Subchapter C. SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURES

§ 13.211. Scope.

 The provisions of § §  13.211—13.217 (relating to protection of tanks in flood areas) apply for the protection of tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids that may become buoyant due to a rise in the level of the water table or due to their location in an area that may be subjected to flooding.

 (a)  Each vertical tank shall be located so that its top extends above the maximum flood stage by at least 30% of its allowable storage capacity.

 (b)  Horizontal tanks located so that more than 70% of the tank’s storage capacity will be submerged at the established flood stage shall be anchored; attached to a foundation of concrete or of steel and concrete of sufficient weight to provide adequate load for the tank when filled with flammable or combustible liquid and submerged by flood water to the established flood stage; or adequately secured from floating by other means. Tank vents or other openings which are not liquidtight shall be extended above maximum flood stage water level.

 (c)  A dependable water supply shall be available for filling an empty or partially filled tank, except that where filling the tank with water is impractical or hazardous because of the tank’s contents, tanks shall be protected by other means against movement or collapse.

 (d)  Spherical or spheroid tanks shall be protected by applicable methods as specified for either vertical or horizontal tanks.

   The provisions of this §  13.212 amended June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (5169) to (5170).

 (a)  At locations where there is an ample and dependable water supply available, underground tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids, so placed that more than 70% of their storage capacity will be submerged at the maximum flood stage, shall be so anchored, weighted or secured as to prevent movement when filled or loaded with water and submerged by flood water to the established flood stage. Tank vents or other openings which are not liquid tight shall be extended above maximum flood stage water level.

 (b)  At locations where there is no ample and dependable water supply or where filling of underground tanks with water is impractical because of the contents, each tank shall be safeguarded against movement when empty, and submerged by high ground water or flood water by anchoring or by securing by other means. Each such tank shall be so constructed and installed that it will safely resist external pressures if submerged.

   The provisions of this §  13.213 amended June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (5170) to (5171).

 The filling of a tank to be protected by water loading shall be started as soon as flood waters are predicted to reach a dangerous flood stage. Where independently fueled water pumps are relied upon, sufficient fuel shall be available at all times to permit continuing operations until all tanks are filled. Tank valves shall be closed and locked in closed position when water loading has been completed.

   The provisions of this §  13.214 amended June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (5171).

 (a)  Operating instructions or procedures to be followed in a flood emergency shall be readily available.

 (b)  Personnel relied upon to carry out flood emergency procedures shall be informed of the location and operation of valves and other equipment necessary to effect the intent of these requirements.

   The provisions of this §  13.215 amended June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (5171) to (5172).

   The provisions of this §  13.216 reserved June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (5172).

   The provisions of this §  13.217 reserved June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (5172) to (5173).

   This section cited in 37 Pa. Code §  13.4 (relating to anchorage); 37 Pa. Code §  13.23 (relating to anchorage); and 37 Pa. Code §  13.211 (relating to scope).

PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL OR ABANDONMENT OF TANKS

§ 13.221. Tanks temporarily out of service.

 (a)  If an underground tank is taken out of service for a period of 3 months or less, the following procedures apply:

   (1)  Remove all liquid that can be pumped out with the service pump.

   (2)  Cap the fill line, gauge opening, and pump suction, and secure against tampering.

   (3)  Leave the vent line open.

 (b)  If an underground tank is taken out of service for a period exceeding 3 months, the fire marshal shall be notified and the following procedures apply:

   (1)  Comply with the requirements of subsection (a), except that all flammable or combustible liquids shall be removed and the tank completely filled with water. Note that the owner is responsible for ensuring that the tank remains completely filled with water until such time as it is returned to service, removed or abandoned in place.

   (2)  Comply with §  13.27 (relating to leaking underground tanks) in cases of tanks that are leaking or incapable of maintaining full capacity of water.

   The provisions of this §  13.221 amended June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (5173).

 (a)  An underground tank shall be deemed abandoned for failure to comply with the provisions of §  13.221 (relating to tanks temporarily out of service). If a tank is to be abandoned, the fire marshal shall be notified and he may order its removal or abandonment in place. The following procedures apply when removing such tank:

   (1)  Remove all liquid from tank and connecting lines.

   (2)  Disconnect the suction, inlet, gauge, and vent lines. Remove sections of connecting lines that are not to be further used and cap or plug open ends.

   (3)  Cap or plug tank inlets and outlets, and keep them capped or plugged during transportation of the tank.

   (4)  After removal, the tank shall be gas freed on the premises if it may be done safely at that location or shall be transported to an area not accessible to the public and the gas freeing completed at that location.

   (5)  If a tank is to be disposed of as junk, it shall be retested for flammable vapors and rendered gas free. After junking and before releasing to junk dealer, the tank shall be punctured with holes to render it unfit for further use.

 (b)  The following procedures shall be followed if a tank is to be abandoned in place:

   (1)  Remove all liquid from the tank and connecting lines.

   (2)  Disconnect the suction, inlet gauge, and vent lines.

   (3)  Fill the tank and remaining stubs completely with a nonshrinking inert solid material and cap all tank inlets and outlets.

   The provisions of this §  13.222 amended June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (5173) to (5174).

 The fire marshal shall be notified when an aboveground tank is to be abandoned. Additionally, the tank shall be emptied of all product, cleaned and gas freed. All tank valves and piping shall be secured. The fire marshal may require dismantling of the tank.

   The provisions of this §  13.226 amended June 22, 1984, effective June 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2131. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (28683).