Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
Underground storage tanks (USTs) are essential for storing various hazardous and non-hazardous materials but require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure their safe operation. An effective UST inspection checklist is key to keeping these tanks in proper working order while complying with government regulations. This guide will cover the basics of creating a comprehensive UST inspection checklist and the benefits of having one in place. With this knowledge, you can ensure your underground storage tanks are up to code and functioning properly.
What are Underground Storage Tanks?
Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) are containers, usually made of steel or fiberglass, buried beneath the ground to store liquids, primarily petroleum products and hazardous substances. USTs are commonly used at gas stations, industrial facilities, and commercial establishments for storing fuel, oil, and other chemicals. The capacity of these tanks can range from a few hundred to several thousand gallons.
Government Regulations Surrounding USTs
USTs have been widely used for their ability to save space and reduce the risk of spills, fires, and explosions. However, they can pose significant environmental and health risks if not properly maintained or monitored over time. Leaks and spills from USTs can contaminate soil, groundwater, and surface water, potentially harming humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Governments and regulatory agencies have established strict guidelines and regulations for the installation, operation, maintenance, and removal of USTs to mitigate these risks. These regulations typically include the following:
- Design and Construction Standards: Ensuring that USTs are built with corrosion-resistant materials and equipped with leak detection systems.
- Registration and Permitting: Requiring owners/operators to register their USTs with the appropriate authorities and obtain necessary permits for installation, operation, and removal.
- Inspection and Monitoring: Mandating regular inspections and monitoring of USTs to detect leaks, assess structural integrity, and also ensure compliance with regulations.
- Leak Prevention and Response: Implementing measures to prevent leaks, such as secondary containment systems, and establishing protocols for responding to leaks and spills.
- Closure and Removal: Providing guidelines for the proper closure and removal of USTs that are no longer in use or have reached the end of their service life. It includes site assessment, soil and groundwater remediation, and disposal of contaminated materials.
The management of USTs is crucial to protect the environment and public health from the harmful effects of leaks and spills and to ensure these storage systems’ safe and efficient operation.
Importance of Underground Storage Tank Maintenance
Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) play a vital role in storing fuels, chemicals, and other hazardous substances. However, they can pose significant environmental and health risks if not properly maintained. This article explores the importance of UST maintenance and the various aspects of ensuring their safe operation.
Protecting the Environment
One of the primary reasons for maintaining USTs is to prevent leaks and spills that can contaminate soil, groundwater, and surface water. Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues, such as corrosion or structural damage before they lead to leaks. By addressing these problems in a timely manner, UST owners can minimize the environmental impact and protect surrounding ecosystems.
Safeguarding Public Health
Leaking USTs can release hazardous substances into the environment, potentially affecting drinking water sources and posing health risks to nearby communities. Proper maintenance, including routine inspections and leak detection systems, ensures that leaks are identified and addressed quickly, thus reducing the risk to public health.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
Governments and regulatory agencies have established strict guidelines and regulations for the installation, operation, and maintenance of USTs. Maintaining USTs in accordance with these regulations helps owners avoid penalties, fines, and legal liabilities associated with non-compliance.
Preserving Assets and Reducing Costs
Proper maintenance of USTs can extend their service life and optimize their performance. By identifying and addressing issues early, owners can avoid costly repairs or replacements resulting from severe damage or failure. Additionally, well-maintained USTs are less likely to cause environmental contamination, which can lead to expensive cleanup and remediation efforts.
How to Mitigate Releases From Underground Storage Tank Systems
Preventing releases from underground storage tank (UST) systems is essential for protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity. Here are some strategies to help prevent releases:
Utilize and Maintain Monthly Release Detection Methods
Regularly performing release detection tests on your UST system can help identify potential leaks or issues before they become severe problems. Some common release detection methods include:
- Automatic tank gauging systems
- Interstitial monitoring
- Statistical inventory reconciliation
- Groundwater monitoring wells
- Vapor monitoring wells
Ensure that these methods are properly maintained and calibrated to provide accurate results.
Be Mindful of Potential Warning Signs During Inspections
Conduct regular walkthrough inspections of your UST facility to identify potential issues. Be vigilant and watch out for warning signs such as:
- Unusual odors around the tank area
- Dead vegetation near the tank or piping
- Stains or discoloration on the ground or pavement
- Unexplained changes in product levels or inventory discrepancies
- Signs of corrosion, cracks, or damage to the tank or piping system
Address any issues immediately to prevent releases from occurring.
Practice Efficient Recordkeeping
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records is crucial for preventing releases. Keep track of the following information:
- Inventory records, including product deliveries and dispensing data
- Release detection test results and maintenance records
- Walkthrough inspection reports and corrective actions taken
- Tank and piping system installation and repair documentation
- Employee training records and certifications
Proper recordkeeping will help identify trends or issues that may require attention and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implement Routine Maintenance and Monitoring
Establish a routine maintenance schedule for your UST system, including regular cleaning, inspection, and testing of all components. Monitor the performance of your system to detect any changes that may indicate potential issues.
