Virginia Law

Part IV. Release Detection

9VAC25-580-130. General requirements for all petroleum and hazardous substance UST systems.

A. Owners and operators of UST systems must provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that:

1. Can detect a release from any portion of the tank and the connected underground piping that routinely contains product;

2. Is installed and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, including routine maintenance and service checks for operability or running condition;

3. Beginning on January 1, 2021, is operated and maintained, and electronic and mechanical components are tested for proper operation, in accordance with one of the following: (i) manufacturer's instructions; (ii) a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or (iii) requirements determined by the department to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the two options listed in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection. A test of the proper operation must be performed at least annually and, at a minimum, as applicable to the facility, cover the following components and criteria:

a. Automatic tank gauge and other controllers: test alarm; verify system configuration; test battery backup;

b. Probes and sensors: inspect for residual buildup; ensure floats move freely; ensure shaft is not damaged; ensure cables are free of kinks and breaks; test alarm operability and communication with controller;

c. Automatic line leak detector: test operation to meet criteria in subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170 by simulating a leak;

d. Vacuum pumps and pressure gauges: ensure proper communication with sensors and controller; and

e. Handheld electronic sampling equipment associated with groundwater and vapor monitoring: ensure proper operation.

NOTE: The following code of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 3 of this subsection. Petroleum Equipment Institute Publication RP 1200, Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities.

4. Meets the performance requirements in 9VAC25-580-160 or 9VAC25-580-170 or Part X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter as applicable with any performance claims and their manner of determination described in writing by the equipment manufacturer or installer. In addition, the methods listed in subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9 of 9VAC25-580-160; subdivisions 1 and 2 of 9VAC25-580-170; and Part X must be capable of detecting the leak rate or quantity specified for that method in the corresponding section of the regulation with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05.

B. When a release detection method operated in accordance with the performance standards in 9VAC25-580-160, 9VAC25-580-170, or Part X of this chapter indicates a release may have occurred, owners and operators must notify the department in accordance with Part V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) of this chapter.

C. Any UST system that cannot apply a method of release detection that complies with the requirements of this part must complete the closure procedures in Part VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter. For previously deferred UST systems described in Parts I (9VAC25-580-10 et seq.) and X of this chapter, this requirement applies on or after the effective dates described in 9VAC25-580-20 A 1 b and c and 9VAC25-580-380 A 1.

Statutory Authority

§§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.34:9 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6901 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 280 and 281.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR680-13-02 § 4.1, eff. October 25, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004; Volume 26, Issue 25, eff. September 15, 2010; Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2018; Errata, 34:4 VA.R. 503 October 16, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 5, eff. November 23, 2022.

9VAC25-580-140. Requirements for petroleum UST systems.

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.

Statutory Authority

§§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.34:9 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6901 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 280 and 281.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR680-13-02 § 4.2, eff. October 25, 1989; amended, Volume 26, Issue 25, eff. September 15, 2010; Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2018; Errata, 34:4 VA.R. 503 October 16, 2017.

9VAC25-580-150. Requirements for hazardous substance UST systems.

Owners and operators of hazardous substance UST systems must provide containment that meets the following requirements and monitor these systems using subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160 at least every 30 days:

1. Secondary containment systems must be designed, constructed and installed to:

a. Contain regulated substances leaked from the primary containment until they are detected and removed;

b. Prevent the release of regulated substances to the environment at any time during the operational life of the UST system; and

c. Be checked for evidence of a release at least every 30 days.

NOTE: The provisions of 40 CFR 265.193, Containment and Detection of Releases, may be used to comply with these requirements for tanks installed before September 15, 2010.

2. Double-walled tanks must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

a. Contain a leak from any portion of the inner tank within the outer wall; and

b. Detect the failure of the inner wall.

3. External liners (including vaults) must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

a. Contain 100% of the capacity of the largest tank within its boundary;

b. Prevent the interference of precipitation or groundwater intrusion with the ability to contain or detect a release of regulated substances; and

c. Surround the tank completely (i.e., it is capable of preventing lateral as well as vertical migration of regulated substances).

