1. Releases Detecting, Preventing,
Reporting

2. NOTICE
Ecology will “RED TAG” any UST system that
does not have required spill prevention,
overfill prevention, leak detection, or corrosion
protection equipment

3. Release Detection
Methods/Equipment
Tank Release Detection
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Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG)
Interstitial Monitoring
Inventory Control
Manual Tank Gauging
Piping Release Detection
 Automatic Line Leak Detector
 Annual Line Tightness Testing
 Interstitial Monitoring or Sump Sensors
One form of release detection must be performed.
Example: If ATG is not operating you must use another from of detection such as
SIR to stay operational

4. Cathodic Protection System
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Performance standard requirement for a
steel UST
Coated with a dielectric
External corrosion protection
Must be designed by a field corrosion
expert
Current then flows through the soil to the
UST system and returns to the rectifier
through an insulated wire attached to the
UST. The UST system is protected because
the current going to the UST system
overcomes the corrosion-causing current
normally flowing away from it.
Must be tested when installed every 3
years thereafter.

5. Release Detection Equipment

6. Dispenser
This is a typical gasoline-product dispenser. A containment basin is located
underneath to collect any product that is released due to a malfunction in or
below the dispenser . Any liquid in the catch basin must be removed and
disposed of properly. Tanks must be monitored every 30 days for leak
detection (frequent testing is encouraged for early leak detection).

7. Spill Bucket
This photos shows a typical fill sump. Surrounding the fill is a spill
bucket that collects small releases of fuel during delivery and
rainwater. Fill sumps should be kept free of debris and dry.

8. Release Detection
 UST owners/operators must be able to detect a release from tanks or
connected piping. Systems must be monitored every 30 days for releases
 You must keep 5 years of release detection records
 Equipment must have 95% confidence of detecting a leak from any portion
of the system routinely containing product
 Equipment must be installed, calibrated, operated, and maintained per
manufacturer’s specifications , including routine maintenance
 It must meet certain performance claims
 You must use approved equipment, and it may only be installed and
serviced by certified technicians

9. Release Detection
 Tanks of 1,000 gallons or less may use weekly tank gauging
 Emergency generator tanks of less than 2,000 gallons may use monthly
tank gauging in conjunction with annual tightness test, over 2,000 gallons
must use weekly testing in conjunction with annual tightness test
 tightness testing every five years, daily inventory control, automatic tank
gauging, vapor monitoring, ground water monitoring, can be used as a
form of tank leak detection in performance requirements of section
WAC 173-360-345
 An automatic line leak detector or line tightness testing conducted by a
citified UST supervisor can be used as a form of pipe leak detection for
pressurized or suction piping in performance requirements of section
WAC 173-360-350

10. Release Detection
Keep all records and paperwork onsite or readily
available on release detection methods, including:
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Performance Claims
Third-Party Evaluations
Testing Results
Calibration, Maintenance, and Repair

11. Release Detection
 Both a suspected or confirmed release from tanks/piping must be reported to the
EcologyWITHIN24 HOURS (see regional contact numbers for your area on map below)
 Suspected releases must be investigated within 7 days of discovery
 If you have a tank with a confirmed release, product cannot be delivered to that tank.
 It is highly recommended that the leaking tank be emptied
 You must lock the fill pipe
 Emergency spills to waterways like catch basins contact number is 1-800-258-5990
(Emergency Operations Center of the Dept of Management)
Reference: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/91br11.pdf

12. Checking Product Level
A tank-gauging stick is one method for daily inventory control to determining
level of product in the UST. Use the stick daily to cross-reference with sales
and delivery volume as one method of UST leak detection. (measure to 1/8 of
an inch)
At least two forms of leak detection is recommended such as tightness
testing and automatic tank gauging if tank is larger than 1000 gallons

14. Statistical Inventory Reconciliation (SIR)
An outside vendor that analyzes inventory, delivery, and
dispensing data collected over a period of time to determine
whether or not a tank system is leaking
Information must be sent in monthly and Report kept on
site
The vendor uses sophisticated computer software to
conduct a statistical analysis of the data and provides you
with a test report
Equivalent to tank tightness testing, a SIR method must be
able to detect a leak at least as small 0.1 gallons per hour and
meet the federal regulatory requirements
SIR meets federal leak detection requirements for new and
existing USTs as follows with a:
0.2 gallon per hour leak detection capability meets
the federal requirements for monthly monitoring
for the life of the tank and piping
0.1 gallon per hour leak detection capability meets
the federal requirements as an equivalent to tank
tightness testing

15. Automatic Tank Gauging
A method of leak detection is automatic tank gauging. An ATG machine like
the one pictured here has sensors that provide information like UST
product levels and also detects leaks and water in the system. Sensors are
located throughout the UST system. Most ATGs have a loud, audible alarm
to notify facility personnel when a release is detected.

16. Automatic Tank Gauge Alarm

17. Automatic Tank Gauge Reports

18. Automatic Tank Gauge Reporting
 Daily
ATG performs a leak test and will alarm if not in compliance with federal
requirement leak rate of 0.2 gph from any portion of the tank
 Monthly
Recommended - keep one passing leak test printout per month for each
tank
 Annually
ATG equipment inspected and calibrated
Must be placed in test mode and report kept on file at site

19. Automatic Tank Gauge Reporting
Keep the following records for 5
years
 Monthly ATG leak-test results printouts
 All calibration, maintenance and repair records for the ATG

20. Record Keeping
 ALL PERFORMANCE CLAIMS, TESTING RESULTS, CALIBRATIONS, AND
MAINTENANCE, ETC., MUST BE KEPT FOR 5 YEARS
 Report suspected and confirmed releases within 24 hours
 Keep records of the following:
 Released substances
 Product found in soil
 Unexplained water in tanks, pipes, and spill buckets
 Alarm logs and response
 Erratic behavior in equipment unless found to be defective, not
leaking

21. Record Keeping
 You must keep records of all written performance claims pertaining to
any release-detection system used and the 3rd party evaluation and
approval
 Keep results of any sampling, equipment testing, or monitoring for 5
years
 Keep written documentation of all calibration, maintenance, and repair
of release detection equipment permanently located onsite or readily
available
 Any leak test results or other observations or results indicating a
release must be reported within 24 hours as a suspected release