SOLUTIONS for Fuel Handling & Service Station Equipment.


State Requirements

Petroleum Solutions is dedicated to inform and update our clients about state regulations and requirements.  Here are some areas of interest, Click a section below:












If you have any further questions about State Requirements on underground or aboveground storage tanks, feel free to contact Bill Morris at our McAllen office at 956-686-9582. 

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NEW! TCEQ Approves Class A/B Operator Training Course!

TCEQ announced the approval of TPCA's Class A/B UST Facility Operator Training Course, offered by 360training as an Online course.  Be sure to check the TCEQ website for additional approved courses as they become available.  
 
To view a description of the Class A/B Operator Training Course- Click Here
 
For additional information about this course and contact information - Click Here
 
To sign up for the TPCA Class A/B UST Facility Operator Training Course - Click Here


Subchapter N: Operator Training
 
The new subchapter incorporaties requirements from the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 that requries training persons responsible for the on-site operation and maintenance of UST systems by August 8, 2012.
 
This subchapter establishes training requirements for different classes of underground storage tank (UST) facility operators to enhance the protection of the state's groundwater and surface water resources from environmental contamination that could result from any releases of harmful substances stored in such systems, and to minimize threats to human health and safety which could result from the improper operation of a UST facility.
 
Adopted February 23, 2011                                                    Effective March 17, 2011

To view operator training requirements, go to "Frequently Asked Questions" and look for "New TCEQ Rules".
 
 

Amended TCEQ Regulations Effective March 17, 2011 

 Amendements to TCEQ Subchapter C Technical Standards (inspection of sumps)

§334.42. General Standards

WHAT WAS CHANGED

TCEQ adopts the amendement to §334.42 (i) by: (1) specifying which UST sumps must be inspected and kept liquid and debris free; (2) specifying that liquid and debris found during any agency or agency-authorized inspections must also be removed and properly disposed; and (3) allowing more time for removal and proper disposal of liquid and debris.

WHAT THE AMENDED RULE SAYS
 (i) Any sumps (including dispenser sumps) or manways installed prior to January 1, 2009, which are utilized as an integral part of a UST release detection system to monitor the interstitial space of a secondarily contained piping system, and overspill containers or catchment basins installed at any time, which are associated with a UST system must be inspected at least once every 60 days to assure that their sides, bottoms, and any penetration points are mainted liquid tight. Any liquid or debris found in them during that inspection or an agency or agency-authorized inspection must be removed and properly disposed of within 96 hours of discovery.

 

Adopted February 23, 2011                                                 Effective March 17, 2011
 



Note: Secondary containment for UST systems includes jacketed tanks and flexible piping as well as double-wall tanks & piping meeting the requirements for secondary containment of tanks and piping.

§334.45. Technical Standards for New UST Systems

WHAT WAS CHANGED
 
Section 334.45(d)(1)(E)(ii) is amended to increase the amount of existing piping that can be replaced without triggering secondary containment requirements from 20% to 35% and by stating that if the replaced protion of existing piping exceeds 35% or connects to a new dispenser, only the replaced portion of piping would need to be secondarily contained to better facilitate and encourage owners to make a tank system upgrades when necessary. 

WHAT THE AMENDED RULE SAYS

 (d) Secondary containment for UST systems.

(1) Applicability.

 

(E) Requirements applicable to new tanks, lines and/or dispensers (including related sumps or manways) installed on or after January 1, 2009:

 

(ii) Up to 35% of the total original length of an existing single wall line can be replaced with new single wall line in accordance with applicable requirements of this subchapter without triggering the secondary containment requirement for that line, unless the new line segment connects the existing line to a new dispenser. If more that 35% of the totatl original length of an existing single wall line is to be replaced, or the new line segment connects the existing line to a new dispenser, that line segment must be replaced with a line which incorporates secondary containment. 

 

 

WHAT WAS CHANGED

 

Section 334.45(d)(1)(E)(iv) and (vi) is amended to add language that clarifies which sumps and manways require testing, inspection, and sensor probes.