4. Underground piping must be equipped with secondary containment that satisfies the requirements of this section (e.g., trench liners, double-walled pipe). In addition, underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure must be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170.

5. For hazardous substance UST systems installed before September 15, 2010, other methods of release detection may be used if owners and operators:

a. Demonstrate to the department that an alternate method can detect a release of the stored substance as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subdivisions 2 through 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 can detect a release of petroleum;

b. Provide information to the department on effective corrective action technologies, health risks, and chemical and physical properties of the stored substance, and the characteristics of the UST site; and

c. Obtain approval from the department to use the alternate release detection method before the installation and operation of the new UST system.

Statutory Authority

§§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.34:9 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6901 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 280 and 281.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR680-13-02 § 4.3, eff. October 25, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2018; Errata, 34:4 VA.R. 503 October 16, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 5, eff. November 23, 2022.

9VAC25-580-160. Methods of release detection for tanks.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 for the installation of certain release detection equipment contained in subdivisions 4 through 9 of this section.

Each method of release detection for tanks used to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-140 must be conducted in accordance with the following and be designed to detect releases at the earliest possible time for the specific method chosen:

1. Inventory control. Product inventory control (or another test of equivalent performance) must be conducted monthly to detect a release of at least 1.0% of flow-through plus 130 gallons on a monthly basis in the following manner:

a. Inventory volume measurements for regulated substance inputs, withdrawals, and the amount still remaining in the tank are recorded each operating day;

b. The equipment used is capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank's height to the nearest 1/8 of an inch;

c. The regulated substance inputs are reconciled with delivery receipts by measurement of the tank inventory volume before and after delivery;

d. Deliveries are made through a drop tube that extends to within one foot of the tank bottom;

e. Product dispensing is metered and recorded according to regulations of the Bureau of Weights and Measures of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for meter calibration within their jurisdiction; for all other product dispensing meter calibration, an accuracy of six cubic inches for every five gallons of product withdrawn is required; and

f. The measurement of any water level in the bottom of the tank is made to the nearest 1/8 of an inch at least once a month.

NOTE: Practices described in the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice RP 1621 Bulk Liquid Stock Control at Retail Outlets, may be used, where applicable, as guidance in meeting the requirements of this subsection.

2. Manual tank gauging. Manual tank gauging must meet the following requirements:

a. Tank liquid level measurements are taken at the beginning and ending of a period using the appropriate minimum duration of test value in the table below during which no liquid is added to or removed from the tank;

b. Level measurements are based on an average of two consecutive stick readings at both the beginning and ending of the period;

c. The equipment used is capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank's height to the nearest 1/8 of an inch;

d. A release is suspected and subject to the requirements of Part V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) if the variation between beginning and ending measurements exceeds the weekly or monthly standards in the following table:

e. Tanks of 550 gallons or less nominal capacity and tanks with a nominal capacity of 551 to 1,000 gallons that meet the tank diameter criteria in the table in subdivision 2 d of this section may use this as the sole method of release detection. All other tanks with a nominal capacity of 551 to 2,000 gallons may use the method in place of inventory control in subdivision 1 of this section. Tanks of greater than 2,000 gallons nominal capacity may not use this method to meet the requirements of this part.

3. Tank tightness testing. Tank tightness testing (or another test of equivalent performance) must be capable of detecting a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product while accounting for the effects of thermal expansion or contraction of the product, vapor pockets, tank deformation, evaporation or condensation, and the location of the water table.

4. Automatic tank gauging. Equipment for automatic tank gauging that tests for the loss of product and conducts inventory control must meet the following requirements:

a. The automatic product level monitor test can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product;

b. The automatic tank gauging equipment must meet the inventory control (or other test of equivalent performance) requirements of subdivision 1 of this section; and

c. The test must be performed with the system operating in one of the following modes:

(1) In-tank static testing conducted at least once every 30 days; or

(2) Continuous in-tank leak detection operating on an uninterrupted basis or operating within a process that allows the system to gather incremental measurements to determine the leak status of the tank at least once every 30 days.

