62-762.602. Release Detection Requirements for Field Erected Storage Tank Systems

(1) General requirements.

(a) Storage tank systems shall have a method or combination of methods of release detection that can detect a new release from any portion of the storage tank system.

(b) Any storage tank system without a method, or combination of methods, of release detection in accordance with this section, shall immediately provide a method of release detection, or immediately empty the storage tank system and place the affected system out-of-service, or close the system in accordance with subsection 62-762.802(3), F.A.C.

(c) Any component of a storage tank system with an interstice shall have a method of interstitial monitoring which shall be conducted in accordance with this section. Interstitial monitoring can be performed with vacuum, pressure, hydrostatic (liquid-level sensing), sensors or probes, or visual release detection methods.

(d) Except as otherwise specified in this Rule, the release detection method or combination of methods used at a facility shall be performed at least once every calendar month, but not exceeding 35 days, to determine if a release from the storage tank system has occurred.

(e) Visual inspections. At least once a month, but not exceeding 35 days, every component of a storage tank system that contains, transfers, or stores, or is designed to contain, transfer, or store regulated substances can be inspected visually shall be visually inspected and documented as to its condition pursuant to Rule 62-762.711, F.A.C. Any visual inspection of a storage tank system that reveals uncontrolled pitting corrosion, structural damage, leakage, or other similar problems is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to rule 62-762.431, F.A.C. Repairs shall be made in accordance with Rule 62-762.702, F.A.C. A visual inspection is not required for any system component using an electronic release detection method.

(f) Electronic and mechanical release detection devices shall be:

1. Installed, calibrated, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and shall be designed and installed to provide service checks for operability to ensure that the device is functioning in accordance with subsection 62-762.702(4), F.A.C.; and,

2. Registered in accordance with subsection 62-762.851(2), F.A.C., except that controllers or annunciators that are used to display leak detection test results are not required to be registered.

(g) Electronic release detection devices shall be inspected for proper operation at least once every calendar month, but not exceeding 35 days. A record or summary of the alarm history, sensor status, and testing results related to suspected releases shall be printed from any electronic release detection device. If the release detection system is not capable of printing records, a manual log shall be maintained of the alarm history, sensor status, and testing results.

(h) Release detection shall be constructed and installed so that groundwater, rainfall, or soil moisture will not render the release detection method used inoperable.

(i) Storage tank systems containing high viscosity product are exempt from all release detection requirements except for visual inspections.

(2) Storage tanks with secondary containment.

(a) One or more of the following release detection methods shall be used:

1. Liquid level monitoring systems with electronic hydrostatic sensors. These methods shall be able to detect incidents by determining changes in liquid levels within the interstice and monitoring reservoir and to provide immediate electronic notification with an audible or visual alarm to the owner or operator if liquid levels cannot be maintained. Any alarm that indicates that liquid levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-762.431, F.A.C.

2. Vacuum monitoring. This method shall be able to detect incidents by determining changes in vacuum levels within the interstice by continuous monitoring of vacuum levels and to provide immediate electronic notification with an audible or visual alarm to the owner or operator if vacuum levels can not be maintained. Any alarm that indicates that vacuum levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-762.431, F.A.C.

3. Pressure monitoring. This method shall be able to detect incidents by using an inert gas and determining changes in pressure levels within the interstice by continuous monitoring of pressure levels and to provide immediate electronic notification with an audible or visual alarm to the owner or operator if pressure levels can not be maintained. Any alarm that indicates that pressure levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-762.431, F.A.C.

4. Electronic sensors in a normally dry interstice. This method shall be able to detect the presence of liquid in the interstice or monitoring low point and to provide immediate electronic notification with an audible or visual alarm to the owner or operator if liquid is detected. Any alarm that indicates the presence of liquid is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-762.431, F.A.C.

5. Visually inspected liquid level monitoring systems. This method shall be able to detect incidents by determining changes in liquid levels within the interstice and monitoring resevoir. Any visual observation that indicates that liquid levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-762.431, F.A.C.

6. Visually inspected vacuum or pressure monitoring with gauges. This method shall be able to detect incidents by determining changes in vacuum or pressure levels within the interstice.

a. Pressure readings shall be able to detect a 50 percent change from one month to the next, or any change in pressure exceeding 50 percent of the initial level or of a pressure level that is reestablished at the time of an incident investigation or annual testing of the gauge, and for vacuum systems, any complete loss of vacuum or positive pressure reading. Vacuum or pressure refreshment must be performed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and the system’s equipment registration in subsection 62-762.851(2), F.A.C. Any change indicated above is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-762.431, F.A.C.

b. Liquid-filled gauges shall be calibrated using NIST traceable standards prior to initial operation. The gauges shall be operational at all times.

