Temporary closure
A UST system shall be considered temporarily closed if it is empty for more than 30 continuous days and it is intended to be brought back into use within 12 months. Unless the tank is empty, owners and operators should continue the operation and maintenance of corrosion protection and release detection during this time. Financial responsibility should be maintained during this time as well.
The owner needs to notify the department of the temporary closure by using the registration form and intends to reopen within 12 months. If the tank is closed for more than three months, the vent lines should be left open and functioning, but all other lines, pumps, manways, and ancillary equipment should be capped and secured.
If a UST system is temporarily closed for more than 12 months, then the owners and operators can either permanently close the UST or they can ask the department for a 12-month extension. If you wish to be granted an extension, you must complete a site assessment before applying for an extension and submit the request no less than 30 days before the 12-month deadline ends.
Immediately before bringing the system back into use, owners/operators must perform and tank and tightness test before any product is delivered.
Permanent closure or a change in service
The owner/operator must notify the department at least 30 days before the UST is permanently closed or goes through a change in service. After notification of intent to close, a site assessment must be performed to determine if contamination is present. Take corrective action if needed.
Upon notification received, the department shall forward an approval notice to the owner or operator. The approval is valid for six months. If the UST system is not closed or a change in service does not occur within the six month period, then the owner and operator shall resubmit the notification form.
To permanently close a tank, it must be emptied, cleaned, and removed from the ground. If removal is not possible due to building structural integrity, the owner/operator may request approval from the department to close in place. In this case, it should be emptied, cleaned, and filled with a harmless, chemically inactive solid, like sand.
Within 30 days of permanently closing a UST system, an updated registration form needs to be submitted to the implementing agency to reflect the change in status. A new site assessment also needs to be submitted to the department within 45 days of closure.
The use of a UST system to store a nonregulated substance is considered a change in service. Owners and operators are required to provide a 30-day notice. This notice shall be on a form provided by the department. The UST must be emptied and cleaned and conduct a site assessment in accordance with section 280.72.