5. Vapor monitoring. Testing or monitoring for vapors within the soil gas of the excavation zone must meet the following requirements:

a. The materials used as backfill are sufficiently porous (e.g., gravel, sand, crushed rock) to readily allow diffusion of vapors from releases into the excavation area;

b. The stored regulated substance, or a tracer compound placed in the tank system, is sufficiently volatile (e.g., gasoline) to result in a vapor level that is detectable by the monitoring devices located in the excavation zone in the event of a release from the tank;

c. The measurement of vapors by the monitoring device is not rendered inoperative by the groundwater, rainfall, or soil moisture or other known interferences so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days;

d. The level of background contamination in the excavation zone will not interfere with the method used to detect releases from the tank;

e. The vapor monitors are designed and operated to detect any significant increase in concentration above background of the regulated substance stored in the tank system, a component or components of that substance, or a tracer compound placed in the tank system;

f. In the UST excavation zone, the site is assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements in subdivisions a through d of this subdivision 5 and to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells that will detect releases within the excavation zone from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product; and

g. Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

6. Groundwater monitoring. Testing or monitoring for liquids on the groundwater must meet the following requirements:

a. The regulated substance stored is not readily miscible in water and has a specific gravity of less than one;

b. Groundwater is never more than 20 feet from the ground surface and the hydraulic conductivity of the soils between the UST system and the monitoring wells or devices is not less than 0.01 cm/sec (e.g., the soil should consist of gravels, coarse to medium sands, coarse silts or other permeable materials);

c. The slotted portion of the monitoring well casing must be designed to prevent migration of natural soils or filter pack into the well and to allow entry of regulated substance on the water table into the well under both high and low groundwater conditions;

d. Monitoring wells shall be sealed from the ground surface to the top of the filter pack;

e. Monitoring wells or devices intercept the excavation zone or are as close to it as is technically feasible;

f. The continuous monitoring devices or manual methods used can detect the presence of at least 1/8 of an inch of free product on top of the groundwater in the monitoring wells;

g. Within and immediately below the UST system excavation zone, the site is assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements in subdivisions a through e of this subdivision 6 and to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells or devices that will detect releases from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product; and

h. Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

7. Interstitial monitoring. Interstitial monitoring between the UST system and a secondary barrier immediately around or beneath it may be used, but only if the system is designed, constructed and installed to detect a leak from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product and also meets one of the following requirements:

a. For double-walled UST systems, the sampling or testing method can detect a leak through the inner wall in any portion of the tank that routinely contains product;

b. For UST systems with a secondary barrier within the excavation zone, the sampling or testing method used can detect a leak between the UST system and the secondary barrier:

(1) The secondary barrier around or beneath the UST system consists of artificially constructed material that is sufficiently thick and impermeable (at least 10^-6 cm/sec for the regulated substance stored) to direct a leak to the monitoring point and permit its detection;

(2) The barrier is compatible with the regulated substance stored so that a leak from the UST system will not cause a deterioration of the barrier allowing a release to pass through undetected;

(3) For cathodically protected tanks, the secondary barrier must be installed so that it does not interfere with the proper operation of the cathodic protection system;

(4) The groundwater, soil moisture, or rainfall will not render the testing or sampling method used inoperative so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days;

(5) The site is assessed to ensure that the secondary barrier is always above the groundwater and not in a 25-year flood plain, unless the barrier and monitoring designs are for use under such conditions; and

(6) Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

c. For tanks with an internally fitted liner, an automated device can detect a leak between the inner wall of the tank and the liner, and the liner is compatible with the substance stored.