7. Visual monitoring of normally dry interstices. This method shall be able to detect the presence of liquid at a low point of the interstice. Any presence of water, other than condensate, or regulated substances in the interstice is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-762.431, F.A.C.

8. Visual monitoring of dike fields. This method shall be able to detect the presence of regulated substances at a low point in the dike field. The accumulation of water or condensation in the low point of the dike field shall not interfere with the ability to detect regulated substances. Any release of regulated substances in the dike field is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-762.431, F.A.C.

(3) Storage tanks without secondary containment.

(a) Required release detection methods.

1. Storage tanks that are exempt from secondary containment shall have monthly visual inspections performed in accordance with paragraph 62-762.602(1)(e), F.A.C.

2. Storage tanks, except those containing high viscosity product, shall have one of the following methods of release detection:

a. Electronic sensing equipment installed beneath the storage tank.

b. External monitoring using tracer or helium testing systems registered in accordance with subsection 62-762.851(2), F.A.C.

c. Another method registered in accordance with subsection 62-762.851(2), F.A.C.

(b) Performance Requirements. Single-walled release detection systems shall be designed and constructed to allow monitoring of the tank for the purpose of discovering if an incident has occurred. Single-walled release detection systems shall be constructed and installed so that groundwater, rainfall, or soil moisture will not render the testing or sampling method inoperative.

1. Electronic sensing equipment placed externally around storage tanks that involve the use of electronic sensors, probes, or fiber-optic systems shall be tested at least annually at intervals not exceeding 12 months to verify that they operate properly. Groundwater and vapor monitoring wells using the placement of sensors or probes in vertical, horizontal, or directionally-drilled wells shall be designed and installed in accordance with the equipment registration for that system.

2. Visual inspections of field erected storage tanks shall include an inspection of the exterior of each tank, the integral piping system, the dike field area, and any other storage system components.

(4) Small diameter integral piping with secondary containment associated with field erected storage tank systems shall meet the requirements of subsection 62-762.601(4), F.A.C.

(5) Bulk product piping and hydrant piping with secondary containment shall have one or more of the release detection methods in subsection 62-762.602(2), F.A.C.

(6) Bulk product and hydrant piping without secondary containment. Single-walled bulk product and hydrant piping in contact with the soil, except those containing high viscosity product, shall have one or more of the following release detection methods:

(a) An annual line pressure test performed in accordance with Recommended Practice for the Pressure Testing of Steel Pipelines for the Transportation of Gas, Petroleum Gas, Hazardous Liquids, Highly Volatile Liquids, or Carbon Dioxide, API RP 1110, (R2018), 6th Edition, February 2013, hereby adopted and incorporated by reference and, as a copyright protected document, is available for inspection at the Department of Environmental Protection or the Department of State address provided in subsection 62-762.211(1), F.A.C., or from the publisher at API, 1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005, [phone], or at http://www.api.org/, regardless of the date of installation of the piping.

(b) External monitoring shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 62-762.602(1)(d), F.A.C., if designed to detect a discharge from any portion of the integral piping. External release detection methods using fiber optic, acoustic, helium, cable, and chemical marker release detection methods shall be performed monthly, or annually at intervals not exceeding 12 months if approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory as having a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate detection capability.

(c) Internal release detection methods, other than pressure testing, which are registered in accordance with subsection 62-762.851(2), F.A.C., shall be able to detect a leak of 0.2 gallon per hour with a probability of detection of 0.95, and a probability of false alarm of 0.05. Internal release detection systems meeting the 0.2 gallon per hour threshold shall be performed annually at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Annual pigging of bulk product piping can be performed as a method of internal release detection instead of other methods specified above. The pigging must provide ultrasonic thickness, magnetic flux, or other data that demonstrates that the piping does not have holes or sources where product leaks from the pipe.

(d) Bulk product and hydrant piping not in contact with the soil shall be visually inspected in accordance with paragraph 62-762.602(1)(e), F.A.C., monthly but not exceeding 35 days.

(7) Annual operability testing of release detection systems. All release detection devices shall be tested annually at intervals not exceeding 12 months to ensure proper operation. The test must either simulate an actual alarm condition or shall be conducted according to manufacturer’s specifications, and shall include, at a minimum, a determination of whether the device operates as designed. Remote testing of the system can be performed by the manufacturer if the remote test is included in the third-party certification by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.

(8) All annual testing shall be performed at intervals not exceeding 12 months and will be deemed timely if performed within the same calendar month in which the test is due.

(9) Operability test results shall be maintained and available for inspection by the Department or county in accordance with Rule 62-762.711, F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 376.303 FS. Law Implemented 376.303, 403.091 FS. History–New 1-11-17, Amended 6-26-23.