass or jacketed steel tanks (with high density polythene or fiberglass outer wall) should be used.
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Suitable sand shall be used for both bedding and backfilling of steel tanks.
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Installed tank and pipe work shall be hydrostatically tested.
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UST to be located so that delivery trucks do not unduly block forecourt traffic.
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UST location to allow trucks to reach all fill pipes using normal hose length.
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UST location to provide a forecourt gradient that allows complete drainage of delivery truck compartments.
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UST location to allow minimum maneuvering of truck before and after delivery including ability to exit in forward direction.
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UST shall be installed to avoid traffic load and should be sufficiently protected from traffic by using barriers.
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Placement of UST under canopy should be avoided.