Checklist: Above Ground Storage Tanks

Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Information
Shop Tour Stop #1
The following questions and guidance are taken from the
Consolidated Screening Checklist For Automotive Repair Facilities.
A ‘√’ next to a response in the guide indicates that is the preferred response in terms of environmental compliance. If you select a response without a ‘√’, you may still be in compliance; however, you should verify that you are in compliance by contacting the appropriate federal or state regulatory agency and discussing your activity with them. ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKSDoes the facility have aboveground storage tanks (ASTs)?

Yes–Facility has aboveground storage tanks.

 

No–Facility does not have aboveground storage tanks.

Do ASTs meet or exceed NFPA 30A requirements?

For facilities with fleet vehicle service stations, all ASTs must meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements under NFPA 30A Automotive and Marine Service Station Code and NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.NFPA defines a fleet vehicle service station as a ‘portion of a commercial, industrial, governmental, or manufacturing property where liquids used as fuels are stored and dispensed into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles that are used in connection with such businesses…’ NFPA 30A Automotive and Marine Service Station Code requirements address the following:

  • Tank location and capacity
  • Control of spillage
  • Vaults
  • Fire-resistant tanks
  • Piping and ancillary equipment
  • Physical protection
  • Corrosion protection
  • Tank filling operations.

Requirements under NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code include the following:

  • Tanks
    • Design and construction
    • Installation
    • Storage tank buildings
    • Supports, foundationa and anchorage for all tank locations
    • Operating instructions
    • Sources of ignition
    • Testing and maintenance
    • Fire protection
    • Prevention of overfilling of tanks and
    • Leak detection and inventory records for underground storage tanks.
  • Piping systems
    • Materials for piping, valves, and fittings
    • Pipe joints
    • Supports
    • Protection against corrosion
    • Underground piping
    • Valves
    • Testing and
    • Identification.

Note: For more information call NFPA at (617) 770-3000 or access their website at www.nfpa.org

Yes–Tanks meet or exceed NFPA requirements.  √

 

No–Tanks do not meet NFPA requirements.

 

N/A–Facility does not have ASTs.

 

Does the facility inspect ASTs on a periodic basis for leaks and other hazardous conditions?

If regulated under the SPCC program, facilities must inspect ASTs on a periodic basis for evidence of leaks or other hazardous conditions (e.g., rust, structural deterioration,etc) See “Emergency Spill Procedures” for additional information.

Yes–Facility inspects ASTs on a periodic basis.  √

 

No–Facility does not inspect ASTs on a periodic basis.

 

N/A–Facility does not have aboveground storage tanks, or ASTs are not subject to SPCC requirements.

 

Source: U.S. EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, EPA 305-B-03-004, October 2003.

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