Train Employees on Proper UST System Operation and Safety
Educate your employees on the correct operation and maintenance of your UST system, emphasizing the importance of preventing releases. Provide ongoing training to ensure employees are knowledgeable about safety procedures and prepared to respond to emergencies.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of releases from underground storage tank systems, protecting the environment and public health.
What is an Underground Storage Tank Inspection Checklist?
An Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspection Checklist is a comprehensive list of items and guidelines used by inspectors, owners, and operators to evaluate UST systems’ condition, safety, and compliance. The primary goal of this checklist is to ensure that USTs are operating properly, adhering to regulatory requirements, and minimizing the risk of leaks or environmental contamination.
What To Include in an Underground Storage Tank Inspection Checklist?
An Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspection Checklist should include a comprehensive list of items to assess UST systems’ condition, safety, and compliance. Here are some essential items to include in a UST Inspection Checklist:
- [ ] General Information: Record basic data about the UST, such as location, owner/operator details, tank capacity, installation date, and type of stored substance.
- [ ] Visual Inspection: Examine visible components of the UST system, including fill and dispenser areas, spill containment devices, and overfill prevention equipment, checking for signs of wear, damage, or potential leaks.
- [ ] Corrosion Protection: Evaluate corrosion protection methods in place, such as cathodic protection systems or tank lining, ensuring they function correctly and provide adequate protection against corrosion.
- [ ] Leak Detection: Assess leak detection systems installed, including automatic tank gauging systems or groundwater monitoring wells, confirming their proper operation and effectiveness in detecting leaks.
- [ ] Piping and Valves: Inspect piping, valves, and fittings for signs of corrosion, damage, or leaks, and also verify proper installation and maintenance.
- [ ] Secondary Containment: Review secondary containment measures, such as double-walled tanks or containment sumps. Ensure they are intact and capable of preventing leaks from reaching the environment.
- [ ] Vents and Overfill Prevention: Check the condition and functionality of vent pipes, overfill prevention valves, and alarms. Ensure they work correctly and prevent overfills or pressure buildup.
- [ ] Documentation and Recordkeeping: Verify required documentation, such as UST registration, permits, maintenance records, and testing results, ensuring compliance with regulations and proper recordkeeping practices.
- [ ] Emergency Preparedness: Evaluate emergency response plans, training, and equipment, such as spill kits and fire extinguishers, to ensure preparedness for potential incidents involving the UST system.
- [ ] Regulatory Compliance: Assess the UST system’s adherence to local, state, and federal regulations. Identify any violations or areas requiring corrective action.
- [ ] Housekeeping: Inspect the general cleanliness and organization of the UST area. Look for signs of spills, leaks, or debris that could pose safety risks or environmental hazards.
- [ ] Release Detection Testing: Confirm that the required release detection tests, such as tank tightness testing or automatic line leak detector testing, have been performed within the specified timeframes and that the results are documented.
Create Underground Storage Tank Inspection Checklists Using a Low-code Platform
If you’re looking for an easier and more efficient way to create UST inspection checklists, a low-code development platform such as DATAMYTE is one of the best options. With DATAMYTE, you can quickly and easily build custom applications that streamline your UST inspection process, providing checklist creation tools to help ensure compliance with regulations and minimize risks.
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a low-code workflow automation software with a built-in checklist and smart form builder. This feature, along with its drag-and-drop interface, allows you to create any checklist and form template you need.
To create a checklist or form template using DATAMYTE, follow these steps:
- Log in to DATAMYTE and navigate to the ‘Checklist’ module.
- Click “Create Checklist” to create a new checklist or form template.
- Add a Title to the checklist or form template; select the category in which it belongs.
- Click “Add Item” to add items to the checklist or form template.
- Add appropriate descriptions to each item, the type of answer it requires, and other relevant specifications.
- Assign the personnel responsible for completing the checklist.
- Indicate any required approvals from other relevant personnel, such as supervisors or quality assurance managers.
- Save your checklist; it will now be available on any device. You can also print a physical copy of your checklist.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, a systematic review of critical process steps. This auditing method focuses on the areas with the highest risk of failure or non-compliance. By conducting LPA using DATAMYTE, you can effectively identify and correct defects before they escalate.
With DATAMYTE, you have the perfect solution for creating and implementing underground storage tank inspection checklists. Book a demo with us today to learn how DATAMYTE can help you streamline your UST inspection process!
Conclusion
If your business involves underground storage tanks, it’s essential to be familiar with the necessary UST inspection checklist and how to create one. Taking advantage of a checklist during your inspections guarantees that all regulatory requirements are met and that your UST system is in good working condition. For a more effortless and efficient way to create checklists for your UST inspection process, try using a low-code development platform such as DATAMYTE.