 

WHAT THE AMENDED RULE SAYS

 

(iv) Any sumps or manways included in a new secondarily contained UST system which are utilized as an integral part of a UST release detection system to monitor the interstitial space of a new secondarily contained piping system must be compatible with the stored substance(s), must be installed and maintained in a manner that assures that their sides, bottoms, and any penetration points are liquid tight, and must be inspected for tightness annually and tested for tightness immediately after installation and at least once every three years thereafter.

 

(vi) Any sumps or manways included in a new secondarily contained UST system which are utilized as an integral part of a UST release detection system to monitor the interstitial space of a new secondarily contained piping system, and any new dispenser sumps must be equipped with a liquid sensing probe(s) which will alert the UST system owner or operator if more than two inches of liquid collects in any sump or manway.

 

WHAT WAS CHANGED

 

Section 334.45(d)(1)(E)(vii) is amended to allow more time to properly dispose of liquids in sumps and to require debris (in addition to liquids) in sumps to be properly disposed of upon discovery.

 

WHAT THE AMENDED RULE SAYS

 

(vii) Liquids and/or debris found in any sumps or manways which are included in a new secondarily contained UST system and utilized as an integral part of a UST release detection system to monitor the interstitial space of a new secondarily contained piping system, and/or in any new dispenser sumps must be removed and properly disposed of within 96 hours of alert or discovery.

 

 §334.49. Corrosion Protection

 

WHAT WAS CHANGED

 

Section 334.49(a)(4) is amended to add language that clarifies the section's applicability to both existing and new UST systems to assure that the applicability of the section is understood to be universal. Language is also added to clearly specify that the section's requirements also apply not only to underground but also to totally or partially submerged metal components, in keeping with the intent of existing rule language which requires underground metal components to be protected from corrosion if they are in contact with groundwater or any other water.

 

WHAT THE AMENDED RULE SAYS

 

(4) Corrosion protection in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be provided to all underground and/or totally or partially submerged metal components of any existing or new UST system which are designed or used to convey, contain, or store regulated substances, including, but not limited to, the tanks, piping (including valves, fittings, flexible connectors, swing joints, and impact/shear valves), and also to other underground metal components associated with an UST system, including but not limited to, secondary containment devices, manways, manholes, fill pipes, vent lines, submersible pump housings, spill containers, and riser pipes.

 

WHAT WAS CHANGED

 

Section 334.49(b)(6) is amended by deleting language which allows submersible pump risers and housings to be protected from corrosion by coating and wrapping with a dielectric.

 

WHAT THE AMENDED RULE SAYS

 

(6) Except for the tanks and the piping system components, other underground components of a UST system (including vent lines, fill risers, spill containment vessels, and tank fittings (e.g., bunghole plugs)) which do not routinely contain regulated substances may be protected from corrosion by thorough coating or wrapping with a suitable dielectric material which is compatible with the stored regulated substance without the need for the use of other corrosion protection methods.

 
§334.50. Release Detection

 

WHAT WAS CHANGED

 

Section 334.50(b)(2)(A)(i) is amended to add language exempting airport hydrant systems from automatic line leak detection requirements because no practical methodologies are available.

 

WHAT THE AMENDED RULE SAYS

 

(i) Each separate pressurized line (except for lines utilized in airport hydrant systems) shall be equipped with an automatic line leak detector meeting the following requirements.

 

Adopted February 23, 2011                                                    Effective March 17, 2011

 


If you have any further questions about State Requirements on underground or aboveground storage tanks, feel free to contact Bill Morris at our McAllen office at 956-686-9582. 
The Compliance Corner Article Archive

There are new TCEQ Regulations that became effective as of October 30, 2008. This includes secondary containment, dispenser sumps, monitoring of sumps installed after January 1, 2009, and requirements for existing UST systems installed prior to January 1, 2009. Read More

 

Tips for Using SIR 

A customer who has a pressurized or suction system may be using SIR (and is a 3rd party certified method) as their monthly release detection for their tanks, which also includes the lines as well. With a pressurized system, the mechanical line leak detector will still need to have a annual performance test done. Read More

 

But I have Sumps… 

A lot of the newer fueling stations at convenience stores have been installed with sumps at the submerged turbine pump (STP) and at the dispensers. The purpose of the sumps is to keep fuel that may leak around the fittings from getting into the ground causing contamination and they also protect the equipment from corrosion. Read More

 

Are You in Compliance with TCEQ? 