8. Statistical inventory reconciliation. Release detection methods based on the application of statistical principles to inventory data similar to those described in subdivision 1 of this section must meet the following requirements:

a. Report a quantitative result with a calculated leak rate;

b. Be capable of detecting a leak rate of 0.2 gallon per hour or a release of 150 gallons within 30 days; and

c. Use a threshold that does not exceed one-half the minimum detectible leak rate.

9. Other methods. Any other type of release detection method, or combination of methods, can be used if:

a. It can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate or a release of 150 gallons within a month with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05; or

b. The department may approve another method if the owner and operator can demonstrate that the method can detect a release as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subdivisions 3 through 8 of this section. In comparing methods, the department shall consider the size of release that the method can detect and the frequency and reliability with which it can be detected. If the method is approved, the owner and operator must comply with any conditions imposed by the department on its use to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.

Statutory Authority

§§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.34:9 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6901 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 280 and 281.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR680-13-02 § 4.4, eff. October 25, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2018; Errata, 34:4 VA.R. 503 October 16, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 5, eff. November 23, 2022.

9VAC25-580-170. Methods of release detection for piping.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 for the installation of certain release detection equipment contained in subdivisions 1 through 3 of this section.

Each method of release detection for piping used to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-140 must be conducted in accordance with the following:

1. Automatic line leak detectors. Methods that alert the operator to the presence of a leak by restricting or shutting off the flow of regulated substances through piping or triggering an audible or visual alarm may be used only if they detect leaks of three gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch line pressure within one hour. An annual test of the operation of the leak detector must be conducted in accordance with subdivision A 3 c of 9VAC25-580-130.

2. Line tightness testing. A periodic test of piping may be conducted only if it can detect a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at one and one-half times the operating pressure.

3. Applicable tank methods. Except as described in subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-140, any of the methods in subdivisions 5 through 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 may be used if they are designed to detect a release from any portion of the underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances.

Statutory Authority

§§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.34:9 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6901 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 280 and 281.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR680-13-02 § 4.5, eff. October 25, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2018.

9VAC25-580-180. Release detection recordkeeping.

All UST system owners and operators must maintain records in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120 demonstrating compliance with all applicable requirements of this part. These records must include the following:

1. All written performance claims pertaining to any release detection system used, and the manner in which these claims have been justified or tested by the equipment manufacturer or installer, must be maintained for five years from the date of installation or as long as the method of release detection is used, whichever is greater. Not later than January 1, 2021, records of site assessments required under subdivisions 5 f and 6 g of 9VAC25-580-160 must be maintained for as long as the methods are used. Records of site assessments developed after January 1, 2018, must be signed by a professional engineer or professional geologist, or equivalent licensed professional with experience in environmental engineering, hydrogeology, or other relevant technical discipline acceptable to the department;

2. The results of any sampling, testing, or monitoring must be maintained for at least one year, or for another reasonable period of time determined by the department, except as follows:

a. The results of annual operation tests conducted in accordance with subdivision A 3 of 9VAC25-580-130 must be maintained for three years. At a minimum, the results must list each component tested, indicate whether each component tested meets criteria in subdivision A 3 of 9VAC25-580-130 or needs to have action taken, and describe any action taken to correct an issue;

b. The results of tank tightness testing conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160 must be retained until the next test is conducted; and

c. The results of tank tightness testing, line tightness testing, and vapor monitoring using a tracer compound placed in the tank system conducted in accordance with 9VAC25-580-390 D must be retained until the next test is conducted; and

3. Written documentation of all calibration, maintenance, and repair of release detection equipment permanently located on-site must be maintained for at least one year after the servicing work is completed or for such longer period as may be required by the department. Any schedules of required calibration and maintenance provided by the release detection equipment manufacturer must be retained for five years from the date of installation.

Statutory Authority

§§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.34:9 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6901 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 280 and 281.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR680-13-02 § 4.6, eff. October 25, 1989; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. January 1, 2018; Errata, 34:4 VA.R. 504 October 16, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 5, eff. November 23, 2022.