Virginia Law

Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems must provide release detection for tanks and piping as follows:

1. Tanks. Tanks must be monitored for releases as follows:

a. Tanks installed before September 15, 2010, must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days for releases using one of the methods listed in subdivisions 4 through 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 except that:

(1) UST systems that meet the performance standards in subdivisions 1 through 5 of 9VAC25-580-50 or subdivisions 1 through 4 of 9VAC25-580-60 may use both monthly inventory control requirements in subdivision 1 or 2 of 9VAC25-580-160, and tank tightness testing (conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160) at least every five years until 10 years after the tank was installed; and

(2) Tanks with capacity of 550 gallons or less and tanks with a capacity of 551 to 1000 gallons that meet the tank diameter criteria in subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-160 may use manual tank gauging (conducted in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-160).

b. Tanks installed on or after September 15, 2010, must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160.

2. Piping. Underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances must be monitored for releases in a manner that meets one of the following requirements:

a. Piping installed before September 15, 2010, must meet one of the following:

(1) Pressurized piping. Underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure must:

(a) Be equipped with an automatic line leak detector conducted in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170; and

(b) Have an annual line tightness test conducted in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170 or have monthly monitoring conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-170.

(2) Suction piping. Underground piping that conveys regulated substances under suction must either have a line tightness test conducted at least every three years and in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170, or use a monthly monitoring method conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-170. No release detection is required for suction piping that is designed and constructed to meet the following standards:

(a) The below-grade piping operates at less than atmospheric pressure;

(b) The below-grade piping is sloped so that the contents of the pipe will drain back into the storage tank if the suction is released;

(c) Only one check valve is included in each suction line;

(d) The check valve is located directly below and as close as practical to the suction pump; and

(e) A method is provided that allows compliance with subdivisions 2 a (2) (b), (c), and (d) of this section to be readily determined.

b. Piping installed or replaced on or after September 15, 2010, must meet one of the following:

(1) Pressurized piping must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160 and be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170.

(2) Suction piping must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160. No release detection is required for suction piping that meets the requirements of subdivisions 2 a (2) (a) through (e) of this section.