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is doing more underground storage tank inspections and issuing fines for violations. Read More

 

Have You Seen a Ghost? 

Every once in a while, someone will buy a piece of property and while clearing off a section of land, and doing some excavating, they may come across what appears to be old gasoline tanks. Read More

 

Look Out for Trends 

We have had several cases where the owner or operator is checking the ATG everyday and keep getting pass results, but not looking closely at their inventory control forms to check if there are any “trends” such as seeing a loss or gain everyday. The first few days may show a “trend” that by the end of the month would exceed the allowable limit. Read More

 

High Price of Fuel and Programmed Tank Testing 

What does the high price of fuel have to do with “Standard” tank testing when an ATG is used? I have noticed that many locations are starting to keep low inventory in the tanks based on the ATG printouts, (especially for super unleaded) because the high price of fuel fluctuates a lot form week to week. Read More

 

What’s coming up for USTs and TCEQ 

On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The UST provisions of the Energy Policy Act focus on preventing releases such as… Inspections – From 08/08/07– 08/08/10, ALL registered UST facilities will be inspected by TCEQ. Read More

 

UST Systems and TCEQ Rules Made Simple

Over the years I have worked for the TCEQ and PSI, the one thing I noticed was a lot of tank owners and operators really didn’t understand what they had, how it operated and what the basic regulations were. So, I decided to put together an informational CD. Read More

 

What’s The Big Deal Anyway

TCEQ inspectors are out there checking a lot more facilities. If they are registered tanks, they will be inspected. What has been coming up lately is a lot of closed businesses with gas tanks that the owner just locked the doors and walked away from. Read More

 

2 Things You Should Know

1. From the Newsletter of the Steel Tank Institute, Division of STI/SPFA dated February 2007.

2. From the TPCA Facts #534 dated March 5, 2007. Read More

 

Keeping Track of Testing

I keep track of annual line & line leak detector testing, tank testing, individual line test or leak detector test on a database from all of our offices that do testing. For those locations that an annual line & line leak detector test is due here are some examples. Read More

 

Just a Bunch of Numbers

Just about every time I do a Compliance Survey at a location to check if the facility is within state & federal guidelines, the most common thing I find is inventory control is not being done correctly. Common mistakes are. Read More

 

Secondary Containment 

“Section 1530 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires states receiving federal funds under Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require either secondary containment or under-dispenser containment for new and replaced underground storage tank or evidence of financial responsibility and installer certification.” Read More

 

What Do I Have? 

We have noticed that a lot of folks that buy a convenience store with a fueling system really don’t know what they have or what is registered with the TCEQ even though the owner provided the last copy of the TCEQ Underground Storage Tank and Self-Certification Form. Sometimes they just go by what the previous owner says. Read More

 

What’s a Few Numbers 

In recent months I have done quite a few Compliance Surveys and since I started working for PSI in October 1999, I have done 225 Compliance Surveys. During this time and even recently, one thing that seems to get forgotten more often than not is INVENTORY CONTROL, which involves keeping track of “a few numbers”. Read More

 

What’s New 

TCEQ Inspections, New labels for diesel fuel and TCEQ Field Citation. Read More

 

Fuel for Thought 

With the high price of fuel these days close to $3.00 a gallon there are a lot of things we can do on our own to reduce our consumption of fuel and energy, just on a day to day basis. Here are a few Thoughts… Read More

 

If it’s too good to be true...It Probably Is! 

We have recently seen a lot more convenience stores with a UST system being sold. Some of these locations have been closed for several years and a few are currently in operation. Sometimes, the seller will reduce the price substantially for a quick sale. If the location is good and the store looks very nice, then the buyer probably got a deal too good to be true. Read More

 

What’s New at TCEQ

May 13, 2006 - The TCEQ initiated a new program to expedite the enforcement process for inspection of UST systems called “The Field Citation”. This is issued at the time of the TCEQ inspection at your facility. The purpose of this is two fold. Read More

 

Tips for Using SIR 

If the customer has a pressurized or suction system and is using SIR (and a 3rd party certified method) for monthly release detection for the tanks, this also includes the lines as well. With a pressurized system, the line leak detector will still need to have an annual performance test done. Read More

 

What’s New at TCEQ 

March 13, 2006 - The TCEQ has initiated the new “Field Citation Program” in four agency programs. The majority being in the PST program. Read More

 

What Are The Chances? 

Did you know the “Energy Bill” includes provisions for Underground Storage Tank (UST) facilities under Title XV, Sub chapter B, that you should be aware of? Read More

 

Are You Rusting Away? 

A common myth was if a tank owner had steel tanks they had to be pulled out of the ground by the end of 1998. Actually, what the TCEQ rules require is that if you have steel tanks after Dec. 22, 1998, they must have corrosion protection including any other steel components of the UST system that are in contact with the soil. Read More

 

The Magic Rope 

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but that’s not true! For years I have been lifting the manhole covers over the submersible pumps (with my back) using the handle provided. Here is an easier way. Read More

 

Getting Inspected? 

The TCEQ will generally give you 7-10 days notice that they are coming to inspect your facility and what documents they will want to review.  Here are a few tips to help prepare you. Read More

 

Line & Line Leak Detectors 

For pressurized systems: if the tank owner has a pressurized system for fueling, the TCEQ requires a detector, whether it is mechanical or electric. This article will deal with lines that have mechanical line leak detectors and testing requirements. Read More

 

Tank testing 

This article talks about when a tank test required, and what reasons would require a precision tank tightness test. Read More

Frequently Asked Questions


■ How do I know if I am in compliance with TCEQ?
This link provides a useful checklist that covers a lot of things that the TCEQ looks for when a facility is inspected:  CLICK HERE

This is the actual checklist that the local TCEQ Field Office uses for inspections:  CLICK HERE
 
This is the latest checklist since August 2010: PST Energy Act Focused Investigation checklist:  CLICK HERE

NEW! Download The TCEQ Super Guide to Compliance:  CLICK HERE
 

■ How do I know if I am in compliance with Stage I EPA Requirements? 
This link provides a useful brochure that covers the EPA Summary of Regulations for Gas Stations:  CLICK HERE


■ Are Fiberglass Tanks compatible with ethanol based fuel? 
This link provides useful information provided by Owens-Corning about fiberglass tanks and ethanol based fuels.  CLICK HERE  
 
■ What is a Deflection Plate "Striker Plate", and does my tank need one? 
This link provides useful information provided by Containment Solutions about deflection plates.  CLICK HERE
 

■ Where do I find information on underground storage tank (UST) and aboveground storage tank (AST) registration requirements?
This link provides information on UST & AST registration requirements as well as the form that would need to be filled out:  CLICK HERE 
 
 
 ■  Where can I find the current TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) rules pertaining to underground & above ground storage tanks?
Look in 334.  The rules can be downloaded in PDF format.  The subchapters most useful are A, C & F:  CLICK HERE
 
 
■  Where do I find information about the underground storage tanks (USTs) at a facility listed by the TCEQ?
CLICK HERE  Also look on Related Links on this page for Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST) Database to see if the facility was ever a LPST site.
 
 
■  NEW! How do I know if the previous owners were in compliance?  Where do I find information about the previous owners and compliance history?
CLICK HERE  And follow these instructions: ln the "Program ID" enter the facility ID Number, In the "ID Status" choose Active and in the "Program" choose Petroleum Storage Tank Registration.

If your interested in only Compliance History, chick on the blue ID Number.

If you want information about the previous tank owners, Compliance History & other information follow these directions: Click on "View Affiliation History" to see previous owners. Go to details, then in the "Permits, Registration and Other Authorization" click on the ID Number in blue.  From here you can click on "Compliance History", "View Registration" or items in blue under "Related Information."
 
■  Where do I find out what new rules are being proposed by the TCEQ?
Look under "HB 3554, HB 1956: Regulation, Remediation and Financial Assurance of AST's and UST's" This section is important as it discusses the upcoming changes for secondary containment.  Click on 334 to see the proposed changes and Executive Summary for a condensed summary.  This is a 160 page PDF document.  This site also gives you links to the final rules that are adopted as well as future changes in the TCEQ rules:  CLICK HERE
 
 
■  Where do I find information about Financial Assurance for underground storage tanks?

This link porvides the information about the TCEQ requirements for Financial Assurance for USTs.  Note: a copy of the Certificate of Insurance for the UST system is provided with the TCEQ Underground Storage Tank Registration & Self-Certification Form when it is submitted to the TCEQ to register the USTs or for renewal of the annual TCEQ Delivery Certificate:  CLICK HERE


NEW! - PROPOSED EPA REGULATIONS - NOVEMBER 18, 2011

■  NEW! What are the new EPA Regulations?
Here is a Summary of the proposed EPA Rules for UST's as outlined in the PEI Journal, 1st Quarter 2012, "View Ahead". CLICK HERE
 
For an EPA Summary of the current rules (1988) and proposed changes. CLICK HERE
 
To view the proposed rules in Federal Register: CLICK HERE



NEW - TCEQ RULES - EFFECTIVE MARCH 17, 2011

■  NEW! What is this new Subchapter N?  Why was it created?
The new subchapter incorporates requirements from the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 that requires training persons responsible for the on-site operation and maintenance of UST systems by August 8, 2012.
 
This subchapter establishes training requirements for different classes of underground storage tank (UST) facility operators to enhance the protection of the state's groundwater and surface water resources from environmental contamination that could result from any releases of harmful substances stored in such systems, and to minimize threats to human health and safety which could result in improper operation of a UST facility.
 
For more information and to view the adopted rules that were amended in Subchapter C and new Subchapter N, Operator Training CLICK HERE.  After March 17, 2011, the complete set of rules including these changes will be available on the TCEQ website. CLICK HERE
 
■  NEW! When is this new rule effective?
This new rule was adopted on February 23, 2011 and has been effective as of March 17, 2011.
 
■  NEW! Is there a Texas approved training course available?
YES, so far TCEQ has approved one online course offered by TPCA and 360training.  For additional information about this course and contact information - CLICK HERE

Be sure to check the TCEQ website for additional approved courses as they become available.

■  NEW! What are the different classes of operators?
There are 3 different classes of operators: A, B & C. To see what the different classes are as stated in the rules CLICK HERE.

■  NEW! Where can I get the training needed to meet these requirements?
To sign up for the TCEQ approved TPCA Class A/B UST Operator Training Course - CLICK HERE.

Be sure to check the TCEQ web page for additional approved courses as they become available.
 
■  NEW! What about Class C Operators?
Training of Class C operators (typically the store clerks who handle the dispensing of fuel) is directly provided or otherwise ensured by a Class B Operator for a given facility. That training is facility-specific and applies to emergency response procedures, such as; the operation of emergency shut-off equipment; the initial respnses procedures following system alarm warnings; the appropriate first response actions to releases, spills, or overfills; and the notification procedures to emergency respnders and to the designated Class A and Class B operators of a UST facility.


If you have any further questions about State Requirements on underground or aboveground storage tanks, feel free to contact Bill Morris at our McAllen office at 956-686-9582. 
Guide for the New Tank Owner


Guide for the New Tank Owner - This document provides general information on underground storage tanks (UST) in plain simple language with lots of photos showing the different componets of a typical UST system. CLICK HERE
 
 

What you need to know about TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) - The TCEQ is a UST & AST regulatory agency and they will check your tanks to make sure that they are in compliance, this document is an overview of those regulations. CLICK HERE

NEW! Download The TCEQ Super Guide to Compliance - CLICK HERE
 

 
How to use inventory control database - A quick guide on using the inventory control database. CLICK HERE
 
 
Inventory Control Example - CLICK HERE

28-Day Inventory Control Database - CLICK HERE
 
30-Day Inventory Control Database - CLICK HERE
 
31-Day Inventory Control Database - CLICK HERE
 
Leap Year Inventory Control Database - CLICK HERE




If you have any further questions about State Requirements on underground or aboveground storage tanks, feel free to contact Bill Morris at our McAllen office at 956-686-9582.